Born: 1958
Biography:
Joyce Weisbecker is an American retired engineer and actuary, born in 1958. She holds the distinction of being the first female commercial video game designer, a groundbreaking achievement in the field. Weisbecker is also considered the first indie developer, as she worked as an independent contractor during her career.
Weisbecker’s interest in computers began at a young age, as she grew up watching her father, Joseph Weisbecker, construct computers in his spare time. She learned how to program her father’s prototypes, nurturing her passion for technology.
During her time as a student at Rider University, Weisbecker made significant contributions to the world of gaming. She created games for the RCA Studio II console, demonstrating her talent and innovation. Two of her notable projects were Snake Race and Jackpot, which she developed as demonstration projects for the RCA COSMAC VIP. These games were included in the computer’s manual as type-in programs in CHIP-8 source code.
In August 1976, Weisbecker accomplished a major milestone in her career by releasing her first commercial game called TV Schoolhouse I. This quiz game, programmed for the RCA II, was completed in just a week and earned her a payment of $250. Her dedication and skill were apparent even at this early stage.
Continuing to push boundaries, Weisbecker developed Speedway and Tag, two action games, in October 1976. The challenge in creating these games lay in making meaningful graphics appear on the Studio II’s 64 by 32 pixel display. Despite the limitations, Weisbecker produced remarkable results, proving her abilities as a game designer.
Weisbecker’s dedication to the video game industry did not end there. In 1977, she programmed three more games for the COSMAC VIP – Slide, Sum Fun, and Sequence Shoot. These contributions showcased her versatility and commitment to her craft. However, she eventually decided to shift her focus to her education, opting to pursue degrees in computer engineering and actuarial science, which she completed in 1980.
After obtaining her degrees, Weisbecker briefly worked as an actuary before returning to her passion for technology. In 1998, she obtained additional degrees in electrical engineering and computer science, allowing her to embark on a career as a radar signal processing engineer. Throughout her professional journey, Weisbecker consistently demonstrated her ability to adapt and excel in diverse fields.
Joyce Weisbecker’s pioneering role as the first female commercial video game designer leaves a lasting impact on the industry. Her contributions opened doors for countless women and inspired a new generation of creators. Her legacy extends beyond her groundbreaking achievements, making her an influential figure in women’s history and the field of technology.