The story behind the creation of Tetris is more than just the tale of a game; it's a complex narrative that mirrors the twists and turns of a spy thriller. Within it, we find elements of political intrigue, cultural clashes, and the determination of individuals who shaped the future of gaming. This article delves into the captivating journey of Tetris, from its humble beginnings in the Soviet Union to its rise as a global phenomenon.

The Key Players:

  • Alexey Pajitnov: A Soviet engineer and the mind behind Tetris.
  • Hank Rogers: An American game designer and entrepreneur instrumental in bringing Tetris to the world.
  • Robert Stein: A shrewd British intermediary who recognized Tetris's potential early on.

The Origins: Moscow, 1985

In the cold, gray streets of Moscow, a Soviet engineer named Alexey Pajitnov was on his way to the Computing Center of the USSR Academy of Sciences. In his pocket, he carried a well-worn game called Pentomino, a puzzle that involved fitting various shapes into a designated space. Inspired by this game, Alexey decided to test the computing power of the equipment at his workplace by developing a digital version.

The Academy allowed its employees to pursue their projects during off-hours, and Alexey took full advantage of this, creating puzzles to challenge the computers. It was in these quiet, late hours that Tetris was born—a game where geometric shapes, known as tetrominoes, descend and must be arranged into complete lines.

The Global Stage: Las Vegas, 1988

Meanwhile, across the globe, Hank Rogers, an ambitious game designer, was on a mission. At a gaming exhibition in Las Vegas, he discovered a game that caught his eye. The game was Tetris, displayed on a machine adorned with Soviet symbols. Captivated by its simplicity and potential, Hank knew he had to bring this game to Japan.

Hank had a history of striking deals in the gaming world, and his instincts told him that Tetris was something special. His earlier successes with Nintendo only fueled his determination to secure the rights to this intriguing new game.

The European Connection: Budapest

Robert Stein, a Hungarian-born British entrepreneur, was always on the lookout for new ideas. While in Budapest, he stumbled upon a group playing Tetris. Realizing its potential, he quickly contacted the Soviet authorities to secure the rights for distribution in the West. Little did he know, his actions would set off a chain of events involving multiple companies and legal battles over the game's ownership.

The Soviet Response: Moscow, 1986

Back in Moscow, the Soviet authorities were grappling with how to handle the unexpected popularity of Tetris. Alexey Pajitnov, the creator of the game, found himself caught in the middle of negotiations he was not fully prepared for. The concept of intellectual property was still new in the USSR, and the state-owned all software created by its citizens.

However, recognizing the potential of his creation, Alexey made the pivotal decision to hand over the rights to Tetris to the state-owned company Elorg. This move would eventually lead to the game's global release but also meant that Alexey would see little financial reward for his invention at the time.

The Turning Point: Moscow, 1988

Hank Rogers, undeterred by the complexities of Soviet bureaucracy, flew to Moscow to negotiate the rights to Tetris. His determination paid off, and after tense meetings with Soviet officials, he secured the rights to distribute Tetris on portable consoles. This deal marked the beginning of Tetris's journey to becoming one of the most popular games in history.

The Legacy of Tetris

The story of Tetris is not just about a game but about the collision of cultures, ideologies, and the power of determination. Alexey Pajitnov eventually moved to the United States, where he continued to work in the gaming industry. It wasn't until 2005 that he regained the rights to his creation, thanks to his enduring partnership with Hank Rogers.

Today, Tetris continues to thrive, adapting to new technologies and capturing the imagination of new generations. The game's ability to evolve with time is a testament to its timeless appeal.

From its origins in the Soviet Union to its global impact, Tetris is more than just a game—it's a cultural icon that has left an indelible mark on the world.

Original article by Gerda Ponzel, published on 2024-07-27. Read the full story behind the creation of Tetris here.