Business Wars Business Battles | Tetris: Soviet Blocks | 4
May 20, 2020
In 1988, Tetris emerges as the first Soviet video game, igniting a fierce competition for ownership rights. A British media mogul faces off against a Russian programmer amid Cold War tensions, leading to a chaotic battle in Moscow. The fallout from this clash reveals the complexities of cultural exchange and corporate ambition. The episode also teases the remarkable success of Tetris over the years and hints at the intriguing dynamics of the toilet paper industry during the pandemic, showcasing unexpected social implications.
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Stein's Risky Dealings
- Stein sold Tetris rights without securing a formal contract from the Soviets, relying on vague interest.
- His situation worsened when Elorg, the Soviet agency controlling Tetris rights, contacted him.
Stein's Moscow Trip
- Stein traveled to Moscow to meet with Elorg, where he faced questioning about selling rights without permission.
- Despite the tense interrogation, Stein managed to secure the computer rights, then sold console and arcade rights without authorization.
Tetris Rights Tangle
- Mirrorsoft sub-licensed the console and arcade rights, creating a complex web of deals based on Stein's shaky promises.
- Hank Rogers, a Dutch entrepreneur, suggested bundling Tetris with Nintendo's Game Boy.