Tetris celebrates 32th birthday, still a gamer’s favorite

Tetris turns 32 today. Here’s the remarkable and strange story of how this classic game was born.

In 1984, Alexey Pajitnov was diligently programming computer games that tested the capabilities of new equipment developed by the USSR. In his spare time, he drew inspiration from his favorite puzzle board game, Pentominos, and decided to create a computer game for himself. Pajitnov envisioned an electronic game that let players arrange puzzle pieces in real time as they fell from the top of the playing field.

The resulting design was a game that used seven distinctive geometric playing pieces, each made up of four squares. Pajitnov called this game “Tetris,” a combination of “tetra” (the Greek word meaning “four”) and “tennis” (his favorite sport).

How do you play?

The Tetris game requires players to strategically rotate, move, and drop a procession of Tetriminos that fall into the rectangular Matrix at increasing speeds. Players attempt to clear as many lines as possible by completing horizontal rows of blocks without empty space, but if the Tetriminos surpass the Skyline the game is over! It might sound simple, but strategy and speed can go a long way! Are YOU up for the challenge?

Agencies/Canadajournal