Talks at Google 40 Years of Tetris | Henk Rogers
Feb 25, 2025
Henk Rogers, Chairman of The Tetris Company and an eco-entrepreneur, shares captivating insights into Tetris' cultural impact over 40 years. He recalls how he licensed the game to Nintendo, making it a staple of handheld gaming. The conversation touches on Tetris' enduring legacy, the balance between gaming and parenting, and the challenges of modern gaming. Henk also dives into environmental initiatives in Hawaii, emphasizing sustainability. Personal anecdotes and reflections on leadership transition add depth to his fascinating journey.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Childhood Tetris Memories
- As a child, Matthew had to convince his parents to buy him a Game Boy and the original NES with Tetris.
- He even used his dad's W2 form, arguing his worth in hours of playtime.
Tetris Discovery
- Henk Rogers discovered Tetris at CES in Las Vegas while searching for games to publish in Japan.
- He was initially captivated by the game himself, playing it multiple times despite his intention to just try each game briefly.
The Handshake Agreement
- In 1993, Alexei Pajitnov, the creator of Tetris, anticipated a potential rights issue.
- He asked Henk Rogers for assistance, leading to a handshake agreement that formed the basis of their partnership.
