Tetris, the iconic video game that has captured the hearts of players worldwide, recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a grand party in Los Angeles. The event took place just before the Summer Game Fest 2024, and it was a chance for the Tetris gaming family to come together and honor the game’s rich history. Alexey Pajitnov, the creator of Tetris, attended the event and spoke about his creation, which has sold an astounding 520 million copies worldwide.
**Henk Rogers: The Man Behind Tetris’ Success**
Henk Rogers, a key figure in Tetris’ success story, was also present at the celebration. He recognized the potential of Tetris early on and took bold steps to secure the rights to the game. He even made a risky trip to the Soviet Union to negotiate a licensing deal with Nintendo. Rogers later became friends with Pajitnov and played a crucial role in helping him leave the Soviet Union. For years, Rogers worked tirelessly to keep Tetris popular and spread joy across the globe. Eventually, he passed on the reins of The Tetris Company to his daughter, Maya Rogers, who continues to carry on the legacy of Tetris.
**The Tetris Movie: Immortalizing an Iconic Game**
One of the highlights of the celebration was the upcoming release of the Tetris movie on March 31, available exclusively on Apple TV+. This highly anticipated film tells the story of what many consider to be the “greatest business development deal of all time.” It not only immortalizes the history of Tetris but also adds millions of dollars to the game’s revenue. Maya Rogers played a significant role in making this movie a reality, further solidifying Tetris as a global brand that remains relevant even after 40 years.
**Tetris’ Enduring Popularity: The Classic Game and New Collaborations**
Tetris continues to captivate players of all ages with its simple yet addictive gameplay. Last December, a 13-year-old boy named Willis “Blue Scuti” Gibson finally “beat” the game, showcasing its enduring challenge. Gibson was also present at the celebratory event, as he was participating in the Classic Tetris World Championship (CTWC) 2024 tournament in Pasadena, California.
In addition to classic gameplay, Tetris is branching out into exciting collaborations. Maya Rogers announced that Tetris has become the first-ever branded add-on in the Minecraft Marketplace. Players can now enhance their Minecraft worlds with Tetris-themed armor, weapons, decorative blocks, and unique monsters. Moreover, a groundbreaking experience called Tetris x Minecraft DLC will launch on July 30, merging Tetris’ block-dropping puzzling action with Minecraft’s adventurous dungeon crawling. This collaboration is set to revolutionize both games and provide players with a truly immersive experience.
**Expanding Tetris’ Reach: Mobile Apps and Special Offers**
To ensure that Tetris remains accessible to players worldwide, playSTUDIOS has revamped the Tetris app on iOS and Android, giving it a fresh new look. Players can choose between classic gameplay and other modes, as well as engage in multiplayer play. Moreover, playSTUDIOS recently launched Tetris Block Puzzle, a mobile game designed to appeal to a more casual audience by incorporating the timeless fun of block puzzles with a Tetris twist.
For those looking to celebrate World Tetris Day, a special discount is available on Tetris Effect: Connected. This game combines classic Tetris gameplay with stunning visuals and immersive soundscapes. The discount is valid on all major platforms from June 6 to June 17, 2024. Additionally, Meta Quest users can enter a promo code at checkout to enjoy the discounted price.
**Tetris’ 40th Anniversary: Commemorative Items and Heartwarming Stories**
To commemorate this momentous anniversary, various Tetris-themed items have been released. These include a co-branded Rubik’s Cube, the Tetris Mini gaming device, bespoke Tetris-inspired art, collectibles showcasing the art of Kenny Wong, and Apmex commemorative coins. Furthermore, players can contribute to a good cause by giving blood to The American Red Cross and receiving a Tetris/Red Cross T-shirt.
The celebration of Tetris’ 40th anniversary was not only about the game itself but also about the people who have contributed to its success. Henk Rogers and Alexey Pajitnov, despite their contrasting personalities, have become best friends over the years. Rogers, ever the showman, shared anecdotes about his daring trip to the Soviet Union to meet Pajitnov. Their friendship and collaboration have kept Tetris alive and thriving.
As we raise a toast to Alexey Pajitnov and the game he created, let us remember the joy that Tetris has brought into the world for four decades. It is a testament to the timeless appeal of this game that continues to unite generations and captivate players around the globe.
