What Game Did Elon Musk Make? A Deep Dive into Elon’s Early Foray into Game Development
The game Elon Musk created at the young age of 12 was called Blastar. This wasn’t just a casual pastime; it was a fully functional video game that he coded himself. This early project showcases his innate talent for both technology and entrepreneurship, even at such a young age. This is not just a fun factoid; it provides crucial context on the early development of his innovative mindset, which would eventually lead him to becoming one of the most influential figures of our time. Blastar wasn’t just a digital creation; it was the first step in a journey that would see him revolutionize multiple industries.
The Creation of Blastar
In 1983, living in South Africa, Musk developed Blastar, a space-themed game that drew inspiration from classic arcade games of the era, such as Space Invaders. In the game, players controlled spaceships, each with five lives, tasked with navigating a dangerous environment populated with alien freighters, hydrogen bombs, and menacing status beam machines. This game was not a simple concept but a fully realised digital product, highlighting his proficiency in programming at an incredibly young age.
This game was not just a theoretical exercise; Musk coded and built the game himself. The level of detail and functionality he packed into his project while still a child is a clear indication of his extraordinary intellect. Blastar served as not just an exercise in creativity but also the first foray into the business world. He did not keep the game to himself, he instead sold Blastar to a computer magazine, setting him on his path to becoming the billionaire we all know today.
Blastar’s Legacy
The story of Blastar is more than just a quirky piece of trivia about Elon Musk’s childhood. It’s a window into his early passion for coding, problem-solving, and creating. His ability to conceptualize, build, and then sell a fully functional video game at age 12 is remarkable. This ability is a clear indication of the mindset that made him a billionaire. His early venture into video game development is often overlooked, but serves as a critical insight into the origin of his innovative spirit.
Blastar is a crucial piece in understanding the trajectory of Elon Musk. It’s proof of his innate talent and his inherent drive to take an idea from conception to realization. It shows a man who was never satisfied with just consuming information. Instead, he has a deep desire to create. This approach would serve him well in his other ventures including, founding Tesla and SpaceX.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When exactly was Blastar created and what year was it sold?
Blastar was created in 1983, when Elon Musk was 12 years old. He sold the game in 1984 to PC and Office Technology magazine.
2. How much did Elon Musk sell Blastar for?
Elon Musk sold Blastar for approximately $500. This might seem like a small amount now, but it was a significant sum for a 12-year-old in the 1980s and marks his first business transaction.
3. Besides Blastar, did Elon Musk create any other games?
Yes, after Blastar, Musk created two other games. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography, one was similar to Donkey Kong, and the other simulated roulette and blackjack.
4. Is Elon Musk known to be a gamer?
Yes, Elon Musk is a known gamer. He has frequently discussed his love for video games, both past and present, and they’ve even influenced his leadership style and business decisions.
5. What are some of Elon Musk’s favorite video games?
Musk has mentioned several games he enjoys, including The Battle of Polytopia, which he admits to playing obsessively, as well as Diablo IV and Elden Ring. He also has an affinity for sandbox games such as Minecraft.
6. How does Elon Musk’s love of gaming influence his business life?
According to Isaacson, Musk believes that video games enhance decision-making skills and leadership qualities. He often discusses gleaning life lessons from the games he plays. His love for gaming permeates both his personal and professional life.
7. Did Elon Musk’s gaming affect his personal life?
Yes, his gaming habits have had an impact on his personal relationships. He has admitted that his addiction to Polytopia was so severe that both he and his acquaintances had to uninstall the game from their phones.
8. Did Elon Musk make any video games after Blastar and his other early games?
No, after his early forays into game development, Elon Musk has focused on his other ventures. He has not created any other publicly known video games since those early projects.
9. Does Elon Musk stream himself playing video games?
Yes, he does. He recently streamed himself playing Diablo IV on X (formerly Twitter) to test the platform’s video streaming capabilities.
10. What kind of computer does Elon Musk use for work and gaming?
Elon Musk primarily uses an Apple MacBook Pro, known for its high performance and capabilities.
11. Is Elon Musk interested in any sports or sports teams?
Yes, Elon Musk has expressed an interest in potentially owning a sports team, specifically the English soccer team, Manchester United.
12. How does Elon Musk use his platform on X in relation to video games?
Musk has used X (formerly Twitter) to showcase his gaming habits and even test out video streaming capabilities. He frequently interacts with his followers regarding gaming.
13. What is Elon Musk’s IQ?
Elon Musk’s IQ is estimated to be 155, which is considered exceptionally high and indicative of his high level of intelligence and problem-solving abilities.
14. What inspired Elon Musk to create Blastar?
Blastar was inspired by classic arcade games, particularly Space Invaders, which were popular in the 1980s. This led to his creation of his own space-themed game.
15. Does Elon Musk think video games are beneficial for learning?
Yes, Musk believes video games have cognitive benefits. He thinks that the problem-solving and strategic thinking involved in many games make you a better leader and decision-maker. This is something he openly encourages in his own work and lifestyle.
In conclusion, Elon Musk’s game, Blastar, represents much more than a simple teenage hobby. It embodies his early intellectual curiosity and his drive to create, highlighting the seeds of innovation and entrepreneurship that would later define his career. His connection to video games continues to influence his business and personal life, showcasing a fascinating dimension of one of the world’s most influential figures.