Games Computers Play
Encyclopedia
In the 1980s, Games Computers Play (GCP) was an online service and one of the first multiplayer online games (MOGs) to offer a graphical user interface
(GUI).
The system was only accessible with Atari 8-bit computers with a minimum of 48k of memory (Atari 800, 1200XL, 800XL, and 65XE/130XE, U.S. models listed only).
s by walking into the "head shop" (presented in side view), removing the avatar's head (which could only be done in the head shop), offering it to the shopkeeper (a non-player character
, or NPC) by setting it on the counter, and using the avatar's headless body to point to the desired replacement head from a selection on the store's shelves. However, once the head was removed and in the body's hands, another player's avatar could then enter the store (if not there already), grab the head, and run out of the store. The robbed player could then only chase the robber through the streets of the online community with the player's headless body.
Graphical user interface
In computing, a graphical user interface is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices with images rather than text commands. GUIs can be used in computers, hand-held devices such as MP3 players, portable media players or gaming devices, household appliances and...
(GUI).
The system was only accessible with Atari 8-bit computers with a minimum of 48k of memory (Atari 800, 1200XL, 800XL, and 65XE/130XE, U.S. models listed only).
Early online crime
One of the first crimes within an online game allegedly occurred on the GCP network. Users were given the option to change the appearance of their avatarAvatar (computing)
In computing, an avatar is the graphical representation of the user or the user's alter ego or character. It may take either a three-dimensional form, as in games or virtual worlds, or a two-dimensional form as an icon in Internet forums and other online communities. It can also refer to a text...
s by walking into the "head shop" (presented in side view), removing the avatar's head (which could only be done in the head shop), offering it to the shopkeeper (a non-player character
Non-player character
A non-player character , sometimes known as a non-person character or non-playable character, in a game is any fictional character not controlled by a player. In electronic games, this usually means a character controlled by the computer through artificial intelligence...
, or NPC) by setting it on the counter, and using the avatar's headless body to point to the desired replacement head from a selection on the store's shelves. However, once the head was removed and in the body's hands, another player's avatar could then enter the store (if not there already), grab the head, and run out of the store. The robbed player could then only chase the robber through the streets of the online community with the player's headless body.