Elon Musk is a name synonymous with technological innovation, space exploration, and electric cars. But what many people don’t know is that he also has a passion for video games. In fact, his interest in computers and gaming began at a very young age when he created his first video game called “Blastar.”
“Blastar” was developed by Musk in 1984 when he was just 12 years old. He used the BASIC programming language on a Commodore VIC-20 computer to create the game, which was a space-themed shooter.
The objective of the game was simple. The player had to pilot a spacecraft through an asteroid field while fighting off enemy spaceships. The ultimate goal was to destroy the heavily armed alien spaceship called the “Blastar” and save the planet.
For a 12-year-old, Musk’s game was quite impressive. It had detailed graphics, sound effects, and a high level of interactivity. The player could control the spacecraft using the arrow keys on the keyboard and fire lasers at enemy ships using the space bar. The game also had a scorekeeping system, which kept track of the player’s progress and provided a sense of accomplishment.
Despite being a simple game, “Blastar” showcased Musk’s technical skills and creativity. It was also a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Musk spent countless hours coding and debugging the game, learning from his mistakes and constantly improving it.
Musk’s passion for video games didn’t end with “Blastar.” He continued to experiment with programming and game development, creating several other games throughout his teenage years.
However, “Blastar” remained a special game for Musk. It was the game that started it all, and he often referred to it as the “first love” of his life. He even described it as a “cross between Space Invaders and Asteroids” and admitted that he spent too much time playing it himself.
In 1984, Musk decided to sell the code for “Blastar” to a computer magazine called PC and Office Technology for $500. The magazine published the game in its September 1984 issue, and it became quite popular among Commodore VIC-20 users.
Looking back, “Blastar” may seem like a simple game compared to the high-end graphics and complex gameplay of modern video games. But it was a groundbreaking achievement for a 12-year-old boy in the early days of home computing.
In many ways, “Blastar” set the stage for Musk’s future endeavors in technology and entrepreneurship. It showed his passion for innovation and his willingness to take risks and experiment with new ideas.
Today, Musk is known for his visionary projects such as SpaceX, Tesla, and Neuralink. But it all began with a simple video game that he created as a curious and imaginative 12-year-old. “Blastar” may have been just a game, but it was a game that changed the course of Musk’s life and inspired him to pursue his dreams.