Ep 1. Boom & Bust

In the first episode of High Score season 1, titled "Boom & Bust," viewers are taken back to the early days of the video game industry during the 1970s and 1980s. This exciting and nostalgic journey explores the birth of video games, the rise of arcade culture, and the subsequent crash that threatened to eliminate the industry altogether.

The episode begins by delving into the origins of video games, tracing them back to their humble beginnings as simple experiments and prototypes. From computer scientists in laboratories to university students tinkering with primitive machines, the foundation for an entire industry was laid. Soon, with the introduction of commercially available consoles like the Magnavox Odyssey and Atari's Pong, video games found their way into people's homes and sparked a cultural phenomenon.

As the popularity of video games soared, so did the emergence of arcades, which became social hubs for gamers of all ages. The episode introduces us to some of the key players behind this phenomenon, such as Nolan Bushnell, the co-founder of Atari, and Eugene Jarvis, the creator of iconic arcade games like Defender and Robotron: 2084. Through their anecdotes and recollections, we gain insight into the creative process and the challenges faced by these pioneers.

One of the notable aspects covered in "Boom & Bust" is the impact of iconic games such as Space Invaders and Pac-Man. These games not only captured the imagination of players but also became cultural touchstones. The episode highlights how Space Invaders caused a shortage of 100-yen coins in Japan due to its enormous success, while Pac-Man's popularity drove a frenzy of licensing deals and merchandise that extended beyond the gaming sphere.

However, the episode also unveils the darker side of the video game industry. It delves into the shift from simple arcade games to more immersive experiences with home consoles like the Atari 2600. With a multitude of developers flooding the market, it became increasingly difficult to separate quality titles from inferior ones. This led to the infamous video game crash of 1983, discussed in "Boom & Bust." The crash was attributed to a combination of factors, including the oversaturation of the market, poorly designed games, and the consumer's loss of trust in the industry.

Through interviews with game developers, industry insiders, and historians, "Boom & Bust" provides an in-depth analysis of the crash and its aftermath. It explores how companies like Nintendo rose from the ashes with their innovative console, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). With games like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo not only revitalized the gaming industry but also set the foundation for the future of video games.

The episode concludes by reflecting on the lasting legacy of the industry's early years. It celebrates the resilience of the developers, their creativity, and the games that shaped generations to come. "Boom & Bust" sets the stage for a captivating series that will continue to delve into the untold stories and remarkable history of the video game industry, making it an absolute treat for gaming enthusiasts and anyone interested in understanding the cultural impact of video games.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers are left eagerly anticipating the upcoming episodes, which promise to unveil even more fascinating stories and explore the evolution of video games from their humble beginnings to the multibillion-dollar industry they are today.