Bertie the Brain

About

Bertie the Brain is a single-player puzzle game built around strategic mark-placing. Players challenge a machine opponent in a straightforward contest of wits, aiming to outmaneuver its predictable yet tricky responses. The mechanics are simple but demand careful planning, as each move alters the balance of power on the grid. Released in 1950 by Josef Kates, this arcade title holds the distinction of being widely recognized as the first video game ever created. Its minimalist design and reliance on early computer hardware make it a curious artifact of gaming’s origins. Fans of historical tech or no-frills puzzlers might appreciate its raw, unpolished charm.