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Mabel Addis
Mabel Addis
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Overview

Mabel Addis Mergardt, born May 21, 1912, stands as a pivotal, yet often overlooked, figure in the history of video games. She was an American writer and teacher, and holds the unique distinction of being the first video game writer, crafting the narrative and scenarios for the pioneering economics simulation game, 'The Sumerian Game' (later renamed 'Hamurabi') in the late 1960s. Her work established a foundation for narrative in interactive entertainment, influencing the industry's future trajectory and demonstrating the importance of storytelling in shaping the player experience.
Main Milestones
Birth of Mabel Addis
May 21, 1912
Mabel Addis was born on this day, marking the beginning of a life that would eventually intersect with the nascent field of computer gaming. Her early life and education laid the foundation for her future role as a teacher and, unexpectedly, as a game writer.
Teaching Career Begins
Early Career: Teaching
Mabel Addis dedicated a significant portion of her career to teaching, specifically in the North Castle school district in Armonk, New York. This role honed her communication skills and understanding of how to engage and educate an audience, qualities that would prove valuable when crafting the narrative for 'The Sumerian Game'.
Development of 'The Sumerian Game'
Late 1960s
This period marks the genesis of Mabel Addis's groundbreaking contribution. She collaborated with programmer William McKay to create 'The Sumerian Game' (later renamed 'Hamurabi'), an economics simulation designed to teach students about resource management and decision-making in ancient Sumer. Addis wrote the scenarios, providing the narrative context and feedback that made the game engaging and educational. This established her as the first known video game writer.
'The Sumerian Game' Release
1968
'The Sumerian Game' was released for use on mainframe computers, primarily within educational settings. While simple by today's standards, the game's combination of economic simulation and narrative elements was revolutionary. Mabel Addis's writing provided crucial context, immersing players in the role of a ruler managing resources to ensure the prosperity and survival of their city-state.
Continuing Teaching and Writing
Post-'Sumerian Game' Career
After her work on 'The Sumerian Game', Mabel Addis continued her teaching career and remained active in writing and educational projects. While she didn't pursue further video game development, her pioneering work left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring future generations of game writers and designers.
Death of Mabel Addis Mergardt
August 13, 2004
Mabel Addis Mergardt passed away on this date. Although her contribution to video game history was not widely recognized during her lifetime, she is now increasingly acknowledged as a foundational figure in the field. Her work on 'The Sumerian Game' paved the way for the integration of narrative into interactive entertainment, leaving a legacy that continues to shape the industry today.

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