Description

"A Game of Concentration" (also known as "Hunt & Score" or "Memory Match") is an early video game for the Atari 2600, designed by Alan Miller and released by Atari, Inc. in 1978. The game is based on the classic memory card game where players flip cards to find matching pairs. In its digital form, the game board consists of a grid of 20 cards (displayed as rectangles), concealing pairs of numbers from 1 to 10. Players take turns revealing two cards at a time, attempting to uncover matching numerical pairs. The goal is to recall the positions of previously seen cards and match more pairs than the opponent. The game offers both a single-player mode, where the player competes against the computer, and a two-player mode for head-to-head competition.

Significant in its simplicity, "A Game of Concentration" leverages the Atari 2600's capabilities to create an engaging cognitive challenge that appeals to both children and adults. Its historical relevance lies not only in its gameplay but also in its pioneering role for memory-based video games on console platforms. By utilizing a simple user interface and minimalistic graphics, it serves as a testament to early video game design, focusing on mental acuity and memory rather than high-speed action or complex narratives. As one of the first games of its kind for home consoles, it paved the way for future titles in the puzzle and educational genres, marking an important contribution to the video game industry's growth.