The Wild History of Tetris
Explore the captivating journey of Tetris, the iconic puzzle game that has transcended generations and cultures. From its humble beginnings as a Soviet computer scientist's experiment, to becoming a global phenomenon on platforms like the Nintendo Game Boy, and spawning a vibrant competitive scene, this episode offers an intriguing look at the game's evolution.
Learn about the addictive mechanics that drew players in, the psychological theories behind Tetris' appeal, and its influence on pop culture. The show delves into the game's contested rights, its commercial success, and the techniques used by elite players to achieve mind-bending milestones in sheer skill and dexterity.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Nov 26, 2024 episode of the Stuff You Should Know
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1-Page Summary
The origins and development of Tetris
Tetris was created in 1984 by Alexey Pajitnov, a Soviet computer scientist, who adapted the classic puzzle game Pentomino into a digital format.
Pajitnov initially developed the game under the name "Genetic Engineering" with a horizontal layout. Chuck Bryant notes that to make the game more engaging, Pajitnov rotated it vertically, added the mechanic of disappearing lines, and renamed it "Tetris" - combining "tetra" (meaning four) and his love of tennis.
The game's mechanics and addictive gameplay were refined over time, with the vertical gameplay and disappearing lines becoming key elements.
Pajitnov refined Tetris' mechanics with help from colleagues like Dmitri Pavlovskiy and Vadim Gerasimov. The simple objective of eliminating lines by manipulating falling tetromino shapes proved highly addictive, with incidents like workers at Moscow Medical Institute getting too engrossed.
The commercial and cultural impact of Tetris
Tetris quickly spread beyond the Soviet Union, with UK-based company Andromeda Software securing the rights to distribute the game in the West.
However, the rights to Tetris were contested, with the Soviet organization Elorg asserting its ownership and leading to a complex web of licensing deals.
Tetris became a massive commercial success, with the inclusion of the game on the Nintendo Game Boy being a major factor in the handheld's popularity.
Hank Rogers brokered a deal packaging Tetris with Game Boys, leveraging Mario's popularity. This resulted in 35 million Game Boy Tetris units sold, vastly boosting the console's success.
Tetris was eventually ported to a wide range of platforms, cementing its status as one of the best-selling and most iconic video games of all time.
Marketing embraced Cold War themes, and Tetris received media attention as the first Soviet software sold in the US. Royalties began going to Pajitnov after 10 years.
The psychological and addictive nature of Tetris
Tetris has been the subject of extensive psychological study, with researchers identifying the "Tetris effect"
Psychologists have theorized that Tetris' addictive nature is due to the game's ability to trigger the Zeigarnik effect
Players often report experiencing the "Tetris effect" - seeing Tetris shapes in the world around them. Josh Clark notes this obsession with completing puzzles, dubbed the Zeigarnik effect, makes Tetris highly addictive.
Studies have also suggested that playing Tetris can have various cognitive benefits
A brief Tetris session can curb cravings by occupying working memory. It's theorized Tetris could prevent PTSD by distracting during trauma recollection, re-cataloging the memory.
However, the impact on spatial cognition skills is nuanced
While Tetris may aid real-world spatial tasks like packing, it doesn't improve picture-based object rotation skills. Yet, it may increase cortex thickness and neuroplasticity, boosting overall cognition.
The competitive Tetris scene
The classic NES version of Tetris has become the standard for competitive play, with the Classic Tetris World Championship drawing the world's top Tetris players.
Players like Christopher Martinez use techniques like "rolling" or "fly hecking" - rapidly pressing buttons up to 20 times per second for increased dexterity.
In recent years, players have managed to reach unprecedented heights in Tetris, with a 13-year-old boy named Willis Gibson achieving a record-breaking level of 157 before crashing the game.
Reaching level 157 on the NES version, which lacks a defined endpoint, Willis "Blue Scooty" Gibson achieved a new milestone before the game crashed. Pajitnov believes the "perfect" Tetris is ever-evolving, fueling the competitive quest for mastery.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Pajitnov is credited with creating Tetris, it's important to acknowledge the contributions of his colleagues, such as Dmitri Pavlovskiy and Vadim Gerasimov, who helped refine the game.
- The narrative that the inclusion of Tetris on the Game Boy was a major factor in the handheld's popularity could be nuanced by considering other factors, such as the affordability and portability of the Game Boy, as well as the popularity of other games like Pokémon.
- The idea that Tetris was the first Soviet software sold in the US might be contested by noting other software exchanges or sales that may have occurred quietly during the Cold War.
- The psychological effects of Tetris, while well-documented, may not be universal, and attributing its addictive nature solely to the Zeigarnik effect might oversimplify the complex reasons why people find games engaging.
