Gerald "Jerry" Lawson: The OG Innovator Who Gave Us Modern Gaming

The Man Behind the Cartridge (And Why You Should Care)

Alright, gamers, let’s do a little throwback quiz: Who do you think is the real MVP of the video game world? If you guessed someone like Shigeru Miyamoto (Mario’s dad) or Hideo Kojima (the brains behind Metal Gear), you’re close, but not quite there. The real legend who set the stage for the entire gaming industry as we know it is Gerald "Jerry" Lawson. Ever heard of him? If not, get comfy because we’re about to dive into the life of the guy who basically invented the idea of swapping out video game cartridges like they were Pokémon cards. Without him, you’d probably be stuck playing the same game forever on your console. Sounds like a nightmare, right?

Before we geek out over Jerry’s genius, let’s kick things off with some fun. What was your first gaming console? Were you a Sega Genesis fan, a Nintendo 64 kid, or did you enter the scene with a PlayStation 2? And how about your favorite arcade game—did you spend hours on Street Fighter or were you all about that Pac-Man life? Let’s get nostalgic—drop your answers in the comments because this is going to be a wild ride through gaming history.

The Early Days: From Fixing TVs to Breaking Barriers

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1940, Jerry Lawson was that kid who would have been the techie of the group chat, the one you’d hit up when your phone was acting up or your Wi-Fi was down. By the time he was a teenager, Jerry was already fixing TVs and building radios, basically doing what most of us wouldn’t even dream of attempting. Instead of just chilling and playing records, this dude was literally building the radio.

After doing some time in college (because, you know, education is key), Jerry made his way to the tech playground of Silicon Valley in the ’70s. And that’s when he started changing the game—literally.

Fairchild Channel F: The Console That Started It All

Picture this: It’s the 1970s, and video games are still a weird, new thing. Consoles existed, but you were stuck playing the same game over and over—no swapping, no variety, just one game. That was the reality before Jerry Lawson came onto the scene and dropped the Fairchild Channel F on the world.

Jerry Lawson was the mastermind behind this console, and guess what made it revolutionary? The ability to swap out game cartridges. Before this, you had to buy an entirely new console if you wanted to play a different game. Sounds exhausting, right? Jerry’s design meant you could pop in a new cartridge whenever you wanted, opening the door to a whole world of gaming experiences without needing a whole new system. This was the game-changer (pun intended) that set the foundation for every console that followed, from the Atari 2600 to the PS5.

Wanna Relive the Retro Vibes?

• Atari Flashback Console: Relive the early days of cartridge-based gaming with this retro console.

• NES Classic Edition: For those who think the 8-bit era was peak gaming, this one’s for you.

VideoSoft: The First African-American-Owned Game Dev Company

So what do you do after you’ve already changed the entire video game industry? You start your own company, obviously. In 1980, Jerry Lawson founded VideoSoft, one of the first African-American-owned video game development companies. Imagine being a minority in an industry where diversity was almost nonexistent and then starting your own company in that space. Talk about a boss move.

VideoSoft focused on developing software for the Atari 2600, which, if you didn’t know, was the console back in the day. Even though VideoSoft didn’t last long, Jerry was breaking barriers and making history, just like he always did.

How Jerry Lawson Flipped the Script on Gaming

Think back to your favorite video game. Now, imagine if you had to buy a whole new console every time you wanted to play something different. No game swapping, no DLCs, just the same game forever. Scary, right? You’ve got Jerry Lawson to thank for rescuing you from that nightmare.

Jerry’s idea of interchangeable cartridges was a total game-changer. Developers could now create and sell games independently of console manufacturers, leading to a boom in creativity and innovation. Atari, Nintendo, Sega—they all followed Lawson’s lead, and gaming as we know it was born.

Your Turn: What’s the most epic game you’ve ever played? Was it a retro classic, an arcade hit, or something more modern? Drop your faves in the comments and let’s compare notes!

So You Wanna Be a Game Designer? Here’s How to Start

Feeling inspired by Jerry Lawson’s story? Ready to jump into the world of game design and engineering? Lucky for you, we live in an age where you can learn this stuff without having to fix your neighbor’s TV for practice. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Get Schooled (In a Good Way)

Jerry Lawson was mostly self-taught, but today’s aspiring game designers have a ton of resources to help them learn the ropes.

Educational Resources:

• Unity Learn: Unity is one of the most popular game development platforms around. Their courses are designed to help you go from newbie to pro in no time.

• Coursera’s Game Design and Development Courses: Want to learn from top universities without leaving your couch? Coursera’s got you covered.

2. Get Hands-On (Without Getting Your Hands Dirty)

If you’re the kind of person who learns by doing, then you’re going to love these hands-on kits. Think of them as your personal DIY gaming lab.

Recommended Kits:

• Raspberry Pi Starter Kit: Build your own mini console, learn to code, and maybe even create the next big game.

• Arduino Starter Kit: Dive into electronics and programming with this kit. Who knows, you might invent something game-changing like Jerry did!

3. Master the Essentials

You can’t create the next Fortnite without the right tools. Here are some of the essentials you’ll need to bring your game ideas to life.

Essential Tools:

• Unity: Whether you’re making a simple mobile game or an epic console title, Unity’s got the tools to make it happen.

• Blender: Want to design 3D characters, environments, or animations? Blender is a free 3D creation suite that lets you do all that and more.

4. Build a Portfolio That Slaps

Want to get noticed in the game design world? You’re going to need a killer portfolio. Here’s how to make yours stand out.

Portfolio Tips:

• Start Small: Don’t worry about creating the next Call of Duty right off the bat. Begin with small projects that show off your skills.

• Document Your Process: Employers want to see how you think, so show them your creative process from start to finish.

• Get Feedback: Share your work with online communities and take their advice to heart. Constructive criticism is your best friend.

Jerry Lawson’s Legacy: Why He’s the Real MVP

Jerry Lawson may not be as well-known as some of the other gaming legends, but his impact on the industry is massive. Without him, the gaming world would look a lot different—probably a lot more boring, too. So the next time you swap out a game cartridge, boot up your console, or even download a new game, give a nod to Jerry Lawson, the man who made it all possible.

Join the Conversation: What’s your favorite gaming memory? Did you spend hours at the arcade, or were you more of a console junkie? Let us know in the comments. And if you’re thinking about diving into game design, tell us what kind of game you want to create. We can’t wait to hear your ideas!

Explore More:

• Amazon Game Systems: From retro classics to the latest consoles, find the perfect system to relive your gaming glory days or explore new worlds.

• Top Universities for Game Design: Ready to level up your skills? Check out schools that offer degrees in game design, computer science, and engineering.

• Black Girls Code: Join a movement that’s all about empowering young girls of color to become the next generation of tech innovators.

By: Clinton Minus