As the iconic puzzle game "Tetris" celebrates its 40th anniversary at the Lucca Comic and Games convention in Italy, the story behind its remarkable success is one of perseverance, creativity, and the power of innovation. Variety sat down with the game's creator, Alexey Pajitnov, and the Tetris Company's co-founder, Henk Rogers, to uncover the fascinating origins and lasting impact of this timeless classic.

Unlocking the Secrets of Tetris' Global Domination

The Unlikely Duo Behind the Phenomenon

Despite their contrasting appearances, Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers have forged an unbreakable partnership that has propelled Tetris to unprecedented heights. Pajitnov, with his pale complexion and white beard, and Rogers, with his sun-kissed skin and colorful trilby, have overcome formidable odds to bring their captivating puzzle game to the world.

The Cinematic Adaptation: Navigating the Hollywood Landscape

The Tetris story has even inspired a feature film, "Tetris," starring Taron Egerton and directed by Jon Baird. Pajitnov reflects on the experience, noting that while screenwriter Noah Pink was attentive to their input, it was a "long and difficult fight" to maintain the authenticity of their journey. Rogers acknowledges the necessary compromises, explaining that the filmmakers had to condense years of their lives into a two-hour narrative, all while navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Navigating the Changing Tides of the Soviet Union

The Tetris saga unfolded against the backdrop of the shifting political landscape in the Soviet Union. The licensing battles featured the involvement of British tycoon Robert Maxwell and Soviet premier Mikhail Gorbachev, adding an extra layer of complexity to the story. Pajitnov is pleased with the portrayal of the "bad guys" in the film, though he notes that they are fictional representations. Rogers, who was present during the transition, reflects on the hope for freedom that slowly eroded into the current state of affairs in Russia.

Bridging the Gender Divide in Gaming

According to Rogers, the key to Tetris' widespread success lies in its ability to transcend the traditional male-dominated gaming landscape. "We broke through the female barrier," he explains. "Before Tetris, games were for guys, 95% guys, right? And Tetris changed all that." Rogers attributes this to the game's inherent appeal to the "female side" of human nature, with its focus on order, construction, and problem-solving.

Critiquing the Modern Gaming Industry

Both Pajitnov and Rogers have their own perspectives on the current state of the gaming industry. Pajitnov laments the prevalence of buggy releases, where developers rely on the public to debug their games, leading to frustration and failure. Rogers, on the other hand, is critical of the economic model, where games are priced at a fraction of the cost of a cup of coffee, and in-app purchases create an "annoying way of consuming something."

Expanding Horizons: From Gaming to Renewable Energy

While Pajitnov remains enamored with the puzzle-solving aspect of gaming, Rogers has shifted his focus to a new challenge: combating climate change. Through his organization, the Blue Planet Alliance, Rogers is working to put Hawaii on a path to 100% renewable energy, with the goal of inspiring a global movement towards sustainable energy solutions by 2045, the 100th anniversary of the United Nations.The enduring legacy of Tetris is a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and the ability to transcend boundaries. As Pajitnov and Rogers continue to shape the gaming landscape and tackle new frontiers, their story serves as a reminder that the most enduring successes often arise from the most unexpected places.