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BASIC Computer Games is a compilation of type-in computer games in the BASIC programming language collected by David H. Ahl. Some of the games were written or modified by Ahl as well. Among its better-known games are Hamurabi and Super Star Trek.

Key Information

Originally published by DEC in 1973 as 101 BASIC Computer Games, the book was so popular that it had two more printing runs, the last in March 1975. The programs in these books were mostly written in the BASIC dialect found on Digital's minicomputers, although some could not be converted and appeared in different dialects like Dartmouth BASIC.

In 1974, Ahl left DEC. He purchased the rights to the book and republished it under the new name. With the release of the first microcomputers, and Microsoft BASIC soon after, the collection added several new games, removed some, and those that remained from the original were ported to this dialect. By the early 1980s, with tens of millions of home computers in the market, it had become the first computer book to sell a million copies.[1]

History

[edit]

Around 1971, Ahl ported two popular early mainframe games from DEC's FOCAL language to BASIC: Hamurabi and Lunar Lander. He published the BASIC versions in DEC's educational newsletter, EDU, which he edited. Their popularity was such that he called for more submissions for future editions of the newsletter, and quickly gathered many, with a considerable group of them coming from high school students.[2]

The wide availability of BASIC on various platforms, notably the Data General Nova and HP 2100 series, led to considerable porting effort to and from the DEC platform. In July 1973, Ahl published a selection of these submissions as 101 BASIC Computer Games, which quickly sold out. This led to two further printing runs in April 1974 and March 1975.[3] Ahl later noted that number "was far more books than there were computers around, so people were buying three, four, five of them for each computer."[2]

In 1974, Ahl left DEC to start Creative Computing magazine. The next year saw the launch of the first microcomputers and 101 became quite popular with the owners of these machines. The release of the "1977 Trinity" machines (Apple II, Commodore PET, and TRS-80) was soon followed by a great many new competing microcomputer platforms featuring BASIC, along with the userbase to go with them, and demand for the book led to a second edition in 1978. This version removed non-DEC games, replaced them with some of the many submissions he had over the years, and ported those that remained into MS-BASIC format. By 1979, it had sold over 1 million copies, the first computer book to do so.[1]

Sales remained strong for years, and spawned similar collections in More Basic Computer Games (1979), and Big Computer Games (1984) and Basic Computer Adventures (1984), with translations into six languages.[2]

Games

[edit]

Reception

[edit]

The first version, 101 went into a second printing and eventually sold 10,000 copies. Ahl later noted that “was far more books than there were computers around, so people were buying three, four, five of them for each computer.”[2]

The second version, BASIC, was re-printed many times and was the first computer book to sell a million copies. Harry McCracken called it "The single most influential book of the BASIC era".[2]

Legacy

[edit]

Using Vintage Basic, the games can be run on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux.[4] The source code for the book is provided (with permission of David H Ahl) on the Vintage Basic's Basic Computer Games page.

A Microsoft Windows machine with the GW-BASIC interpreter can also run the games.[5]

The games are also compilable and playable with the Microsoft Small Basic development environment for children.[6] Computer Science for Kids has released a 2010 Small Basic Edition of the classic Basic Computer Games book called Basic Computer Games: Small Basic Edition.[7]

A project started on GitHub in 2021 to port the games in these books to modern languages.

Program listings from the second ("microcomputer") edition, and from More Basic Computer Games, can be run by the open-source Brassica interpreter in R or Python.

With the BASIC to Javascript compiler, the original 101 games can be run in a web browser.

