Quarter Past
@quarterpast.bsky.social
Researcher, pre-20th-C videogames
(Citations available upon request)
(Citations available upon request)
Pinned
Quarter Past
@quarterpast.bsky.social
· Oct 19
We *still* don't know who invented pinball.
Reposted by Quarter Past
It's Giving Tuesday at the VGHF! We've had an incredible 2025, but we need your help to make sure we can continue doing our charitable work in 2026 and beyond. We just launched our annual Winter Fundraiser campaign, please give if you're able (and share this post!). http://gamehistory.org/donate
December 2, 2025 at 2:31 PM
It's Giving Tuesday at the VGHF! We've had an incredible 2025, but we need your help to make sure we can continue doing our charitable work in 2026 and beyond. We just launched our annual Winter Fundraiser campaign, please give if you're able (and share this post!). http://gamehistory.org/donate
Nov. 27, 1976
Just weeks removed from Carter winning the presidential election and exactly one (1) day after the Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy in the UK” released—we’re headed to the arcade to listen to #AT40.
Doctors say our case of disco is terminal.
There is only one game that everyone wants to play.
Just weeks removed from Carter winning the presidential election and exactly one (1) day after the Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy in the UK” released—we’re headed to the arcade to listen to #AT40.
Doctors say our case of disco is terminal.
There is only one game that everyone wants to play.
November 29, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Nov. 27, 1976
Just weeks removed from Carter winning the presidential election and exactly one (1) day after the Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy in the UK” released—we’re headed to the arcade to listen to #AT40.
Doctors say our case of disco is terminal.
There is only one game that everyone wants to play.
Just weeks removed from Carter winning the presidential election and exactly one (1) day after the Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy in the UK” released—we’re headed to the arcade to listen to #AT40.
Doctors say our case of disco is terminal.
There is only one game that everyone wants to play.
Reposted by Quarter Past
If you're a Williams/Bally/Midway pinball or video game buff, I highly recommend Ken's book. I wasn't privy to all of the history that went on in that shop, but his accounts are accurate and fair. It tells the story very well, including the bad times.
www.amazon.com/Pinballs-Pix...
www.amazon.com/Pinballs-Pix...
November 26, 2025 at 5:54 PM
If you're a Williams/Bally/Midway pinball or video game buff, I highly recommend Ken's book. I wasn't privy to all of the history that went on in that shop, but his accounts are accurate and fair. It tells the story very well, including the bad times.
www.amazon.com/Pinballs-Pix...
www.amazon.com/Pinballs-Pix...
Real Genius 2
If you were a despotic president, what movie would you force Hollywood to make? I want to see Quentin's Star Trek movie or maybe Kill Bill Vol 3.
November 25, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Real Genius 2
look the reality is we’ll probably never figure out who dug this hole
November 25, 2025 at 7:21 PM
look the reality is we’ll probably never figure out who dug this hole
Reposted by Quarter Past
ME: WHY’S IT CALLED BOWLING AND NOT PINBALL
SKYDIVING INSTRUCTOR: *strapped to my back* WE DON’T HAVE TO TALK
SKYDIVING INSTRUCTOR: *strapped to my back* WE DON’T HAVE TO TALK
November 25, 2025 at 3:06 PM
ME: WHY’S IT CALLED BOWLING AND NOT PINBALL
SKYDIVING INSTRUCTOR: *strapped to my back* WE DON’T HAVE TO TALK
SKYDIVING INSTRUCTOR: *strapped to my back* WE DON’T HAVE TO TALK
November 17, 1973
You can stay here, wallowing in sticky sex stories clogging up the timeline, or join us at the arcade over an #AT40 with an eclectic mix of soul, folk and country.
We’ll grow bored of the new Atari games Gotcha and Space Race within a half hour
Later tonight, this quote happens:
You can stay here, wallowing in sticky sex stories clogging up the timeline, or join us at the arcade over an #AT40 with an eclectic mix of soul, folk and country.
We’ll grow bored of the new Atari games Gotcha and Space Race within a half hour
Later tonight, this quote happens:
November 22, 2025 at 5:03 PM
November 17, 1973
You can stay here, wallowing in sticky sex stories clogging up the timeline, or join us at the arcade over an #AT40 with an eclectic mix of soul, folk and country.
We’ll grow bored of the new Atari games Gotcha and Space Race within a half hour
Later tonight, this quote happens:
You can stay here, wallowing in sticky sex stories clogging up the timeline, or join us at the arcade over an #AT40 with an eclectic mix of soul, folk and country.
We’ll grow bored of the new Atari games Gotcha and Space Race within a half hour
Later tonight, this quote happens:
This starts in an hour.
Will I be late? Will I even be coherent? Will I pick a fight about Niccolo Paganini being the first heavy metal shredder on the fretboard?
All good questions to which we won't know the answers until then.
