In the second half of the eighties of the twentieth century, young people in almost all countries, fiddling with a Rubik's Cube.Soon to replace this hobby has come a new game, which is required for the personal computer.
Abnormal popularity of "Tetris" and its causes
mass hysteria that accompanied the emergence of a new toy, difficult to describe.And the young lovers, gray-haired and researchers with the same passion klatsat keys, trying to reach a new level.It seemed that everything depended on the success of their future.It happened that, having worked at the computing center of a complete change, maintenance engineer or a programmer remained "little play" and sat in front of the monitor for several hours.
While personal computers ordinary people could not buy, they bought for the needs of the organizations and agencies.Most of these were machines "Robotron" production of the GDR with information characteristics substantially inferior to some modern mobile phones.The first "Tetris" was created for such computers.The game was simple, and that is what explains the popularity of the unique, which she enjoyed.
historical background
Soviet Union with perestroika experienced a systemic crisis, which originated back in the sixties and seventies of the XX century.It accumulates contradiction between high average intellectual potential of engineering and technical personnel, excellent qualification training of workers and scarce material conditions of life, which are also constantly deteriorating.The outflow of labor resources in the non-productive sector of the economy and private-cooperative trade.
prestige of higher education is rapidly falling.Programmers world-class toiled in numerous research institutes, trying to survive on poverty wages, purchasing power is constantly decreasing due to avalanche inflation.One of these intellectuals was unclaimed Alexey Pajitnov, who worked at the Computing Center of the USSR.
Secret Weapon Russian
in the USSR were invented many devices and techniques have found application in the countries that were considered far more advanced technologically.Inventors often remained unknown, but their copyright seized more vigorous and legally competent people, profiting from the introduction of these innovations.The question of who invented the "Tetris", in contrast to many other similar cases, has a very specific answer.It Pajitnov, citizen of the USSR, as fate has become a symbol of the intellectual potential of our country.
He even jokingly half seriously accused of undermining the defense capability of the United States.The officers of the Pentagon, rather than to deal with nuclear security, intelligence and global strategy, does spinning grouped squares, trying to put them in neat rows and spending a large part of the service time.The question of where invented "Tetris" was not, he was called - "Russian secret weapon."
Why was coined "Tetris»
Knowing the history of the emergence of this game, it can be concluded that its development has been almost a goal of life of the outstanding scientist.This is not quite true.Actually Pajitnov, the inventor of "Tetris" is not specialized in making toys.He was engaged in more serious matters.His scientific work was connected with the creation of kiberintellekta.Puzzles like 'Pentomino puzzle "made it to illustrate various logical processes characteristic of the human mind and logical thinking.
were developed by him and other visual aids for the explanations of mental algorithms.Computers then had a very limited capacity, much more modest than they are now, so the spread was "Tetris" (in which the figures are made up of four "blocks"), not "Pentomino" (where there were five elements).The game can also be a simple scheme to combat aging of the organism.It shows that the efforts of the regenerative system is not always enough to replace the damages arising in the course of life, and the entropy wins.
«Tetris» Western
Whoever invented the "Tetris", namely, Alexey Pajitnov, did not immediately began to receive dividends from its product.This became possible only after the international licensing and patenting.The company from the UK "Andromeda" first wished to acquire copyrights and connected directly to the author.In the West the game is already leaked and found its fans there and, consequently, many entrepreneurs have a desire to earn money on it.
director of "Andromeda" Mr. Stein brought Pajitnov on a TV show, where he presented it to the live channel CBS, to let everyone know who invented the game "Tetris."During the interview it became clear that the author and the owner of all intellectual property rights have not yet received for his popular puzzle penny, although "Microsoft" and "Spectrum Olobayt" has already presented it in the market as its own products.
invention and compensation
Soviet state monopoly on foreign trade, and in this case, had unfortunate consequences.Guide Association "Elektronorgtehnika" realized finally that this seemingly silly little thing like falling figures may be a source of very serious money, and entered into a contract with Stein.At the same time no one thought to sign a contract with themselves Pajitnov.In terms of administrative-command system was completely unimportant who invented the "Tetris", the main thing that made it a Soviet citizen (this one does not argue), and, consequently, profits should accrue to the bureaucratic machine.
Fate of the inventor
Career Alexey Pajitnov developed quite well, at least in material terms.This talented programmer eighteen years working in the company "Microsoft", where he has all the possibilities for self-realization.The tasks that it performs much more complex puzzle made him famous, but in order to increase the attractiveness of their product developed in promotional purposes mention that the author is the one who invented the "Tetris", Alexey Pajitnov in person.
In the nineties went to an anecdote about a "new Russian" (was such a popular comic image in a purple jacket and a gold chain around his neck), who bought the most expensive and modern computer.He put the seller is very strict condition: "If the" Tetris "will not work, you answer me!" It is possible that a talented programmer Alexey Pajitnov will be remembered by many decades only as the inventor of the nemudrenoy toys.Sadly ...
