Eugene Jarvis
Eugene Jarvis: A Pioneer in Video Games
Full Name and Common Aliases
Eugene Jarvis is the full name of this video game designer, developer, and publisher. He is commonly known for his work at Williams Electronics (now part of WMS Gaming) and as the founder of Raw Thrills.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on November 14, 1952, Eugene Jarvis has made a lasting impact in the world of video games. Unfortunately, there is no available information about his death date.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Eugene Jarvis is an American game designer, developer, and publisher. Throughout his career, he has worked as a programmer, artist, writer, and producer on various iconic arcade titles.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, Eugene Jarvis was surrounded by technology and innovation. This exposure likely influenced his interest in electronics and programming at an early age. After completing high school, he went on to study computer science at a local community college.
Major Accomplishments
Eugene Jarvis's most notable contributions include the development of several groundbreaking arcade games:
Defender (1981): This classic shooter introduced scrolling backgrounds, making it one of the first games to use this innovative technique.
Stargate (1981): A space-themed shooter that built upon the success of Defender and further showcased Jarvis's expertise in game design.
Crusader of Pac-Land (1989): A side-scrolling platformer featuring a unique blend of exploration and combat.Notable Works or Actions
Jarvis has also made significant contributions to the video game industry through his work on various other titles, including:
Spartan (1986): A scrolling shooter with multiple playable characters and stages.
Total Nuclear Annihilation (1992): A turn-based strategy game that allowed players to compete against each other.Impact and Legacy
Eugene Jarvis's influence on the video game industry cannot be overstated. His innovative approach to game design, combined with his technical expertise, has left a lasting impact on the field. Many of his games are still remembered fondly by gamers today, and their mechanics continue to inspire new generations of developers.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Eugene Jarvis is widely quoted or remembered for his:
Innovative game design: His use of scrolling backgrounds in Defender revolutionized the shooter genre and paved the way for future innovations.
Technical expertise: As a programmer, artist, writer, and producer, Jarvis demonstrated exceptional versatility and skill in bringing his ideas to life.
Prolific output: Throughout his career, Jarvis has developed numerous iconic games that continue to captivate gamers today.
Eugene Jarvis's legacy serves as an inspiration to aspiring game developers, reminding them of the importance of innovation, technical expertise, and creative vision.
Quotes by Eugene Jarvis

I’m an action player. I like to be aggressive. I don’t like to be on the run. I like to feel like I have the fates in my hands and that through my skill or lack thereof I control my fate.

I think managers have realized that most software people are slightly brain damaged, that they’re off on their own planets.

I think managers have realized that most software people are slightly brain damaged, that they're off on their own planets.

I was originally going to become a biochemist, but it just got way too complicated.

The great times are when you put a game on location and see others play it for the first time. After all, we are really kind of an entertainer. You perform for the joy of the audience.

I'm an action player. I like to be aggressive. I don't like to be on the run. I like to feel like I have the fates in my hands and that through my skill or lack thereof I control my fate.

I got interested in computers and how they could be enslaved to the megalomaniac impulses of a teenager.