Will I be late? Will I even be coherent? Will I pick a fight about Niccolo Paganini being the first heavy metal shredder on the fretboard?
All good questions to which we won't know the answers until then.
The Quarter is back - that is, @quarterpast.bsky.social and I, tomorrow at 7PM CST to continue our Arcade Dating bonanza.
www.twitch.tv/play_history
Come to laugh, live, learn, and engage in a debate about the first heavy metal song.
www.twitch.tv/play_history
Come to laugh, live, learn, and engage in a debate about the first heavy metal song.
November 22, 2025 at 12:00 AM
This starts in an hour.
Will I be late? Will I even be coherent? Will I pick a fight about Niccolo Paganini being the first heavy metal shredder on the fretboard?
All good questions to which we won't know the answers until then.
Will I be late? Will I even be coherent? Will I pick a fight about Niccolo Paganini being the first heavy metal shredder on the fretboard?
All good questions to which we won't know the answers until then.
Reposted by Quarter Past
The War comes and goes.
Digital computer technology enters the world - first through relays, then solid-state circuits.
EMI moves into music - or something.
Spotlight Golf is forgotten; the few surviving units traded around Britain in auctions and classifieds.
Digital computer technology enters the world - first through relays, then solid-state circuits.
EMI moves into music - or something.
Spotlight Golf is forgotten; the few surviving units traded around Britain in auctions and classifieds.
November 21, 2025 at 10:07 PM
The War comes and goes.
Digital computer technology enters the world - first through relays, then solid-state circuits.
EMI moves into music - or something.
Spotlight Golf is forgotten; the few surviving units traded around Britain in auctions and classifieds.
Digital computer technology enters the world - first through relays, then solid-state circuits.
EMI moves into music - or something.
Spotlight Golf is forgotten; the few surviving units traded around Britain in auctions and classifieds.
Reposted by Quarter Past
Got a new post! Going through some of the evidence for the earliest CRPGs to see how it all fits together.
thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/2025/11/19/s...
thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/2025/11/19/s...
Selects #4 – Dating (Some of) the First CRPGs
Let’s put our initiatives in order and delve into the mysterious world of early RPGs.
thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Got a new post! Going through some of the evidence for the earliest CRPGs to see how it all fits together.
thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/2025/11/19/s...
thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/2025/11/19/s...
Reposted by Quarter Past
Anyway, in honor of International Men's Day here's a J turn compilation from The Rockford FIles www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X7X...
The Rockford Files - J-turn compilation
YouTube video by Richard Korpel
www.youtube.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Anyway, in honor of International Men's Day here's a J turn compilation from The Rockford FIles www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X7X...
Gonna create an add-on for Spotify that fades out halfway through every fourth song and then starts back up again mid song to emulate the cherished medium of 8-tracks
In the words of the great Brian Eno:
Whatever you now find weird, ugly, uncomfortable and nasty about a new medium will surely become its signature. CD distortion, the jitteriness of digital video, the crap sound of 8-bit - all of these will be cherished and emulated as soon as they can be avoided.
Whatever you now find weird, ugly, uncomfortable and nasty about a new medium will surely become its signature. CD distortion, the jitteriness of digital video, the crap sound of 8-bit - all of these will be cherished and emulated as soon as they can be avoided.
November 19, 2025 at 1:54 AM
Gonna create an add-on for Spotify that fades out halfway through every fourth song and then starts back up again mid song to emulate the cherished medium of 8-tracks
Reposted by Quarter Past
I'm willing to reinvent my whole personality to justify this purchase
November 19, 2025 at 12:10 AM
I'm willing to reinvent my whole personality to justify this purchase
Nov. 11, 1978
Dems keep control of congress under Carter, the “401(k)” is born and we’re headed to the arcade to listen to the #AT40 and play video-game bowling.
This one’s a weird mix of pop, rock and disco that somehow doesn’t involve the Bee Gees but does feature the world’s worst song at #1.
Dems keep control of congress under Carter, the “401(k)” is born and we’re headed to the arcade to listen to the #AT40 and play video-game bowling.
This one’s a weird mix of pop, rock and disco that somehow doesn’t involve the Bee Gees but does feature the world’s worst song at #1.
Gather round. We're going back to November 11, 1978 for another Casey Kasem American Top 40 flashback #AT40. Who will be #1?
Listen to Casey on SiriusXM 70s, and follow this 🧵 to find out.
Listen to Casey on SiriusXM 70s, and follow this 🧵 to find out.
November 15, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Nov. 11, 1978
Dems keep control of congress under Carter, the “401(k)” is born and we’re headed to the arcade to listen to the #AT40 and play video-game bowling.
This one’s a weird mix of pop, rock and disco that somehow doesn’t involve the Bee Gees but does feature the world’s worst song at #1.
Dems keep control of congress under Carter, the “401(k)” is born and we’re headed to the arcade to listen to the #AT40 and play video-game bowling.