- The cognitive benefits of playing Tetris, such as preventing PTSD or curbing cravings, could be challenged by pointing out that more research is needed to conclusively establish these effects and their long-term implications.
- The impact of Tetris on spatial cognition skills is nuanced, and some studies might show different results under different testing conditions or with different participant demographics.
- The focus on the NES version for competitive play could be seen as excluding other versions of Tetris, which might offer different challenges and require different skills.
- The achievements in competitive Tetris, such as reaching level 157, while impressive, might not translate to practical skills or benefits outside the game.
Actionables
- You can explore the principles of game design by modifying a classic board game to include new rules or mechanics, much like Tetris evolved from Pentomino. Start with a simple game like checkers and introduce a new element, such as pieces that have special abilities or a board that changes over time, to understand the process of iterative design.
- Enhance your cognitive skills by incorporating Tetris-like puzzles into your daily routine. Create a habit of solving spatial puzzles, such as jigsaw puzzles or 3D maze games, during your breaks to potentially improve your spatial cognition and problem-solving abilities.
- Use the concept of the "Tetris effect" to develop a new habit or skill by engaging in repetitive practice right before bed. For example, if you're learning a new language, spend 15 minutes reviewing vocabulary as the last activity before you sleep to help reinforce memory retention.
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The origins and development of Tetris
Tetris, the iconic puzzle game known worldwide, has its roots in 1984 when Alexey Pajitnov, a Soviet computer scientist, transformed the traditional game of Pentomino into the digital classic we know today.
Tetris was created in 1984 by Alexey Pajitnov, a Soviet computer scientist, who adapted the classic puzzle game Pentomino into a digital format.
While working at the Jarod Nitson Computer Center in the Soviet Academy of Sciences, Pajitnov developed the game initially under the name "Genetic Engineering". The early version functioned differently from what Tetris would become; it was a horizontal square where pieces fit but lacked the dynamic elements of falling and disappearing lines.
Acknowledging that this first iteration was boring, Pajitnov made several key changes. He turned the game vertical for better visual effect and engagement, reduced the size of the pieces, and added the mechanic where complete lines disappear, instilling the addictive quality that would become synonymous with Tetris. He eventually renamed his creation 'Tetris', blending the Greek numerical prefix "tetra" (meaning four, as all the game's shapes are made of four squares) and his favorite sport, tennis.
The game's mechanics and addictive gameplay were refined over time, with the vertical gameplay and disappearing lines becoming key elements.
The transformation from an unengaging puzzle to the Tetris known today involved refinement of its mechanics and gameplay. In its primitive form, Tetris used brackets, punctuation marks, and other simple characters in lieu of more sophisticated graphics. Yet, the captivating essence of the game was its straightforward objective: manipulating the different shaped blocks falling on a vertical screen to create and eliminate complete horizontal lines.
Contri ...
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The origins and development of Tetris
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Clarifications
- A Soviet computer scientist was an individual from the Soviet Union who specialized in the field of computer science and technology, contributing to advancements in computing during the time when the Soviet Union existed. They were involved in research, development, and innovation related to computers and digital technologies within the context of the Soviet Union's scientific and technological landscape.
- Tetris shapes are composed of four squares arranged in various configurations. These shapes, known as tetrominoes, are the building blocks of the game. Players manipulate these tetrominoes as they fall down the game screen, aiming to create solid horizontal lines to clear them from the board. The simplicity and versatility of these four-square shapes are fundamental to the gameplay mechanics of Tetris.
- IBM PCs were personal computers manufactured by IBM, a prominent technology company. These computers were part of the IBM PC series, which played a significant role in the early development of personal computing. IBM PCs were known for their compatibility with a wide range of software and hardware components, contributing to their popularity in the computing industry. IBM PCs helped establish standards in the industry that influenced the design and functionality of future personal computers.
- The Moscow Medical Institute is a renowned educational institution in Russia that focuses on medical studies and research. It has a long history of training heal ...
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The commercial and cultural impact of Tetris
Tetris is a game that has made a significant commercial and cultural impact since its creation. It quickly spread internationally and became associated with major legal controversies over its rights, contributing greatly to the Game Boy's success and establishing itself as a gaming phenomenon.
Tetris quickly spread beyond the Soviet Union, with UK-based company Andromeda Software securing the rights to distribute the game in the West.
Tetris initially made its way to IBM PC users in the Soviet Union, where it was copied onto floppy disks and transported across borders. Robert Stein of Andromeda Software LTD saw Tetris in Hungary and wanted to secure the rights. He believed he had made a deal through telex communications with Alexey Pajitnov, the game's creator, but this was a misunderstanding, with the Russians only intending to continue talks. Despite this, Stein began selling Tetris in the West without officially owning the rights, leading to a complex series of licensing deals.
