Pong was a monster arcade game hit, & a fair monster hit in home videogames.
It wasn't, however, the first of its kind. As far back as 1958, there was a tennis/ping pong-like game which had variable ball speed & variable gravity.

(Created at Argonne National Labs, IIRC.)
So, I was wondering if it was possible for a different *
Pong to be successful before 1971. If it could be, what might it look like? Designed by who?
Also, what about single-player variants? Not just with the 2d paddle disabled, but distinctly different designs. What else could have been done with pre-IC/microchip tech? (
Breakout , frex, seems ruled out...) Is
Tetris?
Asteroids?
How much does this change arcade games? Home video? Or does it...?