Twin Galaxies Founded

In 1982, amidst the cacophony of bleeps and bloops emanating from arcades across America, a chap named Walter Day embarked on a mission that would forever change the landscape of competitive gaming. From the unlikeliest of places—Ottumwa, Iowa—Day founded Twin Galaxies, an organisation that would become the definitive authority on video game high scores.

The story begins in Day’s very own arcade, where he noticed a distinct lack of standardisation in tracking and verifying gaming achievements. Realising the need for an impartial arbiter, Day took it upon himself to create a centralised database of video game high scores. Little did he know that his modest endeavour would evolve into the official record-keeper for an entire industry.

Twin Galaxies quickly garnered attention from avid gamers and industry insiders alike. Day’s meticulous approach to score verification lent credibility to the burgeoning world of competitive gaming. Players could now have their achievements recognised on a national—and soon international—stage.

The organisation’s impact on gaming culture cannot be overstated. Twin Galaxies became more than just a scoreboard; it was a community hub for elite players and enthusiasts. Its records were featured in the Guinness Book of World Records, further legitimising video gaming as a serious pursuit.

Day’s brainchild also played a crucial role in preserving the history of the golden age of arcade gaming. As home consoles began to dominate the market, Twin Galaxies remained a steadfast guardian of arcade culture, ensuring that the achievements of joystick jockeys would not be lost to time.

The founding of Twin Galaxies marked a turning point in how the world perceived video games. No longer were they mere diversions; they were now competitive events with quantifiable results. This shift in perception laid the groundwork for the professionalisation of gaming and the rise of esports that we see today.

As we reflect on the legacy of Twin Galaxies, it’s clear that Walter Day’s vision extended far beyond a simple record-keeping service. He created a platform that celebrated skill, dedication, and the pure joy of gaming. In doing so, he helped elevate video games from a niche hobby to a respected form of competition and entertainment.

Today, while the landscape of gaming has changed dramatically, the spirit of Twin Galaxies lives on. Its influence can be seen in modern leaderboards, streaming platforms, and esports tournaments. Walter Day’s 1982 creation continues to inspire gamers to push the boundaries of what’s possible with a joystick and a few buttons.

The tale of Twin Galaxies serves as a reminder that even the most unassuming beginnings can lead to revolutionary changes. From a small arcade in Iowa to the global stage, Twin Galaxies has left an indelible mark on gaming history—a true high score for the ages.

Cover image: Walter Day and his Business Partner from the early 1980’s. Photo was taken in Fairfield Iowa, 2014. Datagod, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.