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.

Questions about the reading:

1. What was the first video game developed in Spain and what special feature did it have?

2. How did the “golden age of Spanish software” influence the video game industry in Spain?

3. What is the significance of La Abadía del Crimen in the history of Spanish video games and what was its inspiration?

Spanish word related to the topic:

• Consola: An electronic device that connects to a screen and is used to play video games.

Activity for students:

• Classic Video Game Design: Students will be divided into groups and will create the design for a video game inspired by classic Spanish titles. They should include a synopsis of the story, characters, and gameplay mechanics. Then, they will present their design to the rest of the class, explaining how their game reflects aspects of Spanish culture and history.