Today in Nerd History | April 17

April 17 delivers a burst of mental exercise and a sweeping medieval fantasy epic. Let’s explore some Nerdy Facts about Brain Age and Game of Thrones!

Inclusion on this list does not imply that the entry is family friendly, only that it was a nerd culture milestone. Parents should, of course, use discernment.

On April 17, 2006, Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! hit the Nintendo DS in North America, inviting players to sharpen their minds with puzzles and arithmetic. Developed in collaboration with neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, the game’s daily exercises and tests were designed to keep the brain “young” and agile.

Nerdy Facts:

• Based on Science: The game is inspired by the research of Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, focusing on keeping your brain active with simple arithmetic, reading exercises, and Sudoku puzzles, purportedly to help reduce the effects of aging on the brain.
• Speak Up: Utilizing the DS’s microphone, “Brain Age” includes several voice recognition tasks, requiring players to read aloud or verbally solve math problems, making it a truly interactive brain-training experience.
• Worldwide Phenomenon: “Brain Age” became a surprise hit, appealing to a broad demographic far beyond traditional gamers, from children to seniors, and contributing significantly to the Nintendo DS’s massive success as a gaming platform.

On April 17, 2011, HBO unveiled Game of Thrones, bringing George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels to life on screen. Set in the land of Westeros, the show’s intricate politics, sprawling cast, and startling twists quickly captivated viewers, reshaping the landscape of fantasy television.

Nerdy Facts:

• A Cast of Thousands: Over the course of its eight seasons, “Game of Thrones” featured a sprawling cast, with hundreds of speaking roles and a world that felt truly lived-in, thanks to its detailed lore and history.
• Filming on Location: The series was shot in various stunning locations around the world, from the rugged landscapes of Northern Ireland to the sunny shores of Croatia, adding a layer of authenticity and beauty to the Seven Kingdoms.
• Record-Breaking: “Game of Thrones” wasn’t just a hit with fans; it also became one of the most awarded series in Emmy history, earning numerous accolades for its writing, acting, and production values, including a record-breaking number of Emmy wins for a scripted television series.

April 17 celebrates keeping our minds sharp and diving into a realm of feuding houses and dragons. Happy Nerd History Day!