Ep.138 – 4-20 Game It: The History of Drug-Themed Video Games
A Trip Down Memory Card Lane · David Kassin and Robert Kassin
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Show Notes
Every April 20th, gamers and pop culture fans alike take a moment to appreciate the number 420, but how did it become tied to marijuana, and what does that have to do with video games? This week, we explore the origins of the 4-20 phenomenon and trace how cannabis culture found its way into gaming, starting with Drug Wars in 1984. We discuss how a simple class project turned into a viral BBS hit, its evolution into Dope Wars and countless remakes, and how public perception of marijuana shifted over time. Our conversation blends gaming history, social change, and a few laughs along the way. Join us as we light up gaming’s green side on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.