Who is Ralph Baer?
Ralph Henry Baer (1922 - 2014) was a German-American inventor who is considered by video game historians to be the “grandfather of video games”.
Although he originally worked on defense system technology, Baer had ideas to make engaging games people could play with electronic devices, and that the games could make a profit. He went on to create several games and toys that became popular among families.
Baer went on to create his “Brown Box”, which could connect to a Television and be used to simulate sports such as tennis. After a few business proposals, the Brown Box went on to become the prototype for the Magnavox Odyssey, the first video game console.
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Ralph Baer (Image)
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What is the Magnavox Odyssey?
Although the company Magnavox primarily manufactured Televisions and radios, some executives were impressed with Baer’s Brown Box, and agreed to produce a console modeled after it for sale.
With Baer’s prototype, a team from Magnavox created what they would market as the Magnavox Odyssey, with credit to Baer for his design. The Magnavox Odyssey was the world’s first video game console.
With the Odyssey, one or two players could play a variety of sports-like games on their Television just by pressing buttons and turning knobs on the controllers. Setting up the game was as simple as plugging the console into the TV, and inserting a specific game cartridge into the console.
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Magnavox Odyssey (Image)
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The Current Monument
There is a monument that currently exists to honor Baer. It is a full body statue of him sitting on a bench, holding a controller for his Brown Box prototype. There is a sign next to the bench displaying Baer’s name and listing his accomplishments.
The statue, bench, and sign are at a spot called Baer Square in Arms Park, located in Manchester, NH. All are placed by an overlook of a river and just in front of stones on the ground with writing on them. This location was chosen it is a spot tourists can walk through and Manchester is the town Baer lived in.
The statue is brown and gray in color, with a metallic sheen. There are detailed folds in the clothing and facial features depicted.
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The Current Monument (Image)
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Why Have a New Monument?
Baer’s existence, let alone his role in video game history remains unknown to many that are not video game historians. Simply having another monument dedicated to him would increase awareness of his accomplishments.
The current memorial statue of Baer in Manchester, while accurately depicting his likeness, makes a poor effort in displaying his contributions. The sign next to the statue is detailed, but wordy, and therefore not appealing to onlookers.
Additionally, it could be difficult for some to understand what the Baer statue is holding, as the controller is small and not connected to anything. A monument without these flaws would be more successful in gaining Baer and his legacy the recognition they deserve.
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The Details
The new monument proposed by this zine would be a metal statue depicting an old Magnavox Television, placed on top of a Brown Box. In front of the Brown Box would be a controller for it, and a controller for the Magnavox Odyssey.
Ideally, this unusual depiction from a statue will gain immediate interest from onlookers. The components will also clearly show what Baer’s invention helped to create, and onlookers will easily be able to tell it has to do with video games.
A plaque or sign will also be placed next to the monument, but will only have a short caption. The caption would read “In memory of Ralph Baer, the grandfather of video games.
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Front View
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Back View
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Left Side View
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Right Side View
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Where Should it Go?
This monument must be placed in a spot that is easily accessible to many people. It also needs to be located where it can be appreciated by onlookers. Ralph Baer was a maker of a video game console for company that still exists today, therefore there are two ideal locations for the monument.
The first would be at a university with a game design program. George Mason University is ideal because it is recognized as a good university for game design and has space around its Art & Design building for the monument to be placed.
The second ideal location would be in the Knoxville market square, as it is an open area with lots of activity in the same town as Magnavox Headquarters.
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Isometric View
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George Mason University
If this monument is to be placed in the George Mason University campus in Fairfax, VA, the ideal location for it would be next to the Art & Design building. At this building, many students study and pursue careers in video game design.
The monument’s presence could be a source of inspiration to students. Additionally, the area near the building lacks any sort of attraction piece, and would do well to include a statue to add artistic detail.
The statue would also serve as a reminder to anyone interested in video game history that the Magnavox Odyssey was created and released for many to play before the Atari 2600, and appeal to students and professors specifically studying video game history.
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George Mason University (Area)
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Knoxville Market Square
If this monument must be placed elsewhere, it would be most appropriately placed in the market square of Knoxville, TN. One of the reasons for this is that the Magnavox headquarters is located in Knoxville.
The other reason for this location being ideal is that the market is a popular tourist attraction. Notably, there are spots in the square that are displays for various works of art. By placing the statue in a populated location, Baer and the Odyssey can gain much wider recognition by everyday people.
Additionally, the statue would give recognition and boost interest in Magnavox, as tourists would be curious to learn more about the statue. The proximity of the headquarters would boost that very interest.
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Knoxville Market Square (Area)
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