Celebrating Mark Dean: The Pioneer of Personal Computing

As we celebrate Black History Month, it's essential to recognize the remarkable contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our world. One such individual is Dr. Mark Dean, a trailblazing computer scientist and engineer whose work has had a profound impact on personal computing and, by extension, our daily lives.

The Genius Behind the Personal Computer

Dr. Mark Dean, born on March 2, 1957, in Jefferson City, Tennessee, is a name synonymous with innovation in the field of computing. Dean's journey began with a passion for technology and invention, which he pursued through his education and career. He holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee, a master's degree from Florida Atlantic University, and a Ph.D. from Stanford University.

Dean's most notable achievement came during his tenure at IBM, where he played a pivotal role in the development of the IBM personal computer (PC) released in 1981. He co-created the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, which allowed additional components to be connected to the PC, making it more versatile and user-friendly. Dean holds three of IBM's original nine PC patents, a testament to his invaluable contributions to the field as a Black American.

The Impact of Personal Computing

The advent of personal computing revolutionized the way we live, work, and play. Computers have become an integral part of our daily lives, influencing everything from communication and education to healthcare and entertainment. The accessibility and affordability of personal computers have democratized technology, allowing individuals from all walks of life to harness its power.

One of the most significant impacts of personal computing is in the realm of gaming. The PC gaming market has grown exponentially over the years, with a global market size valued at USD 50.23 billion in 2022 and expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is fueled by the rising number of professional gamers, the popularity of esports, and the increasing interest in virtual entertainment.

PC Gaming: A Thriving Industry

PC gaming continues to grow beyond a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of players worldwide. From big-budget titles to indie releases, the diversity and creativity in PC gaming are unparalleled. Games developed on PCs have pushed the boundaries of storytelling, graphics, and gameplay, providing immersive experiences that captivate players.

The impact of PC gaming extends beyond entertainment. It has fostered communities, created careers, and even influenced technological advancements. The development of high-end gaming hardware, such as powerful graphics cards and monitors, has driven innovation in the tech industry.

Food for thought: Imagine if anti-Black racism got in the way of Mark Dean, where would we be today?

Fun fact: In 2005, Lenovo acquired IBM's Personal Computing Division, which included the ThinkPad line of laptops. This acquisition allowed Lenovo to expand its presence in the global market and leverage IBM's established reputation in the PC industry. Today, Lenovo operates as an independent multinational technology company headquartered in Beijing, China, and Morrisville, North Carolina. They continue to produce and innovate in the personal computing space, among other technology sectors.

A Tribute to Mark Dean

As we reflect on the contributions of Black people during Black History Month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mark Dean. His pioneering work in personal computing has touched the lives of nearly everyone, making technology more accessible and transforming the way we interact with the digital world. So, thank you, Dr. Mark Dean. Happy Black History Month, and game on!

More on Mark Dean | Wikipedia | Famous Black Inventors

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Dear Developers: Black Gamers X The Gaming Industry

As Black History Month comes to a close... I wanted to write an article with a focus on boosting the awareness of Black Americans in gaming, and hopefully it will motivate an increase in video game developers (for more representation and opportunities within the game industry).

There's no secret that the game industry's Black developers are a rarity (1% according to a 2017 IGDA survey)... while on the flipside (as seen in the Pew Research results below) Black American gamers are dominating in Pew's game play data. The industry should be as diverse as the audience.

On that note there is definitely room for an increase in Black American developers, especially since there are more than a few talented people able to do more than just... buy and play video games.

This has nothing to do with the overshadowing of anyone else, it's all about diversity and getting the opportunity to take part in the industry many of us have loved since we could first use a controller, a fight-stick/joystick, a light-gun, VR controls, a handheld gaming device or... a keyboard and mouse.

I say all that to say I would like to see more studios open their doors to the Black community that provides such a huge show of support. At the same time... there is nothing stopping you if you have an interest in video game development. Indie game development doesn't require permission or a publisher, and some awesome games have come by way of indie.

You never know what type of games could emerge from new developers, because imagination is limitless... and it varies from person to person.

If you need a game engine, you have a variety of options like the... Unreal Engine and Unity!

You might scratch your head and wonder how you're going to pull it off without experience... but you have a slew of options, like Udemy!

Udemy is an online learning platform with courses for professionals and students alike... who desire learning new skills, like... learning how to code and learning how to develop games. No college debt required.


I'll close this out with a little motivational history: 

There is a game studio by the name of Kiro'o Games located in Yaounde, Cameroon. Kiro'o Games is a video game, animation, development, and publishing company founded in 2002.

It was founded by game designer / screenwriter / programmer, Olivier Madiba. Kiro'o Games caught my eye with the release of their (African) Fantasy RPG... Aurion: The Legacy of the Kori-Odan (released in 2016).

Aurion is an epic action RPG set in a wonderful African Fantasy world with a unique, open and dynamic fighting gameplay.

Enzo Kori-Odan, the prince of Zama is a victim of a coup d'etat orchestrated by his brother in-law on the day of his coronation and wedding with Erine Evou. The royal couple is then exiled and decides to go around the world in search of allies. They will especially have to reunite Enzo’s warring legacy in order to retrieve their throne.

Beyond retrieving their position, the dethroned Royal couple will precisely discover the geopolitical and existential dilemmas attached to their functions of King and Queen. They will have to find answers in order to secure the fate of Zama.

Aurion is at the same time a mystery and an evidence in the Auriona planet. This energy was discovered a long time ago and is manifested in various ways (battle, handicraft, etc) in daily life. Those who use it in battle are called Aurionics letting them increase their power and have access to untold fighting techniques for a short time interval.

Features

• Epic and strategic Real-Time Fighting, visual evolutive Combos!
• Gather your Legacy and merge the Aurions to create new ones (21 aurionical transformations can be done!)
• Powerful duels with immersive fighting dialogues
• Unique scenario & lots of powerful enemies and bosses

Brought to you by the... Udemy!