Pong is one of the oldest video games ever made. A true classic that’s so simple, yet so achingly difficult, I’m almost certain it can be attributed to hundreds, maybe thousands of holes punched through drywalls around the world.
Its creators, Atari, wants to cash in on that cultural capital by turning the title into – wait for it – a TV game show. It’ll be called Million Dollar Pong, which inexplicably makes me want to punch myself in the kidneys.
The show will be produced by Scott Sternberg, the bloke behind shows like Kid’s Wheel of Fortune, The Gong Show, Hollywood Squares, Catch 21, and more. Having only heard of one of those via a Simpsons piss-take, I can only assume they’re all big deals in the US.
“Pong is a cultural touchpoint for generations of people,” Sternberg said. “It’s not often we get the chance to develop a game show concept around such an iconic brand. I can’t wait to give people the chance to see, experience and play a brand new Pong.”
The iconic 1972 title brought gaming into the spotlight and helped launch the commercial video game business. Other Atari classics include Asteroids, Missile Command, and everyone’s favourite, RollerCoaster Tycoon.
“Our brand and our portfolio of games are known to many people around the world so it is a natural fit to bring them to television,” Atari CEO, Frédéric Chesnais, said. “We are proud to team-up with Scott and have him join our brand because his expertise will help create a truly remarkable television show for everyone to enjoy.”
Will it be any good? My gut’s telling me absolutely not, but hey, I’m open to being pleasantly surprised.
