• EoFF is Sad to Announce the Passing of Ralph Baer

    Whilst this isn't strictly Final Fantasy related, we wanted to take a moment to hold a brief tribute to a man named Ralph Baer.



    Known affectionately as "The Father of Video Games", Ralph Baer was born in Germany in 1922 but would later move to the United States with his family due to Hitler's rise to power. He eventually became an engineer and, in the 1950s, the at the time very radical idea of playing games on a television screen began to swirl around in his imagination. In 1966 he decided to start experimenting with this pipe dream, and in 1971 he unveiled the very first home video game console: the Magnavox Odyssey.

    The Odyssey went on to inspire several more people and companies who would also go on to be known as video game innovators, such as Nolan Bushnell (who created Pong and Atari) and Nintendo, whose first real shift from a card and toy company to a video game one was the result of securing the rights to distribute the Magnavox Odyssey in Japan.



    Would video games be like they are today, had it not been for Ralph Baer? Maybe, and maybe not. But one thing is for certain: as fans of Final Fantasy, we should all take a little moment of silence for the father of the game console. He lived a long and fulfilling life and finally left us last week, on December 6, at the age of 92. Rest in peace, Ralph - we won't forget your contribution to our favorite hobby.
    This article was originally published in forum thread: EoFF is Sad to Announce the Passing of Ralph Baer started by Pike View original post
    Comments 5 Comments
    1. Scotty_ffgamer's Avatar
      Scotty_ffgamer -
      It's hard to think about now considering how far along video game consoles have come, but the Odyssey definitely was an innovation. I feel like his name isn't as well known as some others in the gaming industry, which is a shame. It's pretty crazy to look at all of the things he has invented as well!
    1. Hannibal_Khan's Avatar
      Hannibal_Khan -
      Motherboard just did a documentary about him. I had never heard of him before then, but WOW! this guy was a true pioneer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83ThW_HjtBg
    1. Vyk's Avatar
      Vyk -
      Aw I'm glad you were the one who got to do this, Pike. You seemed the most moved by his passing

      Like I said in the last thread. His contributions to my favorite hobby will always be appreciated..
    1. Ayen's Avatar
      Ayen -
      Rest in peace, Mr. Baer, and thank you.
    1. Jinx's Avatar
      Jinx -
      Video games are far from my favorite hobby, but I can say my life would be very different without them. Rest in RIP in peace.
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