The Oregon Trail Set to Hit the Big Screen
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The beloved computer game "The Oregon Trail," created by Bill Heinemann in 1971, is making headlines again as it reportedly heads to the big screen in an action-comedy film adaptation by Apple. Heinemann co-developed the educational game at Carleton College in Northfield, inspired by a board game his friend Don created. The game simulates the trek of 1800s settlers navigating the historic Oregon Trail and has sold tens of millions of copies since its release, earning its place in the World Video Game Hall of Fame.
Reflecting on the game’s legacy, Heinemann expressed his surprise at its enduring popularity, stating, "More people know about it than don’t know about it." The game is notorious for its humorously tragic outcomes, with “death by dysentery” as a notable highlight for players. Heinemann humorously recalled his own favorite in-game demise: “I got bit by a snake and died,” which could happen after many months of play, catching players off guard.
Despite its success and popularity, Heinemann shared that he will not financially benefit from the film adaptation. He and his co-creators relinquished their rights to the game to the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium shortly after its creation. "I didn’t do it for money," he remarked, emphasizing his passion for gaming and education, which originally inspired the project.
As excitement builds around the film’s release, it serves as a testament to the lasting impact of "The Oregon Trail," a game that started as a simple, educational project and evolved into a cultural phenomenon. The forthcoming film is anticipated to bring a new generation of fans to the iconic journey westward.
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