Tetris » The Story

In 1984, Russian scientist Alexy Pajitnov develops the very first version of Tetris on an Electronia 60. It is then ported to the IBM PC and quickly spreads throughout the Soviet Union. In 1987, Tetris launches on PCs in North America and Europe - the first step in its global expansion beyond the Soviet Union.

In 1988, video game designer and publisher Henk Rogers discovers Tetris at a Las Vegas trade show and is instantly hooked on the game. Soon after, Henk's company, Bullet-Proof Software, releases Tetris on the PC and NES in Japan, It becomes a "software blockbuster" selling over two million copies. Henk Rogers meets Alexey Pajitnov for the forst time and they immediately become friends. Henk Rogers secures the handheld rights to Tetris. He then licenses those rights to Nintendo. Nintendo launches the Game Boy platform with one packed in cartridge - Tetris. Over 35 million copies are sold. The Software Publisher's Association awards Tetris four Excellence in Software Awards, which were then considered the "Oscars" for the software industry.

In 1992, Scientific research suggests Tetris can make the brain operate more efficiently. Henk Rogers establishes Blue Planet Software, which becomes the exclusive agent for Tetris. In 1996, the Tetris Company is formed and becomes the exclusive source of all licenses to Tetris. The Tetris Guidelines are created to establish consistency and quality standards for Tetris.

In 1997, artist Roger Dean designs a bold and distinctive logo for Tetris. DTI Software helps Tetris take off with In-Flight Tetris. In time, Tetris will fly on over 50 airlines worldwide. Tetris finds success with new handheld game formats when Radica releases Tetris on its standard handhed devices. G-mode publishes Tetris on mobile phones in Japan. Tetris goes on to become the #1 mobile phone game in the Japanese market.

In 2002, Henk Rogers establishes Blue Lava Wireless to develop Tetris for mobile devices in North America. Tetris rapidly gains momentum in the mobile market in North America and with strategic partnerships in Korea and Europe becomes the leader in mobile games. In 2005, Jamdat purchases Blue Lava Wireless and obtains an exclusive, worldwide 15-year license to publish Tetris on mobile devices.

In 2006, EA purchases Jamdat and becomes the new exclusive licensee of Tetris for mobile devices. Tetris for the iPod is launched and instantly becomes Apple's #1 downloaded game. Nintendo launches Tetris for DS and sells over two million copies worldwide. In 2007, Alexey Pajitnov receives the First Penguin Award at the Game Developers Conference. Tetris is widely recognized as the game that gave birth to the casual game industry.

In 2008, a study by Emily Holmes, Ph.D., of Oxford suggests that Tetris may help treat patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Tetris Online, Inc. releases Tetris Party on the Wii. Tetris Party soon climbs to the #1 spot for WiiWare downloads and is nominated for Best WiiWare Game 2008 and Best Puzzle Game 2008 by IGN. EA Mobile releases Tetris for the iphone/iPod touch. It is currently one of the All-Time Top 10 Paid Applications on the Apple iTunes App Store. NHN Hangame launches a new online multiplayer Tetris in Korea and it quickly becomes the #1 casual game in Korea.

In 2009, Tetris Online, Inc. unveils the first official Web-based Tetris game site Tetris Friends Online Games (www.tetrisfriends.com), which currently attracts more than 1.5 million unique monthly users. Tetris celebrates its 25th anniversary! Alexey Pajitnov receives the honorary award at the LARA - Der Deutsche Games Award in Cologne, Germany. Brain imaging shows that playing Tetris leads to both brain efficiency and a thicker cortex.

In April 2010, iPad Tetris launch, featuring bold HD graphics and an all new intuitive D-pad controls. In June 2010, Tetris Party Deluxe for the Wii and DS launch featuring over 20 game play modes! In September 2010, Tetris launches merchandising line. Now you can express your love of Tetris anywhere! In December 2010, Tetris for the Playstation Network is released to critic acclaim.

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