Gotcha (1973), The year 1973 was a pivotal moment in the history of video games. Atari, fresh off the monumental success of Pong (1972), was eager to innovate and carve out a unique space in the burgeoning arcade industry. Among their early experiments was Gotcha, a game that holds the distinction of being the first maze chase arcade game. Released in October 1973, Gotcha may not have achieved the commercial success of its predecessor, but its influence and quirky history make it a fascinating subject for retro gaming enthusiasts. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the origins, mechanics, controversies, and lasting impact of Gotcha, shedding light on a lesser-known but significant chapter in gaming history.
The Dawn of Atari and the Birth of Gotcha
Gotcha was born from a technical curiosity. While testing Pong machines, Alcorn noticed a glitch where a broken circuit scattered score numbers across the screen. This sparked an idea: what if a game could feature a dynamic, ever-changing maze? Combining this concept with a motion circuit, Alcorn crafted Gotcha, a two-player game where one player pursues the other through a shifting maze. Development began in July 1973, and by October, the game was ready for arcades, showcased at the Music Operators of America (MOA) Exposition in November 1973.
Gameplay: A Simple Yet Novel Chase
Gotcha’s gameplay was straightforward but groundbreaking for its time. Two players faced off in a maze displayed on a black-and-white screen (with some versions featuring a tinted color overlay or a rare full-color display). Player 1, the Pursued, was represented by a plus sign, while Player 2, the Pursuer, controlled a square. The objective was simple: the Pursuer aimed to catch the Pursued within a time limit (ranging from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the machine). If the Pursuer succeeded, they scored a point, and the players swapped roles for the next round.
What set Gotcha apart was its dynamic maze, which shifted during gameplay, opening new paths and closing others. This added an element of unpredictability, forcing players to adapt on the fly. The game also featured an electronic beeping soundtrack that increased in frequency as the Pursuer closed in, heightening tension and excitement. While the gameplay might seem rudimentary today, in 1973, it was a bold departure from the static courts of Pong and offered a fresh, competitive experience.
The Controversy: “The Boob Game”
Gotcha is perhaps best remembered not for its gameplay but for its controversial design choices. The original arcade cabinets featured two large, pink, dome-shaped controllers that players rested their hands on to control the joysticks. These were intentionally designed to resemble breasts, a decision attributed to Atari engineer George Faraco. According to Atari’s second engineer, Don Lange, Faraco’s inspiration came from a joke about joysticks resembling phalluses, prompting him to create “female controls” for Gotcha. The game’s promotional flyer, depicting a man grabbing a woman’s waist, further fueled the controversy.
This provocative design earned Gotcha the nickname “The Boob Game” and made it the first video game to stir significant controversy, predating later examples like Death Race (1976). While the suggestive controllers were replaced with standard joysticks shortly after release, the initial design reflected the playful, boundary-pushing culture of Atari’s early days—a time when the company was staffed by young, creative “nerds” more interested in fun than corporate decorum.
A Lukewarm Reception but a Lasting Legacy
Despite its innovative mechanics, Gotcha was not a commercial hit. It received a “lukewarm reception” and struggled to compete in a market dominated by Pong clones. Estimates of its sales vary, with some sources suggesting it sold around 3,000 units, making it the seventh best-selling arcade game of 1973 according to Ralph Baer. However, its impact went beyond sales figures. Gotcha was the first arcade maze game, paving the way for later classics like Pac-Man (1980). It also holds the distinction of being one of the first color arcade games, with a rare multicolor version featuring red, blue, and green hues released alongside the standard model.
For retro gaming enthusiasts, Gotcha is a fascinating artifact. Its dynamic maze concept was a precursor to the maze chase genre, and its bold (if controversial) design choices reflect the experimental spirit of the early arcade era. Today, original Gotcha cabinets are rare, with only 15 known dedicated machines in the hands of collectors, making it a coveted piece of gaming history.
Why Gotcha Matters Today
For those passionate about retro gaming, Gotcha offers a window into the early days of the industry, when developers were still figuring out what video games could be. Its blend of innovation and controversy highlights the risks Atari took to push boundaries, even if not all paid off commercially. The game’s influence can be seen in the maze chase games that followed, and its story serves as a reminder of how far gaming has come—from pink dome controllers to the immersive worlds of modern titles.
If you’re a collector or enthusiast, tracking down a Gotcha cabinet or exploring emulated versions can be a rewarding way to experience this piece of history. While it may not have the polish of today’s games, its simplicity and historical significance make it a must-know for anyone interested in the roots of arcade gaming.