The new year is upon us. And what better time to explore the world of Stewart Smith and his backward and forward looking blog. The man is a retro-futurist with an eye for design and a noggin for programming. Needless to say, TWWT is smitten. It’s time to play some Browser Pong.
When I read that someone had re-created Pong as a browser game, I was underwhelmed. The original version of the ur-video-game shouldn’t offer any real challenges to modern game-makers. But, I underestimated Mr. Smith. Instead of a small square bouncing from side to side in your browser window the “ball” and “paddles” are small browser windows that you can move up and down. There’s also a two-player mode that is played on one computer.
I can’t imagine what programming know-how is needed to create this unique effect but Smith seems to enjoy messing with what you expect from a website. Check out Windmaker, which incorporates the wind conditions of a certain area (your choice) and applies them to a website of your choice. How, you ask? Who knows, but it makes a great low-grade prank for the somewhat fragile people in your life.
You might as well check out the entire Stewdio website while you’re in the neighborhood. Learn something about typography, population trends, and randomized music.
Before all that though, click here to play Browser Pong.
Enjoy.
This article appears in December 25 • 2009.