The History of Video Games in Spain

 

History

The history of video games in Spain is a fascinating journey that reflects the country’s vibrant culture and technological evolution. It dates back to the 1970s when the first video games began to appear, marking the start of what would become a significant industry within the country.

Early Beginnings: 1972-1982 The early history of Spanish video games is marked by the introduction of Pong, which quickly gained popularity and was even blamed for a decline in the flourishing slot machine industry. In 1977, Electrónica Ripollé released the Palson CX video game console, allowing users to enjoy Pong in their homes. This period also saw the rise of the Atari 2600, which became successful in Spain. By 1981, the video game industry in Spain was responsible for creating approximately 5,000 jobs.

Golden Age of Spanish Software: 1983-1992 This era is often referred to as the “golden age of Spanish software.” It began with the launch of the first Spanish video game magazine, MicroHobby, in 1983, and the release of Bugaboo (also known as La Pulga), which is cited as the first video game developed in Spain. This period was characterized by a surge in interest from Spanish artists, programmers, and musicians in game design, leading to a thriving and exciting scene. Notable companies such as Topo Soft, Opera Soft, Zigurat, and Dinamic Software emerged, contributing significantly to the industry with hits like Army Moves, La Abadía del Crimen, and Las tres luces de Glaurung, which found success in the 8-bit European market.

Preservation of History Recognizing the cultural significance of video games, the National Library of Spain has undertaken the task of preserving the rich history of Spanish video game development. The library aims to collect and safeguard video games produced in Spain, treating them with the same level of cultural appreciation as other cultural products.

Modern Developments The Spanish video game market has continued to grow, with revenues reaching €1.53 billion in 2018, up from €1.35 billion in 2017. The audience of game players was 16.8 million that year, with a demographic split of 59% male and 41% female. An impressive 80% of children aged 6-to-10 played video games, while 24% of those in the 45–64 age range did so.

Iconic video games

The history of video games in Spain is not just about entertainment; it’s a reflection of the country’s technological progress and cultural trends. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains an integral part of Spain’s cultural heritage and a testament to its creative spirit.

Spain has produced several iconic video games that have left a mark on the industry. Here are a few notable ones:

• La Abadía del Crimen (1987): Inspired by Umberto Eco’s novel “The Name of the Rose,” this game is often considered a masterpiece of Spanish software, featuring complex gameplay and a deep narrative.

  

• Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines (1998): A real-time tactics game developed by Pyro Studios, set during World War II, which gained international acclaim for its intricate strategy elements.

  

• PC Fútbol (1992): A series of football management games created by Dinamic Multimedia, which became a cultural phenomenon in Spain during the 90s.

  

• Risky Woods (1992): Known for its challenging gameplay and detailed graphics, this side-scrolling platform game was developed by Dinamic Software and published for various platforms, including the Mega Drive.

  

• Bugaboo (The Flea) (1983): Cited as the first video game developed in Spain, it features a jumping character navigating through a complex map to avoid enemies.

  

These games reflect the creativity and passion of Spanish developers and continue to be celebrated within the gaming community.

Short Answer Quiz

• What was the impact of Pong on the slot machine industry in Spain during the 1970s?
• Name two notable video game consoles that gained popularity in Spain during the early period (1972-1982)?
• What is the significance of MicroHobby magazine in the history of Spanish video games?
• Describe the “golden age of Spanish software” (1983-1992) regarding game development.
• What is the National Library of Spain doing in relation to video games?
• What was the total revenue of the Spanish video game market in 2018, and how did this compare to the previous year?
• What was the demographic breakdown of video game players in Spain in 2018 in regards to gender?
• What is the historical significance of Bugaboo (also known as La Pulga)?
• Describe the gameplay style of the game Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines.
• What made PC Fútbol a cultural phenomenon in Spain?

Essay Questions

• Analyze the factors contributing to the "golden age of Spanish software" in the 1980s and early 1990s. How did the cultural and technological landscape of the time shape this era?
• Compare and contrast the significance of La Abadía del Crimen and Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines in the context of Spanish video game history. What do these games reveal about the diversity and evolution of Spanish game development?
• Discuss the role of preservation efforts, such as those by the National Library of Spain, in safeguarding the legacy of Spanish video games. Why is this preservation important for future generations?
• Examine the demographic trends in Spanish video game consumption, as presented in the text. What implications do the gender and age statistics have for the future of the industry?
• Evaluate the impact of Spanish video games on both the domestic and international market. To what extent have Spanish games shaped the global video game industry and popular culture?

Glossary of Key Terms

• Pong: An early arcade video game and one of the first games to become popular. It's a simple table tennis simulation.
• Atari 2600: A popular home video game console that became successful in Spain during the early video game era.
• MicroHobby: The first Spanish video game magazine, which marked the beginning of the "golden age of Spanish software."
• Bugaboo (La Pulga): Cited as the first video game developed in Spain; it involves a jumping character navigating a complex map.
• Golden Age of Spanish Software: The period between 1983 and 1992, characterized by a surge of interest and creative output from Spanish artists and programmers in game design.
• La Abadía del Crimen: (The Abbey of Crime) A Spanish adventure game, inspired by Umberto Eco's novel "The Name of the Rose," considered a masterpiece of Spanish software.
• Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines: A real-time tactics game set during World War II developed by Pyro Studios; it gained international acclaim.
• PC Fútbol: A series of football management games that became a cultural phenomenon in Spain.
• Electrónica Ripollé: A company that released the Palson CX console in Spain, allowing users to play Pong at home.
• National Library of Spain: An institution that has taken on the task of collecting and preserving video games produced in Spain.