The first video game? I don't think so,but an important first step of using computers as entertainment. This 'game' was patented in 1947, making it the earliest documented video game on record. Unfortunately, the creators of the game, Thomas T. Goldsmith, Jr. and and Estle Ray Mann, never actually built their machine, which immediately disqualifies it for our review and for the title of first video game. Had they gone through with their plans, this would have been an early projectile sim, nearly 5 years ahead of anything remotely similar to it. While there is emulation of this game online, I can't speak for how authentic it is. A game that could have started an industry is instead an honorable mention in the history of video gaming.