Computer Battlegames
The book that launched a million programmers
Usborne's 1982 type-in book featuring Hangman and other games that introduced countless children to programming.
Overview
Computer Battlegames was one of Usborne’s first computing books, published in 1982. Part of a series that included Computer Spacegames and Weird Computer Games, it contained type-in BASIC programs with a military and strategy theme.
For many children in the early 1980s, typing in the Hangman program from this book was their first experience of programming. The colourful illustrations, clear listings, and immediate reward of a working game created programmers who would go on to shape the games industry.
Fast Facts
- Publisher: Usborne Publishing
- Year: 1982
- Authors: Various (illustrated by Rob McCaig and others)
- Pages: ~48
- Format: Paperback, colour throughout
- Price: Around £1.99
Notable Programs
The book contained several type-in games:
- Hangman - Word guessing game that taught string handling
- Battleships - Grid-based strategy teaching arrays
- Tank Battle - Combat game with coordinates
- Robot Missile - Targeting game with simple physics
Why Hangman Mattered
The Hangman program taught fundamental concepts:
- Variables - Storing words and guesses
- Arrays - Tracking guessed letters
- Loops - Checking each letter
- Conditionals - Win/lose states
- String manipulation - Core text handling
- User input - Interactive programming
The Usborne Approach
The book used Usborne’s distinctive style:
- Colourful robot and alien illustrations
- Colour-coded listings (before syntax highlighting existed)
- Conversion tables for different BASIC dialects
- Speech bubbles explaining concepts
- Step-by-step debugging tips
Legacy
The book is now available as a free PDF from Usborne’s website, continuing to introduce new generations to programming fundamentals.