Honoring CVG

The end of LIFE magazine was widely reported and lamented several years ago. Similarly many took note when Newsweek ceased print production (although it was subsequently revived earlier this year). But I’d like to mark a milestone that has largely flown under the radar, but has a personal connection: after 33 years, the longest-running video games media outlet, CVG (aka Computer and Video Games) has apparently come to an end.

Video games were what originally drew me to computers. I was just about old enough to appreciate the introduction of Space Invaders in the arcades, and the Atari 2600 console for the home market. UK pioneers such as Clive Sinclair were making computers something people could actually have in their homes. Initially I wanted to play games, but soon I wanted to write games. The problem was, with no Internet (and so no YouTube, etc.), no computers in school yet, and no one in my family or community who had any experience in such matters, how could I learn?

Even before I had access to a computer, standing in the UK newsagent, WH Smith, my eye was caught by the exciting imagery of the second edition of Computer and Video Games magazine. It was a great mix of art and articles about games. Back then, the art was especially important, as computer graphics were extremely primitive, and something was needed to make the content visually appealing and to guide the imagination. But more importantly, the pages were filled with program code, mostly in BASIC. This was my first introduction to coding, and I remember the thrill of figuring out how a simple Blackjack game actually worked, just from the paper-based exercise of reading the code.

Although the Internet as a medium didn't exist at the time, the roots of many modern-day concepts that pervade today’s computing culture were there. Code and tips were shared freely by enthusiasts, much like we see in the modern-day open source movement, and in the spirit we see in Meetups, etc. And much like the pride associated with getting lots of hits on a blog, there was considerable prestige with getting your code and content published.

Reflecting on the broader context, I think it goes to highlight the importance of fostering and participating in a community to support the adoption of new ideas and technologies. And that it isn't always possible to anticipate where it is going to take you. In my example, writing games while at school led to writing database applications for school administration, which gave me my first taste of entrepreneurship before I even left for university. And that set me up for a career to bring together both Technology and Marketing which would take me around the globe.

By the way, the Meetup scene here in Melbourne, Australia seems as vibrant as in the US. I've only just started joining groups and attending meetings locally, but based on my US experience I can recommend them as a great way to get exposure to the latest in technology and as a way to meet other enthusiasts.