References

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BASIC Computer Games

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BASIC Computer Games is a seminal 1978 anthology of 101 text-based computer games written in the BASIC programming language, edited by David H. Ahl and published by Creative Computing as a microcomputer edition tailored for early personal computers such as the TRS-80, Apple II, and Commodore PET.[1][2] The book originated as a revision of Ahl's earlier 1973 publication, 101 BASIC Computer Games, which was initially released by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) for minicomputers and timesharing systems.[3][4] In 1974, Ahl founded Creative Computing magazine, the first periodical dedicated to personal computing, and acquired the rights to the original book from DEC.[3] By 1978, with the rise of affordable microcomputers, Ahl updated the collection to address variations in BASIC dialects across different machines, including adaptations for graphics and sound where supported, while encouraging readers to modify the code for their systems.[1] The preface notes that the games were sourced from contributors worldwide, ranging from students to professionals, and many were refined or rewritten by Ahl himself.[2][4] The volume features a diverse array of games, including strategy titles like Hamurabi (a resource management simulation), adventure games such as Super Star Trek, and simple arcade-style programs like Hi-Lo and Odds & Evens.[1] Organized alphabetically rather than by category, the book provides complete, type-in listings with minimal documentation, assuming basic familiarity with BASIC, to promote hands-on experimentation and learning.[2] This approach made it accessible for hobbyists, educators, and novice programmers, fostering creativity by inviting users to debug, enhance, or invent new variants.[5] BASIC Computer Games achieved extraordinary commercial success, selling over one million copies and becoming the first computer book to reach that milestone, which underscored the burgeoning interest in personal computing during the late 1970s.[6] Its influence extended beyond sales, as it popularized recreational programming and served as an entry point for countless individuals into computing, inspiring subsequent titles like More BASIC Computer Games (1979) and shaping the culture of user-generated content in early software development.[3] The book's emphasis on simple, portable code helped democratize access to digital entertainment, bridging the gap between institutional computing and home use at a pivotal moment in technology history.[4][7]

Background

Origins and Development

The origins of BASIC Computer Games trace back to 1973, when Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) published 101 BASIC Computer Games, a book compiled by David H. Ahl for DEC minicomputers and timesharing systems, including the PDP-8. This initial collection featured 101 games written in BASIC, many of which were adapted from earlier video games or contributed by users, marking the first major anthology of such programs targeted at educational and hobbyist audiences.[8] Ahl, serving as an editor at DEC, began soliciting and editing BASIC programs through the company's EDU newsletter as early as 1971, with a focus on games contributed by readers, particularly high school and college students. This effort gained momentum in 1973, as reader submissions flooded in, providing the core material for the book and fostering a community-driven approach to program sharing. In October 1974, Ahl launched Creative Computing, an independent newsletter that continued this tradition by encouraging submissions of BASIC games and applications, further expanding the pool of programs beyond DEC's ecosystem.[9][10][11] By the late 1970s, with the rise of affordable microcomputers, Ahl revised and expanded the collection into a full book under Creative Computing Press, culminating in the 1978 edition of BASIC Computer Games. This version adapted the original programs for DEC systems to popular platforms like the TRS-80, Apple II, and Commodore PET, standardizing them to run with minimal modifications across these systems and broadening accessibility to the emerging home computing market.[12]

Author and Initial Publication

David H. Ahl, an electrical engineer with a B.S. and M.S. from Cornell University and an M.B.A. from Carnegie-Mellon University, joined Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in 1969 as Education Product Line Manager, where he focused on educational applications of computing.[13][4] In 1974, after leaving DEC, Ahl founded Creative Computing magazine and Creative Computing Press to promote personal computing and educational resources for emerging home users.[6] Following the success of his earlier DEC-published compilation 101 BASIC Computer Games in 1973, Ahl acquired the rights to the content upon departing the company and self-published an updated version titled BASIC Computer Games: Microcomputer Edition through Creative Computing Press in 1978.[12] This edition, targeted at the growing market of home microcomputer owners, featured 101 games adapted for broader BASIC compatibility, spanned 188 pages, carried ISBN 0-89480-052-3, and retailed for $7.95.[14][1] The book included whimsical robot illustrations by artist George Beker for each game entry, enhancing its appeal to hobbyists, alongside complete program listings and sample output runs to demonstrate execution on systems like those using Microsoft BASIC.[15][10]

