Whether you played it in the back of your classroom or on your computer at home, if you were a kid in the last 30 years you almost certainly grew up playing The Oregon Trail. This iconic game, which teaches the harsh realities of 19th-century pioneer life, has become a generational icon. In the upcoming season of Version History, we delve into the origins of this edutainment classic, discussing its academic roots, its complex legacy, and the probability of dying from dysentery.

Joining David Pierce are gaming journalist Chris Grant and Philip Bouchard, the designer and team leader of the game's most iconic version. They explore how The Oregon Trail was born from educational initiatives, how it evolved, and what it means for the next generation of gamers and students. Plus, on Friday, we'll livestream a playthrough of The Oregon Trail from The Verge's YouTube channel, to see which Verge staffers make it to the end and which ones fall along the way.

This season of Version History also covers other technology relics from our childhood, such as the TI-84 graphing calculator, the One Laptop Per Child initiative, the Chromebook, the LeapPad, and the humble overhead projector. Each of these devices, once ubiquitous in our lives, is now a distant memory, replaced by more modern and digital tools.

The Oregon Trail stands as a testament to the enduring impact of technology on our education and our lives. It is a game that, despite its simplicity, taught us valuable lessons about perseverance, resource management, and the challenges faced by our forebears. As we look back on these technological relics, we are reminded of the progress we have made and the lessons we have learned.