Tetris is a game that has withstood the test of time. Over three decades, this game has been enjoyed by generation after generation of players and professional gamers, way before Candy Crush even existed. From the second you hear the amazing , catchy opening theme of the game (which was based on an old Russian folk song), you are hooked. Ever since its creation, Tetris has been a worldwide phenomenon. It has been featured in movies and even played on the side of a Philadelphia skyscraper. But how much do you really know about Tetris? Here are four interesting facts about the ever popular game.
It is the eighth most successful video game franchise in history
Tetris was the first entertainment software to be imported from the former Soviet Union into the United States. Ever since, Tetris has sold over 200 million copies, making it the eighth most successful video game franchise in history. It has more units sold than HALO and Minecraft combined. And according to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is the most ported, or adapted, game in history, appearing on more than 65 platforms, including desktop computers, gaming consoles, mobile phones, and even graphing calculators.
It may reduce cravings for food and adult beverages
Scientists have found that playing Tetris may reduce cravings for food, and other things that might lead to abuse. A research study in Australia had students carry old-school iPods around campus for a week. The students received seven text messages a day asking them to report how badly they wanted to eat, sleep, smoke cigarettes, or even do other things. Half of the students were asked to play Tetris, and the researchers found that the students that played Tetris for at least three minutes were able to manage their cravings more than the students that didn’t play Tetris. It can also help with mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, in addition to assisting with brain growth and developing skills in problem-solving and maturity.
The game and its music are highly addictive
Most Tetris players can spend three hours playing the game without realizing it. Even the famous actor Jackie Chan is a victim. He said he had to stop playing Tetris because it started to interfere with his work. It is ranked as the world’s third most addictive video game. Even Apple’s co-founder Steve Wozniak is a Tetris addict, and had the highest score ever for a time. The background music is addictive as well, and many publications have ranked it in the top ten game soundtracks.
It was the first video game to be played in outer space
In 1993, the Russian space station Mir orbited the earth 3,000 times spending 196 days in space. Tetris was the game they played while in space, and when they landed back on Earth, the Game Boy they used while in orbit along with the Tetris game they played, was auctioned off for $1,200. Tetris is still being played to this day, and has secured its place in the hall of fame of gaming.