Content

Structure and Format

BASIC Computer Games is formatted as a paperback book designed for users to manually enter programs into their computers, featuring line-by-line code listings for each game accompanied by brief descriptions, sample execution outputs, and occasional explanatory notes on gameplay mechanics.[16] These type-in programs are presented in a straightforward manner to facilitate implementation on early microcomputers, with code typically using numbered lines compatible with standard BASIC interpreters.[17] Sample runs illustrate typical interactions and results, often printed as text-based simulations of console output to demonstrate program behavior without requiring actual hardware.[2] The content is organized with 101 games numbered sequentially from 1 to 101 and arranged in alphabetical order by title, providing a logical progression for readers while allowing loose grouping by type such as card games, adventures, or simulations.[17] An index at the end categorizes games by theme (e.g., board games, word games) for easy reference, spanning approximately 192 pages in total.[16] Notes on BASIC dialects are included, emphasizing compatibility with Microsoft BASIC and offering guidance for adaptations to variants like those on the Altair 8800 or other 1970s systems.[18] The book begins with an introduction to fundamental BASIC programming concepts, covering essentials like variables, loops, and input/output statements to assist novice users.[16] It also provides tips for error handling, such as debugging common syntax issues during typing, and sections on modifying code for different computer architectures, including line number adjustments or command substitutions.[17] Visual aids enhance readability, primarily through whimsical line drawings by illustrator George Beker that accompany many games to depict themes or characters in a cartoonish style.[17] Sample outputs are rendered as monospaced text blocks mimicking teletype or terminal displays from era-specific machines like the Sol-20, helping users visualize results before entry.[2]

Game Categories and Examples

While listed alphabetically in BASIC Computer Games, the games encompass various thematic categories as outlined in the book's index, reflecting the creative and educational spirit of early microcomputing and drawing from reader submissions to the Creative Computing newsletter and adaptations of mainframe-era programs originally developed for systems like the PDP-8 and PDP-11.[19] These categories include adventure games involving narrative-driven explorations, strategy titles inspired by traditional board games, simulations modeling real-world scenarios, puzzles focused on logic and deduction, and arcade-style programs simulating action through text or simple printed graphics. The collection emphasizes accessibility, with a mix of original creations and ports from larger computers, prioritizing single-player formats while including limited multiplayer options for competitive play.[17][16] Adventure games in the book feature text-based interactions where players navigate scenarios through command inputs, often evoking science fiction themes. A representative example is Game #84, Super Star Trek, an adaptation of earlier mainframe versions where the player commands the starship Enterprise to battle Klingons and explore quadrants, using keyboard directives like "SRS" for short-range scans.[17] This category highlights the era's interest in interactive storytelling without visual graphics, relying on descriptive output to immerse users.[19] Strategy games adapt classic board and war games, requiring tactical decision-making against computer opponents. For instance, Game #23, Checkers, implements standard rules for the draughts board game, allowing two-player alternation or human-versus-computer matches via numbered board inputs. Other examples include Game #4, Awari, a mancala variant emphasizing seed placement strategy, and Game #65, Nim, a subtraction game testing optimal play theory. These titles, many derived from mathematical recreations, underscore the book's focus on intellectual challenge over speed.[17][16] Simulations recreate physical or economic systems, educating players on concepts like physics or resource management through iterative calculations. Game #59, Lunar LEM Rocket, models a lunar landing by processing thrust and fuel inputs to achieve a safe touchdown, drawing from Apollo-era computations adapted for home use. Similarly, Game #55, Life, implements John Conway's cellular automaton, displaying evolving grid patterns of cell states over generations to demonstrate emergent complexity. Such programs, often original submissions, blend entertainment with scientific demonstration.[17][19] Puzzles emphasize guessing, pattern recognition, and wordplay, fostering problem-solving skills in compact formats. Game #1, Acey-Ducey, a card-betting game where players wager on whether a drawn card falls between two others, combines chance with risk assessment using a simulated deck. Game #44, Hangman, challenges users to deduce a hidden word letter by letter, with visual progress via printed gallows; Game #60, Master Mind, requires code-breaking through color peg guesses and feedback hints. These entries, frequently reader-contributed, highlight deductive reasoning without complex mechanics.[17][16] Arcade-style games mimic fast-paced action using text animations or printed trajectories, approximating video arcade experiences on limited hardware. Game #43, Hammurabi, presents a text-based resource allocation challenge as a Babylonian ruler managing food, land, and plagues over 10 years, with outcomes printed turn-by-turn. Examples like Game #13, Bounce, simulate a ball's path across a screen via plotted coordinates, and Game #42, Gunner, involve targeting enemy positions in a naval battle. This category showcases creative use of BASIC's PRINT statements for dynamic displays.[17][19] The diversity stems from sources including DEC Users' Society contributions and direct solicitations via Creative Computing, resulting in 101 games that blend solitary puzzles with occasional two-player modes, such as in Checkers or Tic Tac Toe (Game #89). Technically, programs vary from about 50 to 500 lines of code, optimized for minimal memory (under 16K typical for the era), and depend exclusively on keyboard inputs for commands, guesses, or movements, eschewing peripherals like joysticks due to the text-oriented nature of early personal computers.[17][16][19]

