Although
Atari VCS programmer Warren Robinett is often regarded as the first person
to hide their initials/name in a video game with the ability to trigger
their appearance on the screen, we know of at least 3 programmers
to do so before Warren. Atari coin-op programmer Owen Rubin included
his initials (and those of other people) in two 1978 games - Orbit
and Skydiver (the method to trigger them, if possible, is still
unknown). Fairchild Channel F programmers Brad Reid-Selth and
Michael Glass put them in their games as well (Brad with 1978's
Video Whizball and Michael with the original 1976 demo cart -
which although it isn't a game, is the earliest egg on a video game system).
It's unknown where Michael got the idea (he may have included them in
his other games as well), but Brad mentions getting the idea to include
them after learning Atari programmers were putting them in their games.
Owen doesn't recall anyone else doing it, but that "it was something most
hackers did". Warren states he was inspired by artists putting their
names in their paintings.
Steve Wright (from Atari) is credited with coining the term Easter eggs
(in regards to hidden surprises in video games) in a quote from an
article
in the 1st issue (Winter 1981) of Electronic Games magazine.
Russ Perry Jr. and his brother,
David Perry, coined the term "frying"
in regards to the technique of using the power switch on a VCS to
(temporarily) alter a game's code. This
article in
Electronic Fun
& Games magazine may have been the first mention of how to use this trick.
Some of the VCS/2600 tricks require a disassembled joystick in
order to activate 2 or more directions at the same time (for LEFT+RIGHT
combinations, the paddle FIRE buttons can be used).
It's not our intention
to take credit away from those people who have discovered some of these
eggs/tricks/bugs, etc. - however, credit is only given to the
earliest-known published account. The list is merely a compilation of all the presently-known facts.
Future revisions will include proper credit as it becomes known.
If you know of any tricks, glitches, or hidden messages not listed here, or
feel any of the info here is incorrect, contact the creator of this section,
Scott Stilphen. Thanks! |