Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: Physicists awarded patent for first electronic game

12/14/2025

25 4

Summary

Story summary

On December 14, 1948, American physicists Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann received a patent for the cathode-ray tube amusement device, marking the creation of the first interactive electronic game. This innovative device simulated artillery fire on a CRT screen, allowing players to adjust knobs to hit plastic targets, laying the groundwork for future video games.

1 of 1

Story summary

On December 14, 1948, American physicists Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann received a patent for the cathode-ray tube amusement device, marking the creation of the first interactive electronic game. This innovative device simulated artillery fire on a CRT screen, allowing players to adjust knobs to hit plastic targets, laying the groundwork for future video games.