Unveiling Cold War Gaming: The Stasi's Surprising Role

Unexpected Discoveries in Cold War Gaming

In 2019, a remarkable find was made by researchers at the Computer Games Museum in Berlin: a basic Pong console crafted from repurposed electronics and plastic soap-box enclosures. This unassuming beige Tupperware housed the device’s wiring and, once connected to a television via an aerial, displayed a functional version of the classic game Pong. Initially, the team believed this homemade apparatus was a rare example of creativity flourishing behind the Iron Curtain.

However, earlier this year, they stumbled upon another intriguing artifact: a second Seifendosen-Pong, or “soap-box Pong,” along with a state-issued magazine named FunkAmateur. This publication contained schematics for a DIY version of Atari’s iconic 1970s gaming phenomenon. This new evidence contradicted the prevailing narrative that the early days of computer gaming in socialist East Germany were met with either indifference or outright suppression. Instead, it revealed that the gaming culture in the region benefited from a surprising level of official endorsement, including backing from the infamous Stasi, the state’s secret police.

A New Exhibit Highlights Cold War Gaming

A fresh exhibition at the Allied Museum and the Computer Games Museum in Berlin shines a light on gaming curiosities from both sides of the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. Among the showcased items is East Germany’s sole arcade cabinet, the Poly-Play, which visitors are encouraged to try out. Featuring honey-colored wooden panels and a brightly illuminated typeface, only 2,000 units of the Poly-Play were produced. In the late 1980s, young people flocked to these cabinets at youth clubs and holiday camps, enjoying access to various games that were adaptations of Western originals.

According to Veit Lehmann from the Allied Museum, the Poly-Play’s existence was partly due to assistance from the Stasi. The manufacturer, VEB Polytechnick, struggled with a shortage of programming talent and resources, leading them to seek help from the secret police, who possessed the necessary expertise and technological capacity to develop the games. Instead of featuring titles like Pac-Man, the Poly-Play offered alternatives such as Hase und Wolf, a dog-evading hare game, and Hirschjagd (“Deer Hunt”), a reimagined version of the sci-fi shooter Robotron: 2084.

Poly-Play: A Cultural Phenomenon

The Poly-Play introduced many East Germans to computer technology, serving as a gateway to an entirely new world. Regina Seiwald from the University of Birmingham describes it as a device for the entire family, who could enjoy leisurely weekends playing together. While it was perceived as a harmless pastime, it also provided a subtle avenue for technical skills development.

In stark contrast to the arcade experiences found in the West, where players commandeered tanks in Battlezone or battled dragons in Space Harrier, the Poly-Play intentionally excluded any elements of violence. The German Democratic Republic (GDR) sought to project an image of a peaceful, idyllic state, and its media laws categorized any form of “calls to violence” as unconstitutional. This approach shaped the GDR’s outlook on computers, promoting a vision of a harmonious self-image.

Games as a Tool for Propaganda

While the Poly-Play was a commercial venture, its development was also intertwined with the GDR’s political agenda. The games produced were not merely entertainment; they were tools for shaping public perception and reinforcing the regime's ideals. In a society where state control extended to various aspects of life, the Stasi’s involvement in game development underscores a complex relationship between technology, culture, and politics during the Cold War.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation

The exploration of computer gaming in East Germany reveals a fascinating narrative of creativity and state influence that challenges common perceptions of the era. The Poly-Play and its games serve as a reminder that even in a repressive regime, innovation can flourish, albeit under unique circumstances. As the Allied Museum and Computer Games Museum continue to showcase these artifacts, they provide valuable insights into the intersection of gaming, culture, and politics during one of history's most turbulent periods.