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The Story Behind Tetris: Henk Rogers Remembers

Henk Rogers was taken aback when he initially read the screenplay for the Tetris movie. His reaction? A mix of disbelief and frustration at the Hollywood embellishments that filled the narrative. In an interview, he expressed, “There was so much Hollywood in the movie. It just drove me nuts.” The film portrays a crucial chapter in his life, focusing on his journey to the Soviet Union to untangle the rights issues surrounding Tetris so it could be released on platforms like the Game Boy. During this quest, he formed a significant bond with Alexey Pajitnov, the game’s original creator, and together they helped propel Tetris into a worldwide sensation.

Although the movie frames this experience in a dramatic, high-stakes style reminiscent of a spy thriller, Rogers ultimately found enjoyment in the final product. Nonetheless, the discrepancies in the portrayal compelled him to share the actual events in greater detail. “While reading the script I said, ‘I have to set the record straight,’” he stated.

This desire to clarify the story led to the publication of his book, The Perfect Game. Initially, Rogers intended to document the experiences depicted in the film, but as he began writing, he recognized that the narrative stretched far beyond that singular event. “I started writing it, and somebody looked at it and said, ‘That could be a book, it’s just not big enough,’” he recalled. Rather than simply padding the content, he decided to incorporate the context of his career leading up to and following those pivotal moments.

The Perfect Game begins with a look into Rogers’ early life, covering his upbringing in the Netherlands, his time in New York City, and his eventual relocation to Hawaii and Japan. In Japan, he established Bullet-Proof Software and released the groundbreaking RPG, The Black Onyx. Even before the narrative dives into the world of Tetris, it offers compelling insights into the nascent stages of game development, including the complications of securing funding and navigating the challenges of marketing a game in Japan without fluency in the language.

The turning point in his story occurred at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 1988, where he serendipitously encountered a falling block puzzle game that would change his life. Rogers describes this moment of discovery with clarity: “I left the Consumer Electronics Show with a sense of purpose. I was determined to publish Tetris in Japan.” However, navigating the intricate copyright laws of the Soviet Union proved to be a formidable challenge. He frequently traveled between the USSR and Japan, engaging with figures at Nintendo, including the renowned game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, and the stern representatives of Soviet trade organizations.

Rogers’ narrative is thorough, as he crafted the book primarily from memory, though he did consult with Pajitnov on several facts. This collaboration added a charming layer to the book, with Pajitnov offering his own perspective in the margins, often contradicting Rogers on minor details, such as his impressions of the Famicom version of Tetris.

“Alexei read my manuscript and was writing in the margins where his memory is different,” Rogers explained, “so I decided to keep those and put them in the book.” He noted that while some memories might fade with time, the excitement of those days remains vivid in his mind.

Despite lacking the cinematic flair of the Hollywood script that inspired him, The Perfect Game serves as a captivating read, particularly for enthusiasts of game development. The book chronicles not only Rogers’ experiences with Tetris but also his broader career, including his efforts in establishing The Tetris Company and adapting the game across various platforms. This narrative encompasses significant milestones in the gaming industry, from the launch of the Game Boy to the rise of mobile gaming.

The enduring legacy of Tetris is evident today, with the game continuing to find new relevance. Beyond the film and Rogers’ book, he also plays a prominent role in Digital Eclipse’s interactive documentary Tetris Forever. Furthermore, Tetris remains a familiar presence in contemporary gaming, appearing in various platforms like Nintendo’s new music app. While Rogers has mostly stepped back from management duties, with his daughter Maya taking the lead, he finds joy in witnessing the game’s ongoing success. “It feels like success,” he remarked, observing, “Every time Tetris pops up somewhere, or a new deal comes down the pike, it’s like, ‘Wow, she’s killing it.’”

On the topic of the movie, Rogers admitted that his perspective shifted once he watched it. He described the film as “emotionally correct,” recognizing its heart even if it strayed from the historical facts. “The first time I saw it I cried about things that never actually happened,” he share, highlighting the emotional depth the film captures regardless of its Hollywood dramatization.

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www.theverge.com