Spacewar highlighted three aspects of the hacker culture that became themes of the digital age. First, it was created collaboratively. We were able to build it together, working as a team, which is how we liked to do things, Russell said. Second, it was free and open-source software. People asked for copies of the source code, and of course we gave them out. Of course-that was in a time and place when software yearned to be free. Third, it was based on the belief that computers should be personal and interactive. It allowed us to get our hands on a computer and make it respond to us in real time, said Russell.10
Spacewar, an early computer game, epitomized key elements of hacker culture that shaped the digital landscape. It was fundamentally a collaborative endeavor, with creators working together as a team, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in innovation. This communal spirit fostered an environment where ideas could flourish and be shared among peers, setting a precedent for future developments in technology.
Another significant aspect of Spacewar was its foundation on free and open-source software principles. The creators willingly shared the source code, reflecting a time when the concept of freely accessible software was gaining momentum. Additionally, the game exemplified the belief that computers should be personal and interactive, allowing users to engage directly with technology and manipulate it in real time, thus enhancing the user experience and redefining the relationship between people and computers.
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Other quotes in The Innovators: How a Group of Inventors, Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution
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