Ralph Baer, one of the true pioneers in the world of video games, has passed away at age 92. Baer was frequently known as "The Father of Video Games" for his early role in the development of the video game console.
Baer first explored the idea of playing games on a television screen in 1966. He finished his prototype for what would become the very first video game console, then dubbed the Brown Box, in 1968. In 1972, the Brown Box technology was used to unveil the Magnavox Odyssey, the world's first commercial video game console.
Baer also created the first video game light gun and game. In 1978, Baer co-developed the memory game Simon.
In 2006, Baer was awarded the National Medal of Technology for his work with video games. He was inducted into the National Inventor's Hall of Fame in 2010.
Baer remained an inventor all of his life. In a 2012 profile by David Friedman, Baer compared his desire to invent to that of a painter. "Would you ask a guy who has been painting all his life why he keeps painting? Stop painting? This is insane."
For everyone who has ever played or loved a video game, Ralph, we thank you.