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1977: Atari releases its first programmable (cartridge-based) game system, the Video Computer System (VCS--later known as the Atari 2600), in time for Christmas, for $249.

The Golden Age:

This is the age where the video game world had the biggest developments and the technological advancements that would change the face of the industry as a whole and set the foundations on which a huge industry would be established. This age can also be called the age of 'Programmable Game Consoles'.

1978: Nintendo of Japan releases computer Othello, which is based on the popular board game 'Othello'. In the same year, Space Invaders popularity causes coin shortages in Japan.

1979: Atari releases Lunar Lander, its first vector graphics game. Lunar Lander Begets Asteroids. Despite Lunar Lander's popularity, Atari halts production of the game and begins releasing Asteroids in the Lunar Lander cabinets. Asteroids' is a game that was originally designed by Lyle Rains and Ed Logg for the Cosmos system. It goes on to become Atari's all-time best-seller. Asteroids' introduces a new feature to arcades: High scorers can enter their three-character initials at the end of the game. Nearly 80,000 units are sold in the United States

Sega releases Monaco GP, a driving game with a top-down perspective, which is followed by the similar Pro Monaco GP in 1980 and the realistic 3D racer Super Monaco GP in 1989

Milton Bradley Electronics releases the Microvision, a handheld device which has its own LED screen.

1980: In this year Atari released its home version of the 'Space Invaders' for its gaming console the 'VCS' which leads to the sales of the 'VCS' reaching an all time high. In the same year Mattel Electronics launched its 'Intellivision' game console to compete the 'VCS' of Atari. It turns out to be the first serious competition for Atari as 'Intellivision' has better graphics and a price tag of $299.

1980: Activision is formed by a group of game developers who leave Atari over a dispute on game credits. It goes on to be a giant force in the industry and turns out to be one of the biggest game developers in the business.

1980: The 1st 3-D first person game 'Battlezone' is developed by Ed Rottberg, who is a coin-op designer for Atari. Later on the US Government commissions an enhanced version of 'Battlezone' for military training purposes. It is believed that the 'Army Battlezone' was a more realistic training simulator.

1980: Namco introduces Pac-Man to the arcades and begins one of the longest running video game franchises. Particularly of note is the interest that the game is not only of interest to male gamers. Many speculate that Pac-Man's less violent puzzle-based gameplay is of more interest to women. In order to further tap into this market, Namco later releases Ms. Pac-Man. Pac-Man accompanies Dragon's Lair and Pong as one of the three video games on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., U.S.A.