Google’s latest interactive Doodle pays tribute to video game pioneer Jerry Lawson via a fun mini-game inspired by his life and work in the video game industry. The tribute marks what would have been Lawson’s 82nd birthday. He passed away in 2011, but his achievements and contributions to thevideo game industrylive on and majorly influence gaming even now.
Lawson was an electronic engineer who invented the first home console that featured removable game cartridges and other gaming aspects gamers take for granted nowadays, such as pausing gameplay. His console was called the Fairchild Channel F. The games featured in the console wereTic Tac Toe,Doodle,Pro-Football, andAlien Invasionamong others. His invention, released one year before the better-knownAtari console, which he also contributed to, led to the modern gaming consoles gamers know today.
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The Google Doodle’s mini-game showcases Lawson’s legacy in action. Google users can interact with the doodle by moving a pixel-likeness of Lawson through the different games created by three guest artists of color in honor of Lawson. Besides pre-made game designs, users can also use the aesthetic and goals of each game to create their own gaming levels in gameplay similar toSuper Mario Makerstyle. The purpose of the doodle is to hone the creativity and innovation that Lawson represented throughout his life via his invention.
Google also isn’t the first to memorialize Lawson and his legacy. He also has a memorial at theWorld Video Game Hall of Famein New York. Universities, too, have paid homage. The University of Southern California has an endowment fund in Lawson’s name to aid minority students wanting a career in the video game industry, particularly computer science and video game design. Lawson’s ability to think outside the box has transformed the gaming industry into what it is today, inspiring thousands to follow suit, including his own son.
Though Lawson’s console creation isn’t as well known as Atari creators Nolan Bushnell’s or Ted Dabney’s, for example, it’s no less important to the history of the video game industry. Creators of color within the industry are seldom recognized for their work, so it’s about time his name was put out there for more gamers to appreciate his technological feats. The Google Doodle has been well-received so far and can be a nice little break forfans of games likeSuper Mario Makerand the history of video gaming in general. It’s also a touching tribute to a brilliant man.