This one’s a weird mix of pop, rock and disco that somehow doesn’t involve the Bee Gees but does feature the world’s worst song at #1.
Reposted by Quarter Past
Big Daddy, Williams 1963
November 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Big Daddy, Williams 1963
Reposted by Quarter Past
Spotlight Golf contained very state-of-the-art technology for its time, which enabled it to create a unique gameplay experience.
According to the Australasian Golf Museum, this tech qualifies it as the "first computer game" and maybe the first electronic computer.
Let's investigate this.
According to the Australasian Golf Museum, this tech qualifies it as the "first computer game" and maybe the first electronic computer.
Let's investigate this.
November 14, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Spotlight Golf contained very state-of-the-art technology for its time, which enabled it to create a unique gameplay experience.
According to the Australasian Golf Museum, this tech qualifies it as the "first computer game" and maybe the first electronic computer.
Let's investigate this.
According to the Australasian Golf Museum, this tech qualifies it as the "first computer game" and maybe the first electronic computer.
Let's investigate this.
Reposted by Quarter Past
been buried in that landfill in 1983
November 11, 2025 at 2:30 PM
been buried in that landfill in 1983
Reposted by Quarter Past
Me: mom, can I have 26 thousand tons of iron ore?
Mom: to conclude some terms with a couple of steel firms?
Me: yeeeesss
*actually goes in the face of a hurricane west wind like a boss*
gitchee gumee time
Mom: to conclude some terms with a couple of steel firms?
Me: yeeeesss
*actually goes in the face of a hurricane west wind like a boss*
gitchee gumee time
November 10, 2023 at 7:14 PM
Me: mom, can I have 26 thousand tons of iron ore?
Mom: to conclude some terms with a couple of steel firms?
Me: yeeeesss
*actually goes in the face of a hurricane west wind like a boss*
gitchee gumee time
Mom: to conclude some terms with a couple of steel firms?
Me: yeeeesss
*actually goes in the face of a hurricane west wind like a boss*
gitchee gumee time
Reposted by Quarter Past
Hard to believe it's already been ten years that Gaming Alexandria has been around. Here's a (late) article about our history, as well as special thanks and small blurbs from others of what Gaming Alexandria has meant to them. Here's to another ten years! www.gamingalexandria.com/wp/2025/11/g...
November 9, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Hard to believe it's already been ten years that Gaming Alexandria has been around. Here's a (late) article about our history, as well as special thanks and small blurbs from others of what Gaming Alexandria has meant to them. Here's to another ten years! www.gamingalexandria.com/wp/2025/11/g...
Reposted by Quarter Past
November 4, 1972
Just 3 days til the US Presidential Election
There’s only one video game in the arcade and everyone agrees: it looks freaky (complimentary) but also plays freaky (derogatory)
The record industry continues to flail without any Beatles, as attested by this #AT40
Just 3 days til the US Presidential Election
There’s only one video game in the arcade and everyone agrees: it looks freaky (complimentary) but also plays freaky (derogatory)
The record industry continues to flail without any Beatles, as attested by this #AT40
Hop in the time machine. We're going back to November 4, 1972 for another Casey Kasem American Top 40 flashback #AT40. Who will be #1?
Listen to Casey on SiriusXM 70s, and follow this 🧵 to find out.
Listen to Casey on SiriusXM 70s, and follow this 🧵 to find out.
November 8, 2025 at 5:02 PM
November 4, 1972
Just 3 days til the US Presidential Election
There’s only one video game in the arcade and everyone agrees: it looks freaky (complimentary) but also plays freaky (derogatory)
The record industry continues to flail without any Beatles, as attested by this #AT40
Just 3 days til the US Presidential Election
There’s only one video game in the arcade and everyone agrees: it looks freaky (complimentary) but also plays freaky (derogatory)
The record industry continues to flail without any Beatles, as attested by this #AT40
The release of the original Grand Theft Auto will be closer to the release of Hamurabi than GTA VI when it's scheduled to come out
November 7, 2025 at 12:02 AM
The release of the original Grand Theft Auto will be closer to the release of Hamurabi than GTA VI when it's scheduled to come out
sure this seems like equivalent entertainment to watching paint dry, but after a few hours I get loopy and do things like call Zort on long-since disconnected phone numbers
here's a sneak peak at the kind of trouble I could get in tonight trying to make the pamphlet robot cry
fun starts in an hour
here's a sneak peak at the kind of trouble I could get in tonight trying to make the pamphlet robot cry
fun starts in an hour
November 6, 2025 at 12:00 AM
sure this seems like equivalent entertainment to watching paint dry, but after a few hours I get loopy and do things like call Zort on long-since disconnected phone numbers
here's a sneak peak at the kind of trouble I could get in tonight trying to make the pamphlet robot cry
fun starts in an hour
here's a sneak peak at the kind of trouble I could get in tonight trying to make the pamphlet robot cry
fun starts in an hour