Pong, a simple table tennis game created by Atari in 1972, had a profound impact on the video game industry. Despite its straightforward gameplay, Pong's popularity led to the widespread adoption of arcade games and propelled Atari to industry prominence. The game's success inspired imitations and even sparked a lawsuit with Magnavox over patent infringement. While Pong's influence can be seen in later Atari games like Breakout, its lasting impact extends beyond the gaming world, as it influenced the early careers of prominent figures like Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.