Do you know the save point in video games was inspired by an actual 19th century telegraph system used to send messages only partway through

The ubiquitous save point in video games owes its existence to a surprisingly old technology: the 19th-century telegraph. While we now associate telegraphs with instant long-distance communication, early systems often functioned in a unique way. Messages weren't always transmitted all at once. Instead, operators could send messages in segments, effectively creating "save points" along a communication route. These points allowed for temporary halts, ensuring that, even if a connection broke, only the incomplete portion of the message needed to be resent. This ingenious system, born from the limitations of early telegraphy, eventually found its way back into the world of entertainment, inspiring the save point feature we now rely upon in video games.

genji 4 months ago

The ubiquitous save point in video games owes its existence to a surprisingly old technology: the 19th-century telegraph. While we now associate telegraphs with instant long-distance communication, early systems often functioned in a unique way. Messages weren't always transmitted all at once. Instead, operators could send messages in segments, effectively creating "save points" along a communication route. These points allowed for temporary halts, ensuring that, even if a connection broke, only the incomplete portion of the message needed to be resent. This ingenious system, born from the limitations of early telegraphy, eventually found its way back into the world of entertainment, inspiring the save point feature we now rely upon in video games.

Messages weren’t always transmitted all at once. Instead, operators could send messages in segments, effectively creating “save points” along a communication route. These points allowed for temporary halts, ensuring that, even if a connection broke, only the incomplete portion of the message needed to be resent.

This ingenious system, born from the limitations of early telegraphy, eventually found its way back into the world of entertainment, inspiring the save point feature we now rely upon in video games.

Prompt:
Think of a video game mechanic that is often overlooked or taken for granted. Now, reveal a surprising historical origin or unexpected consequence of that mechanic’s design.