Gran Turismo B.C. and A.D.The pre-history of racing games

A selection of arcade racing

gamesGran Trak 10 (1974), manufactured by Atari Corp.Motorcycle (1970), manufactured by Chicago Coin Machine Co.Drive Master (1969), manufactured by Chicago Coin Machine Co.Road Racer (1961), manufactured by Williams Mfg. Co., Chicago.Motorama (1957), manufactured by Genco.Drive-Mobile (1940), manufactured by International Mutoscope Co. Le Parcour Automobile (1934), manufactured by Autoreflex.Motor Car Game (with Electric Shock) (1924), manufactured by Pessers, Moody, Wright, and Gurr.

Make one of these propositions to your

reader1. I’ve found something really interestingLet me entertain you

2. I’ve found a solution to a practical problem important to you

Let me help you solve a problem3. I’ve found an answer to a question important

to youLet me help you understand something better

The problem statement

Topic: I am studying X Question: because I want to understand Y

Conceptual significance: in order to help my readers understand how Z (understanding: pure research)

Potential practical application: so that it it will be possible to solve the problem W (applied research)

My paper as example

I’m interested in car racing games and need to write an historical overview, but how do I make that an interesting chapter in my dissertation? Everybody knows that digital games were preceded by analog arcade gamesHowever, there is a conflict with existing research:

Contrary to a common assumption in computer game studies, the transition from analog to digital games was a gradual one

My problem statement

Topic: I am studying the transition from mechanical arcade machines to digital arcade machines Question: because I want to understand how mechanical game genres shape computer game genres▪Significance: in order to improve the genre taxonomy in computer game studies▪Practical application: so that game designers will be able to develop existing genres more efficiently and create better, more interesting games

Period 1: Pre-history (-1972)

Please notice: Joysticks

Atari Pong arcade console poster (November 1972)

Atari Pong

Quiz time: When were these arcade games

produced?

Period 2: Ancient history (1972-

1977)

Magnavox Odyssey (May 1972)

Comes with another familiar

technology

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Period 3a: Home consoles with

cartridges (1977-)

Atari VCS (1977)

Period 3b: Home computers (1977-)

The most succesful brand

IBM 5150 Personal Computer (1981)

IBM 5100The long-awaited portable follow-up to the 1981 IBM

PC?

Actually, this picture is from a 1975 Scientific American ad

C64 ad

Commodore 64

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)