The following article is a broad timeline of arcade video games.
Early history (1971–1977) 1971 At Stanford University, two students release the PDP-11-based machine Galaxy Game. It is a clone of Spacewar!, one of the earliest video games, developed in 1962. Syzygy Engineering, a precursor to Atari, Inc. launches Computer Space, the first commercial video arcade game, also being a Spacewar! derivative. 1972 Atari, Inc. launches Pong, the first commercially successful video game. It is also the first arcade sports video game. 1974 Taito releases Speed Race, which introduces scrolling sprite graphics, and features a racing wheel controller. Midway releases it as Racer in the United States. 1975 Midway MFG. releases Gun Fight, an adaptation of Taito's Western Gun and the first arcade video game to use a microprocessor, which the original incarnation did not use, allowing for improved graphics and smoother animation. Exidy releases Destruction Derby. Dr. Reiner Foerst releases Nürburgring 1 in Germany. It is recognized as the world's first first-person racing video game or the first three-dimensional racing video game. Atari, Inc. releases Hi-way, which was Atari's first game to use a cockpit cabinet. Atari, Inc. releases Crash 'N Score, Gameplay is an early example of a simulation of a demolition derby. Atari, Inc. releases Indy 800, Gameplay is a simulation of an Indianapolis 500 style race, the cabinet also features overhead mirrors to allow spectators to watch the game while it's being played. Atari, Inc. releases Steeplechase. 1976 Sega releases Moto-Cross, which features haptic feedback, causing the handlebars to vibrate during collisions. Sega-Gremlin re-brands it as Fonz. Sega releases Heavyweight Champ, which is the first video game to feature hand-to-hand fighting. Atari Inc. releases Night Driver, an early example of a first-person perspective racing video game. Atari releases Breakout, which inspires a number of Breakout clones. Exidy releases Death Race. It was the first video game to inspire protest and cause panic. Gremlin releases Blockade, the first of what become known as snake games. Taito releases Speed Race Twin, a sequel to Speed Race that allows simultaneous two-player competitive gameplay. 1977 Cinematronics releases Space Wars, the first vector graphics arcade game. Kee Games releases Drag Race, which was later adapted in 1980 into a Atari 2600 video game by Activision called Dragster. Atari, Inc. releases Canyon Bomber. Atari, Inc releases Super Bug, which was designed by Howard Delman who also designed Canyon Bomber. Midway releases Boot Hill, which is a sequel to the 1975 video game Gun Fight.
Golden age (1978–1986)
