Galaxy Game

Published in 1971 by Computer Recreations, Inc., Galaxy Game represents an early entry into the world of coin-operated video games. Initially installed at Stanford University, this two-player shooter predates the wider release of Computer Space. Players control spaceships using a keyboard to manage spin, thrust, and firing actions; without continuous input, solar gravity will cause ships to be pulled towards destruction. The original Stanford installation featured varied environments including areas with no gravity, anti-gravity effects, and uncharted space. Galaxy Game is rooted in the earlier game SpaceWar!, itself a product of MIT research from the early 1960s. A single PDP-11 minicomputer powered two separate vector display screens for simultaneous two-player action. The original unit was quite costly to produce, utilizing advanced hardware that would later be improved to support multiple displays. A testament to its appeal, Galaxy Game enjoyed significant popularity on campus until 1979 when the system’s display processor became unreliable. The sole surviving original cabinet is now part of the Computer History Museum collection and has even been showcased at Google's headquarters.