An electronic quizmaster is the latest innovation in the world of gaming machines.
This bulky machine, rather like an old-fashioned jukebox, may be the shape of things to come in the video games business.
John Hogan, manager of the 'Exidy' factory in Nenagh, Tipperary, believes FAX the new electronic quizmaster may soon be blasting Star Wars and other older video games off the map. John Hogan provides some background to video game market. He says it began in the mid 1970s and peaked in popularity in 1981. Most of the video game manufacturers, who are largely American, followed the space theme. He believes that with the recent decline in the popularity of video games, people are now looking for a more educational type of game. Given the popularity of quiz shows on television, they decided to pursue the format for the world of video games.
'Exidy' is one of the smaller video games manufacturers in the market. The Nenagh plant employs just 13 staff at present but believe,
Electronic quiz games have a great future.
'Fax' has 5,200 questions and 20,800 answers covering a broad range of subjects including history, entertainment, sport and general knowledge. The game has been tested and according to John Hogan, it has considerable earning power internationally.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 27 June 1983. The reporter is Michael Walsh.