However, the rights to Tetris were contested, with the Soviet organization Elorg asserting its ownership and leading to a complex web of licensing deals.
The Soviet organization Electronorgtechnica (Elorg) reached out to Stein to negotiate, asserting their ownership over Tetris. Stein had already sold Tetris in the United States before the licensing agreement with Elorg was signed. Further, Maxwell's companies Mirrorsoft and Spectrum Holobyte were involved in distributing Tetris through conflicting deals. During this time, licensing deals for different platforms were pursued without the rights actually being secured, complicating the rights situation when Nintendo and Atari fought over the rights to Tetris on home consoles. Nintendo won the rights, and Atari had to absorb the cost of the copies they produced.
Tetris became a massive commercial success, with the inclusion of the game on the Nintendo Game Boy being a major factor in the handheld's popularity.
Chuck Bryant mentions that his first experience with Tetris was on a Game Boy, a sentiment shared by many. Hank Rogers brokered a deal to package Tetris with Game Boys, leveraging the popularity of Mario to suggest that Tetris would appeal to a broad audience. This move resulted in 35 millio ...
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The commercial and cultural impact of Tetris
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The assertion that Andromeda Software "secured" the rights to distribute Tetris in the West is misleading, as the rights were not properly secured due to misunderstandings and premature sales.
- The idea that Tetris's success on the Game Boy was a major factor in the handheld's popularity could be seen as an oversimplification, as the Game Boy's success was likely due to a combination of factors, including its portability, affordability, battery life, and the popularity of other games such as Pokémon.
- While Tetris was indeed ported to a wide range of platforms, the text does not acknowledge that the quality and playability of these ports varied significantly, which could have impacted its reception on different platforms.
- The claim that Tetris's marketing was initially challenging might be contested by pointing out that its simplicity could have also been a marketing strength, making it easily recognizable and different from more graphically complex games.
- The narrative that the Game Boy version of Tetris embraced Cold War themes in marketing might be nuanced by noting that not all marketing for the game used this angle, and the game's success was not solely due to such gimmicks.
- The statement that Tetris received media attention as the first ...
Actionables
- Explore the history of your favorite games to understand their impact and learn from their marketing strategies. By researching the origins, legal battles, and marketing tactics of games like Tetris, you can gain insights into the gaming industry's evolution and apply these lessons to your own projects or entrepreneurial endeavors. For example, if you're developing a product, consider how Tetris's simple yet addictive nature contributed to its success and think about how you can simplify your product to make it more engaging.
- Use the story of Tetris to practice critical thinking and decision-making skills. Analyze the complex web of licensing deals and legal controversies surrounding Tetris to improve your ability to navigate business challenges. Create hypothetical scenarios based on the Tetris case, such as negotiating a licensing deal without full rights, and work through the potential outcomes and ethical considerations to enhance your problem-solving abilities.
- Incorporate iconic elements from successful products into ...
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The psychological and addictive nature of Tetris
Tetris, the widely popular block-stacking video game, isn't just a simple pastime. Extensive psychological research reveals its remarkable effects on the mind, from creating the "Tetris effect" to potentially reshaping our cognitive functions.
Tetris has been the subject of extensive psychological study, with researchers identifying the "Tetris effect"
Psychologists have theorized that Tetris' addictive nature is due to the game's ability to trigger the Zeigarnik effect
Chuck's experience with Tetris dreams, where he began to see Tetris-like patterns in the landscape, exemplifies the game's powerful impact on consciousness. Josh Clark refers to this phenomenon as the "Tetris effect," noting it's a common experience for many players. This obsession with completing tasks, or the Zeigarnik effect, as psychologists theorize, makes Tetris quite addictive as the game continuously presents players with unfinished puzzles that engage the brain in completing them.
Studies have also suggested that playing Tetris can have various cognitive benefits
Playing Tetris isn't just all-consuming; it might have some genuine cognitive advantages. British and Australian psychologists discovered that a brief three-minute game could significantly curb cravings, potentially attributed to the game's ability to occupy working memory and visualization skills, which distracts individuals from their cravings.
It's even been theorized that Tetris could prevent the formation of PTSD by distracting the brain during the recollection of traumatic events, thereby re-cataloging the memory as less traumatic, akin to the EMDR therapy method.
However, the impact on spatial cognition skills is nuanced
Although Tetris is hi ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The psychological and addictive nature of Tetris
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The "Tetris effect" is a psychological phenomenon where prolonged exposure to Tetris or similar activities can cause individuals to see Tetris-like patterns in their mind or surroundings. This effect is linked to the brain's tendency to continue processing and visualizing elements of the game even after playing. It highlights how immersive experiences like playing Tetris can influence our thoughts and perceptions beyond the actual gameplay. The "Tetris effect" showcases how our brains adapt and respond to repetitive stimuli, shaping our cognitive processes in unique ways.