Reception

Contemporary Reviews

Upon its release in 1978, BASIC Computer Games received positive attention in computing magazines for its accessibility to beginners and its educational potential in demonstrating BASIC programming through playable examples. In the June 1978 issue of Byte magazine, a product listing featured the book as "a treasure store of games and simulations, 101 all written in BASIC," emphasizing the inclusion of complete program listings and sample runs for each entry, which allowed novice users to immediately engage with coding and execution on home computers.[20] This portrayal underscored the book's value in bridging theoretical programming with practical, entertaining applications, making it an ideal resource for those new to microcomputing. Critics and users occasionally pointed out limitations inherent to text-based BASIC implementations, such as the absence of advanced graphics capabilities, which restricted visual complexity in the games compared to later graphical systems. Additionally, a few programs contained typographical errors or compatibility issues that required manual fixes by enterprising readers, a common challenge with type-in listings of the era.[21][22] The book garnered notable endorsement from computing pioneer Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, who cited it as a key inspiration during the development of early Apple systems; in recalling his work on the Apple I BASIC interpreter, Wozniak noted the book's games as central to envisioning the "heart of a computer," influencing how he prioritized interactive programming for personal use.[23]

Commercial Success

BASIC Computer Games achieved remarkable commercial success shortly after its initial publication, becoming the first computer book to sell over one million copies.[24] The book was distributed through multiple channels, including direct mail via publisher catalogs, as well as bookstores and emerging computer stores such as Radio Shack outlets. Its initial 1973 edition was disseminated through Digital Equipment Corporation's educational newsletter to schools and institutions, while the 1978 microcomputer edition expanded reach via Creative Computing Press's publishing network.[25][10] This success prompted sequels that extended the series, notably More BASIC Computer Games released in June 1979, which featured 84 additional games and further capitalized on the format's popularity.[24] The timing of the 1978 microcomputer edition aligned perfectly with the 1977 home computer boom, often referred to as the "1977 Trinity" encompassing the Apple II, TRS-80, and Commodore PET, which popularized affordable personal machines and fueled demand for accessible programming resources like Ahl's collection.[26] Subsequent editions adapted the content for specific platforms, including versions optimized for TRS-80 computers in the late 1970s.[10][25]

Impact and Legacy

Educational Influence

BASIC Computer Games played a pivotal role in introducing programming to non-experts during the early microcomputer era, particularly through its adoption in educational settings. The book served as an accessible entry point to BASIC by presenting complete, playable game programs that students could type in and run on available hardware. This hands-on approach made abstract concepts tangible, drawing contributions from high school students and educators alike, and aligning with broader efforts to promote computer literacy as essential for future generations.[4][27] The publication democratized programming by providing fully documented source code that encouraged users to experiment, modify, and extend the games, thereby cultivating a nascent "hacker" culture among children, hobbyists, and adults. This emphasis on tinkering and personalization transformed passive consumers into active creators, mirroring the exploratory ethos of early computing communities and making technology approachable beyond formal academic or professional circles. Hobbyists often shared alterations through magazines like Creative Computing, amplifying the book's influence on self-directed learning.[28][27] Beyond K-12 education, the book supported introductory computing courses focused on practical application rather than theoretical computer science. David Ahl's follow-up works, including More BASIC Computer Games (1979), expanded this foundation by offering additional examples and guidance, further embedding game-based learning in informal and formal educational contexts. These efforts reinforced the book's legacy in building computational thinking skills through engaging, low-barrier activities.[28][4][29] The book's impact extended to broader societal trends, with its over one million copies sold contributing to a surge in home computer adoption for educational purposes during the 1980s. This aligned with reported growth in household computing, where ownership for learning rose significantly—household computer penetration increased from 8.2% in 1984 to 15.0% by 1989—fueled by resources like Ahl's anthology that bridged recreation and instruction.[27][30]

