Game Pioneer Ralph Baer Dead at 92

His impact on video games too large to measure.

The young history of video games is fraught with setbacks, such as the early 80s industry crash, the 90s rush for censorship, and the more recent f2p/microtransaction menace. And yet, in spite of how visceral and dismissive the medium's critics are, the reality is that in less than half a century, video games have become as mainstream and pervasive as any other form of entertainment. 

Naturally, the rise of PCs and other mainstream tech has been a huge factor, but it is the game consoles of the 70's, 80's, 90's and on, that got gaming into the living room, the core of the home. Much credit for the infiltration is due to the work of Ralph Baer, who, as part of an lifetime of working in gaming, spearheaded the development of the Brown Box, which went on sale in 1972 as the Magnavox Odyssey.

Sadly, Baer has passed away at the age of 92.

Below is a video of Baer receiving the 2008 Pioneer Award, which followed Baer's acceptance of the National Medal of Technology.

Source: Gamsutra