BASIC Computer Games
101 games that started it all
David Ahl's 1978 collection of type-in BASIC games that predated home computers and defined a generation of programmers.
Overview
BASIC Computer Games by David Ahl, first published in 1973 and expanded in 1978, was a collection of 101 BASIC programs that people typed into whatever computer they could access. Originally written for mainframes and minicomputers, the games were adapted as home computers emerged.
The book sold over a million copies, making it the first computer book to achieve bestseller status. For many, it was their first exposure to both games and programming.
Fast Facts
- Author: David Ahl
- First edition: 1973 (Creative Computing)
- Expanded edition: 1978 (Workman Publishing)
- Pages: ~250
- Games: 101 complete programs
- Sequels: More BASIC Computer Games (1979)
Notable Games
The collection included classics:
- Hammurabi - Resource management (ancient Sumeria)
- Super Star Trek - Space strategy
- Lunar Lander - Physics simulation
- Wumpus - Hunt the Wumpus cave game
- Animal - Simple AI guessing game
- Blackjack - Card game
- Basketball - Sports simulation
Historical Significance
The book predated home computers. People typed these games into:
- University mainframes
- Workplace minicomputers
- Early microcomputers (Altair, IMSAI)
- School terminals
When home computers arrived, the book was ready with a library of software.
Teaching Value
Each game taught programming concepts:
- Variables and data types
- Loops and conditionals
- Arrays and data structures
- Random numbers
- User input handling
- Game state management
Legacy
The book established type-in games as a learning method, directly inspiring Usborne’s approach and countless magazine listings.