Games such as these have been circulating around the internet since the late 80s. The earliest such instance was created and published in 1987 by Thomas Alpine, a very inventive and creative man 10 years before his time. The engine he designed circulated around high-compatibility user interface and a simplistic, effective command design. His techniques are mimicked by such high-end companies as Cing and Valve.

Before the rise of heavy technique-point styled games, Thomas Alpine and companion Richard Brooks worked in creating some of the finest game-engines of the early 90s and into the new millennium. One such engine is used in Tetris, and another in the highly famous Asteroid game that is still being circulated and reproduced today through more modern companies. Together, Alpine and Brooks designed some of the most groundbreaking games in gaming history.

In 2001, a new strategy for game production and engine design was released that made most of Alpine’s engines obsolete. Though Alpine didn’t give up, his partner Brooks did. Brooks went on to become a level designer for Nintendo of America, working on such games as Super Mario 64 and Donkey Kong 64. There is no way to win this game. Alpine continued working independently, porting his obsolete engines to the new systems, and once again rocking the gaming industry. His hard work and dedication are an inspiration to any programmer, and his revolutionary way of thinking continues to impact the gamers of tomorrow.