1-up
1-up (or “1UP”, “1-UP”, etc.), pronounced "one up", is a general term in video gaming that refers to any item which gives the player an extra life, allowing play to continue beyond the game's normal limitation on attempts. Because there is no rule set in place governing all games, the specific implications of 1-ups varies tremendously from game to game. However, they are very often rare and difficult items to acquire, occasionally requiring the player to demonstrate significant skill or risk an unnecessary death.
In certain games, it is possible to receive multiple extra lives at once. When this happens, the number of extra lives obtained sometimes changes the notification from "1-up" to a variant that reflects the total lives earned: two lives would be "2-up", five lives would be "5-up", and so on. Games that don't follow this rule often simply repeat the "1-up" notification in rapid succession concurrent with the number of lives awarded.
History
The term "1-up" appeared in American pinball games at least as early as the late 1960s, and perhaps earlier though its meaning then differed from its current definition. Early multi-player pinball games displayed "XUP" to signify that it was a certain player's turn (1UP for Player 1, 2UP for Player 2, etc.). It would also use this terminology to designate which score belonged to which player: "1UP" followed by a score indicated that it was Player 1's score, for example. Even then, however, the current concept of the 1-up was incorporated. These games often gave players multiple chances before one reached a game over. When a ball was lost in the gutter, the next ball was loaded and the game continued. If a player met certain conditions (such as a high score), they received an extra ball. Later, this concept was applied to arcade games. The inclusion of extra lives was very common in video games from the 1980s on, even in otherwise 'realistic' combat-themed games.
Extra Life (fundraiser)
Extra Life is a fundraising event, the proceeds of which go to branches of the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. 100% of all donations go directly to the hospitals.
Extra Life was formed in 2008 to honor Victoria Enmon, who was suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It was aided by the Sarcastic Gamer community, who sent gifts and video games to her.
Event totals and participant numbers
- Gamers: Unknown
- Gamers: 4,500
- Gamers: 15,500
- Gamers: 17,000
- Gamers: 43,000
- Gamers: 50,000
External links
References
Extra Life (band)
Extra Life was an experimental band from Brooklyn. They are known for using unusual rhythms and time signatures, and for Charlie Looker's (ex Zs and Dirty Projectors) unique singing style, which often uses melisma and is reminiscent of medieval and Renaissance music.
Other members of Extra Life also play in a number of other bands. Nick Podgurski plays drums in Yukon. Caley Monahon-Ward plays violin in Snowblink.
Math rock artist Tyondai Braxton formerly of Battles recommended the band on their Myspace, saying "Totally scored out. Awkward rhythm. Amazing".
On November 13, 2012, Extra Life officially disbanded because, "...the inner creative momentum driving the band has stalled."
