In this podcast episode, we explore the fascinating history of Tetris, starting with its creation by Alexey Pajitnov in the Soviet Union and its rise to global fame. The narrative unfolds the intricate and often tumultuous journey of securing the game's rights, highlighting the various individuals and companies who navigated the complexities of Cold War politics and licensing agreements. We also dive into what makes Tetris so addictive, its effects on the brain, and the competitive realm of professional players who have taken the game to incredible heights, including a remarkable 13-year-old who famously crashed the original NES version. The episode wraps up with a poignant side story about one of the game's early developers.
