Ralph Baer

Ralph A. Baer (born 1922) is a German-born American inventor, noted for his many contributions to games and the video game industry.

Related Topics:
1922 - German - American - Inventor - Game - Video game industry

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Baer is best known for leading the development of the first home video game console with the Magnavox Odyssey, which was introduced in 1972. Baer, who has a background in television work, developed the system in 1966 for the defense-electronics company Sanders Associates in Nashua, New Hampshire (now part of BAE Systems). It was licensed to Magnavox and for a time was Sanders' most profitable line, even though many in the company looked down on game development.

Related Topics:
Video game console - Magnavox Odyssey - 1972 - 1966 - Nashua, New Hampshire - BAE Systems

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Baer also invented Simon, an electronic pattern-matching game that was immensely popular in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Related Topics:
Simon - 1970s - 1980s

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 2005, at the video game award show G-Phoria, G4tv gave Baer the Legend Award for his work in the development of video games.

Related Topics:
2005 - G4tv

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~