Modern Recreations and Adaptations

In the 21st century, BASIC Computer Games has been preserved through digital archives that provide free access to scanned editions of the original publication. The Internet Archive hosts multiple digitized versions, including high-quality scans of the 1973 edition uploaded as early as 2013, allowing users to borrow or download the book in PDF format for research and nostalgia.[31] These efforts ensure the book's historical content remains accessible without physical copies. Modern adaptations have updated the games for contemporary programming environments, with notable projects translating the original BASIC code into languages like Python and JavaScript. A prominent example is the 2021 open-source initiative "basic-computer-games" on GitHub, led by developer Jeff Atwood, which reimplements all 101 games in memory-safe scripting languages to make them runnable on modern systems and browsers; as of 2025, it includes implementations in multiple languages with web-playable versions, though not every game is ported to all targeted languages.[32] This project emphasizes cross-platform compatibility and includes web-playable versions, reviving the interactive experience for new audiences while preserving the simplicity of the originals.[3] Emulation tools have enabled the original BASIC programs to run in web browsers, bridging the gap between vintage hardware and current technology. Sites like Troy Press offer browser-based play of select games from the book using JavaScript interpreters that simulate 1970s-era BASIC environments.[33] Similarly, the PCjs emulator supports running period-appropriate IBM PC software, including BASIC interpreters compatible with the book's code, allowing authentic executions without additional setup.[34] The book's influence persists in cultural references and indie game developments, particularly through adaptations of iconic titles like Hamurabi. This resource-management simulation has inspired several indie recreations, such as a 2019 browser port by developer "Captain Hayama" that faithfully adapts the 1973 BASIC version for modern play.[35] Other examples include a 2017 artistic remake by Jonathan Lessard, which reinterprets Hamurabi as an experimental piece exploring narrative interfaces, and a 2024 Java console edition by Jonathan Diehl, highlighting ongoing interest in its strategic gameplay mechanics among independent creators.[36][37]

References

  1. [PDF] BASIC Computer Games Microcomputer Edition (1978)(Creative ...
  2. Tandy/Radio Shack Book:: Basic Computer Games (1978)(David Ahl)
  3. Updating The Single Most Influential Book of the BASIC Era
  4. David Ahl: Getting Creative with Computers - Strong Museum
  5. https://www.mirrors.apple2.org.za/ftp.apple.asimov.net/unsorted/Basic_Computer_Games_Microcomputer_Edition_1978_Creative_Computing.pdf
  6. Dave tells Ahl - the history of Creative Computing.
  7. Brief History of Computer Games: 1978-1979
  8. [PDF] 101 BASIC Computer Games - Bitsavers.org
  9. [PDF] Fifty Years of BASIC, the Language That Made Computers Personal
  10. DigiBarn Books: BASIC Computer Games by David Ahl (1978, 1973)
  11. Creative Computing launched October 1974 - The Silicon ...
  12. BASIC Computer Games - Matthew Reed's TRS-80.org
  13. David H. Ahl biography from Who's Who in America - Swap Meet Dave
  14. BASIC Computer Games: Microcomputer Edition - Amazon.com
  15. BekerBots.com - The Official Home of George Beker's Unique ...
  16. 101 BASIC Computer Games : David H. Ahl - Internet Archive
  17. Table of Contents: BASIC Computer Games - Atari Archives
  18. https://www.atariarchives.org/basicgames/showpage.php?page=i13
  19. Basic Computer Games Microcomputer Edition PDF : David H. Ahl
  20. [PDF] Byte Jun 1978 - Vintage Apple
  21. Full text of "Kilobaud Microcomputing Magazine (June 1979)"
  22. What is the bug in Creative Computing's version of "Amazing"?
  23. Hexapawn program from BASIC Computer Games - Retrocomputing
  24. A basic history of BASIC on its 50th birthday - Game Developer
  25. The Famous Basic Computer Games Book Gets A 2021 Update
  26. [PDF] CP6ativ6 computinfj - Museum of Computer Adventure Game History
  27. The '1977 trinity' and other era-defining PCs | CyberNews
  28. Fifty Years of BASIC, the Language That Made Computers Personal
  29. Interview with David H. Ahl, founder of the Creative Computing ...
  30. [PDF] Computer Use in the United States: 1989 - Census.gov
  31. dec :: Books :: 101 BASIC Computer Games Mar75 - Internet Archive
  32. coding-horror/basic-computer-games: An updated version ... - GitHub
  33. Play BASIC Computer Games Online - Troy Press
  34. PCjs Machines
  35. Hamurabi - A classic resource management sim ported online!
  36. Hammurabi (2017) - Jonathan Lessard
  37. Introducing Hammurabi, my Java game. | Jonathan Diehl posted on ...
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