- The Zeigarnik effect is a psychological phenomenon where people remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed tasks. In the context of Tetris, this effect may contribute to its addictive nature as the game continuously presents players with unfinished puzzles, engaging their brains in the desire to complete them. This constant need for closure and the satisfaction of completing tasks can lead to a cycle of gameplay that taps into the Zeigarnik effect, making Tetris compelling and difficult to put down.
- Playing Tetris potentially prevents the formation of PTSD by distracting the brain during the recollection of traumatic events. This distraction during memory recall may help in re-cataloging the memory as less traumatic, similar to the principles of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This suggests that engaging in Tetris after a traumatic event could potentially mitigate the development of PTSD symptoms by altering the way the brain processes and stores traumatic memories.
- Playing Tetris may not significantly improve the ability to recognize the correct orientation of objects in pictures, despite its visual and spatial nature. However, engaging with Tetris can assist in real-world visuospatial tasks like packing efficiently. Studies suggest that while Tetris may no ...
Counterarguments
- The concept of the "Tetris effect" might be overstated and not unique to Tetris, as similar effects can occur with any repetitive activity that engages the brain in a similar manner.
- The link between Tetris and the Zeigarnik effect might be correlational rather than causal, and it's possible that people who are already prone to obsessive thinking or completionism are more likely to experience this effect.
- While Tetris may distract individuals from cravings or traumatic memories in the short term, it is not a clinically validated treatment for addiction or PTSD, and its long-term efficacy in these areas is not well-established.
- The claim that Tetris does not significantly improve the ability to recognize object orientation in pictures may not account for the diversity of spatial skills and how they might be impacted differently by the game.
- Improvements in real-world visuospatial tasks attributed to Tetris might not be solely due to the game itself but could also ...
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The competitive Tetris scene
The world of competitive Tetris is evolving with players employing new techniques and achieving higher levels than previously thought possible.
The classic NES version of Tetris has become the standard for competitive play, with the Classic Tetris World Championship drawing the world's top Tetris players.
The Classic Tetris World Championship stands out as the pinnacle event for competitive Tetris, with top players from around the globe demonstarting their skills. A technique known as "rolling", also referred to as "fly hecking"—originally developed by Hector Fly Rodriguez for arcade game consoles, and not specifically for Tetris—has been introduced to the scene by players like Christopher Martinez, aka Cheese. This technique involves using fingers in a rolling motion to press buttons more rapidly than "hyper-tapping", which around seven times per second.
In contrast, a player like Cheese has perfected this technique to hit the button as many as 20 times per second by engaging the D-pad delicately enough and then rolling on the back of the Nintendo controller for rapid actuation. These methods play a crucial role in players reaching new achievements in Tetris gameplay.
In recent years, players have managed to reach unprecedented heights in Tetris, with a 13-year-old boy named Willis Gibson achieving a record-breaking level of 157 before crashing the game.
The game of Tetris on the Nintendo Entertainment System is notable for lacking a predefined end; it can be played until it crashes from a processing overflow. With the help of AI and bots, theories emerged that Tetris could end between levels 155 and the mid-200s. It was ...
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The competitive Tetris scene
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Counterarguments
- While the Classic Tetris World Championship is a significant event, it's not the only event in competitive Tetris, and other versions of Tetris also have competitive scenes.
- Techniques like "rolling" or "fly hecking" may not be accessible or comfortable for all players, and there could be debate about whether these techniques should be considered standard practice or if they provide an unfair advantage.
- The ability to press buttons up to 20 times per second could raise concerns about the long-term physical impact on players' hands and fingers, potentially leading to repetitive strain injuries.
- Achieving high levels in Tetris, such as level 157, is an impressive feat, but it may not be the best measure of a player's skill given that luck and the randomness of Tetris piece distribution play a role in the game.
- The idea that Tetris on the NES can be played until it crashes might not be entirely accurate, as the game has a kill screen at level 29 due to the speed at which the pieces fall, making it virtually impossible to continue.
- The range o ...
Actionables
- You can improve your reaction time and dexterity by practicing rapid button-pressing techniques on a controller. Start with a simple exercise: press a single button as quickly as possible for short bursts of time, gradually increasing the duration as your speed improves. This can enhance your hand-eye coordination and could be beneficial for various tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as playing musical instruments or typing.
- Explore the concept of infinite games by playing open-ended video games that lack a defined conclusion. Use these games to practice setting personal goals and milestones, which can help you develop goal-setting skills applicable in real-life scenarios, such as career progression or personal development plans.
- Embrace the philosophy of co ...
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