Pittsburg State University - Kanza Yearbook (Pittsburg, KS)

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Entertainment Gaiaxian, Space Invaders, Missile Command, Asteroids, Centipede, Defender... do they sound like a list of science fiction movies? No, they are the names of some of the video games that became an addicting pastime for many students. “There's a video boom going on right now,” said Mike Sittner, manager of Hollywood’s, a local bar. “I started out with one machine a couple of years ago, and now I have eight.” The video boom had far-reacnmg effects. One could play one form or another of a video game almost anywhere. There were the small, handheld electronic video games that many people had at home, along with the television programmed Atari game. But the most popular video machines were the large ones which are usually mounted in a tali black case so people can face the screen at eye level while standing up. Its a challenge, basically they're the same as pinball machines, but they are more advanced. The machines were cropping up all over the place—in grocery stores, quick service food markets such as QuikTrip and Convenient, pizza places and bars. What made these games so ap- pealing? “It’s a challenge,” said Gregg Ball, Adrian, Mo., sophomore. “Basically, they’re the same as pinball machines, but they are more advanced.” “They keep me busy,” said Jim Matthews, Pittsburg freshman. “When I have some time on my hands and nothing to do, I’ll go to the Student Union or over to Hollywood’s and play a couple of games.” “It’s a cheap form of entertainment,” said Gary Leuteritz, Indianapolis senior. “You’ve got to do something with your time.” “I get tired of playing pinball,” said Bill Lindsay, Merriam vo-tech SHOVING QUARTERS into games such as Hollywood centipede has become a popular pastime for many students such as Brad Sevart. —photo by Gareth Waltrlp Video Games 16--------------- oo

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some phase of journalism upon graduation. In addition to the changes, some things remained the same. Funds were short in all areas of the University. Disputes over faculty salaries continued, and most importantly, students continued to receive an education. Hopefully, the time students spent at Pitt- sburg State University was filled with learning both inside and outside the classroom, and was an integral part of preparing them to be useful and productive members of society. In reading this book, or just leafing through the pictures, one will be able to recall memories and experiences at the turn of every page, —by Janet Stites TRAVELING THROUGH England on a student exchange program, Pat Terry takes time for a little grazing in the Lake District, —photo by Olive Sullivan GIVING A BOOST to a young Gorilla fan, Ron Womble watches for the Homecoming parade, —photo by Janet Dulohery COVERING THE FIRST PSU football game telecast live, the cameraman from KOAM-TV gets in on the excitement of Homecoming, —photo by Janet Dulohery Opening ------- 15 Kan?

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Video invasion Attack of Atari student. “It’s always the same, too plain. On the other hand, video games are more interesting and modern. They’re never the same. The games involve skill, especially hand-eye coordination, and each one has a different objective in order to win. In the game Asteroids, the player attempts to destroy all the asteroids that come near his ship before one of them hits it, causing it to blow up. In Missile Command, the player tries to blow up all the alien missiles before they strike his home base and destroy it. The rewards for the players efforts also vary from machine to machine. With some machines, the winner receives additional time to play the game. With others, he gets another row of objects to shoot at. And yet others offer the chance for the winner to immortalize himself on the scoring record list displayed on the machine if he gets one of the top 10 highest scores ever recorded. The most popular machines among students seemed to be Asteroids, Space Invaders, and Pac Man, although the favorites fluctuated depending on which ones were the newest. “I used to like Asteroids, but I got tired of it after a while,” said Ball. THE STUDENT UNION game room is a favorite hangout for Alireza Adibi, where he sharpens his skills on the various pinball and video games, —photo by Bill Holtom