Video Games in 1964

Yes, I know there weren't video games in 1964. They were just a twinkle in Ralph Baer's eye at that point. However, what if video games existed then? I know this sounds like a stupid question, but it poses a really cool scenario.

What if video games had grown up alongside television?

Would television and games be totally different from their current state? And, more importantly, would my father now believe games are more than just bloops, kersplosions and wakakakakaka?

Well, I think all of that goes without saying. I've often told friends that one day the President of the United States will have grown up playing Grand Theft Auto (c'mon, argue this with me). My entire generation (I'm 27) has a totally different perspective on interactive entertainment compared to our parents. We don't so much just like interactivity as we do expect it -- on everything. Maybe this is why I like my Tivo HD so much, as it gives me the feeling of control over a passive form of entertainment.

Television has become a "me-too" phenomenon that is becoming less popular than the Internet with those under 30. Beyond my obsession with Rock of Love (yes, I know it's trash), Mad Men (you aren't watching this yet?) and Curb Your Enthusiasm (Seinwho?) TV generally sucks. Am I supposed to actually be interested in that new Bionic Woman show? I can't even begin to imagine what my kids will have. I'm now experiencing "future nerd tech syndrome jealousy" and am envious of my son who isn't even born yet.

So, for fun, let's assume my dad grew up playing video games. If he had, I'm sure there would have been some really kick-ass Cowboys and Indians games, a LOT of anti-Communist games and some Pilotwings-style shit where you land on the moon. Think of all the cool 60's hippy inspired games that could have been...

- James Bond Games
Yes genius, I'm aware of the EA created From Russia with Love game (which isn't so bad) and the Rare classic Goldeneye, amongst many others. However, Bond games during this era could have been helmed by the directors of the films and actually co-developed by the same team. This might sound impossible, but many of today's developers have all the talent and know-how to actually make a full film. They just choose to make games instead cause they're more fun. Don't believe me? Go play Metal Gear Solid and tell me that plot isn't more involved than any Schwarzenegger flick. It even has a smaller body count than Commando.

In other words, this fundamental industry division has permanently altered the way movies and games are made and viewed by the public today.

I think it's likely that the game industry and movie industry would be one and the same if they both grew up in the 60's. We're seeing a shift now in the gaming industry that is similar to the shift the movie industry experienced as studios buy up talented development houses. Maybe this industry cross-pollination is still possible. Who's to say EA or Ubisoft isn't interested in producing their own films to capitalize on their big franchises? Microsoft is still trying to get the Halo movie off the ground -- and they could be the first of many if it eventually succeeds.

Regardless, all possibilities for the future beat our current level of TV interaction: calling in votes to American Idol.