Note
Development: Jennings created Microchess over approximately six months, aiming to produce a commercially viable product rather than the most advanced chess engine
Platforms: Initially designed for the KIM-1, it was later ported to various microcomputers, including the Apple II, TRS-80, Commodore PET, and Atari 8-bit systems
Gameplay: The game allowed users to play chess against a low-level computer opponent. Early versions required players to input moves via a keyboard using a custom notation, with the computer responding in the same way1. Later versions included graphical displays of the chessboard
Commercial Success: Microchess was one of the first computer games to be sold commercially and became the first software package to sell 50,000 copies1. It ultimately sold over a million copies across all versions by the mid-1980s
Legacy: Despite its commercial success, Microchess was often criticized for its weak chess-playing ability, estimated to be around 1100 Elo. However, it remains a significant milestone in the history of computer chess and software publishing.