Pong, the seminal arcade game developed by Allan Alcorn, transformed the landscape of electronic entertainment during the early 1970s. As a computer scientist and electrical engineer, Alcorn served as a primary architect for Atari, Inc., where he steered technical development and oversaw significant personnel shifts, including the hiring of future tech figures during the industry's formative years.
Early Career and Education
Born in San Francisco in 1948, Alcorn pursued formal training in electrical engineering and computer sciences at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1971. His early professional path included a tenure at the video company Ampex, a workplace that allowed him to establish foundational relationships with key figures such as Ted Dabney and Nolan Bushnell.
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Upon joining Atari, Alcorn designed Pong under the guidance of Bushnell and Dabney. The arcade unit gained widespread popularity throughout the 1970s. During his tenure as chief engineer, he managed various hardware projects and oversaw corporate hiring, notably facilitating the entry of Steve Jobs into the company in 1974 despite Jobs's unconventional appearance.
The Cosmos Project
By 1978, Alcorn led an engineering team to develop the Cosmos, a portable game console that eschewed television connectivity for a light-emitting diode display. The system utilized low-cost holographic overlays on mylar to provide three-dimensional visual backdrops. Despite securing interest for 250,000 units from retail buyers during the 1980 Winter Consumer Electronics Show and subsequent Toy Fair events, the project was ultimately halted by Atari leadership, led at the time by Ray Kassar.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, San Francisco
- Education: University of California, Berkeley
- Notable work: Pong
- Employer: Atari, Inc.
- Citizenship: United States
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and computer sciences
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the Cosmos game console?
It featured holographic overlays on mylar to create three-dimensional visuals, representing an attempt to innovate beyond the standard television-based Atari VCS.
How did Allan Alcorn contribute to the career of Steve Jobs?
Alcorn hired Jobs at Atari in 1974 after Jobs persisted in the lobby despite initially alarming the staff with his appearance.
Achievements
- Notable work: Pong
- Held posts at Atari, Inc.
