Bushnell: Down, Not Out

We checked in with Nolan Bushnell yesterday by e-mail - which was smart, because the Laryngitis that's keeping Bushnell from attending Milia Games in France isn't giving him the opportunity to do much talking.

Bushnell was to have led the Milia d'Or jury in determining winners in four special games categories. And he was to have participated in the awards ceremony as well. Well, there's always next year.

GameSpot News: I've just been told your allergic reaction to France has kicked in and you won't be attending Milia Games. Can it be true?Nolan Bushnell: Yes, sorry to say the dreaded flu that has been going around finally caughtup with me. I actually love France and even had a house in Paris for several years, so you can imagine my disappointment in not being able to attend the conference.

GSN: You were scheduled to appear on a panel discussing the history of video/computer gaming. We'll miss your presence and insight, can you share a bit of what you had prepared for the panel?NB: I was going to talk about how the early "computer games" used digital logic - but were really not computers at all. They were what are known as "state machines." Programmed computers were just too slow back then. Remember, the first game was in 1970 - the microprocessor was not invented until 1974.

GSN: And specifically, what does the *history* of gaming have to do with the present day situation. Are there lessons to be learned from the past, or in this industry is it better to discard the past and begin completely anew.NB: I think that there is often too much reliance on simulation and graphics. Ultimately, the timing and challenge of the gameplay suffers.

GSN: Where do you see strides being made today in the industry? Any potholes to worry about in terms of the industry's direction?NB: You know, just when things start to settle down there will be another platform war. I guess that the Sega attempt will not effect the US for a couple of years, but I know of several pretenders to the throne, and I expect 2000 to be a bloody war for dominance.

GSN: Who do you consider gaming's stars of today and tomorrow? Are you able to learn from their creations? I mean, do you really expect to learn anything from Quake Arena or Pocket Station or Pokemon Blue?NB: There are new stars every year. The list goes on and on. I think the next challenge is to bring the Net into the living room. Web TV has not done it effectively. I think it will be up to the home game folks to 'Internet enable' the other half of the population.

GSN: Last question: We'll have just a small bit of room in our bag on the way home...what can we get you in Cannes? NB: I appreciate the offer - but travel light, have a great time and just have a "wish you were here" toast for me.