99% Invisible The Worst Video Game Ever
Jan 28, 2020
Lizzie Peabody, host of Smithsonian's Side Door, teams up with Howard Scott Warshaw, the infamous creator of the E.T. video game for Atari. They dive into the chaotic story of how E.T. became one of the worst games ever, leading to buried cartridges in New Mexico. Warshaw reflects on the crushing expectations and corporate pressure he faced while making the game. The duo also explores the game's lasting impact on Atari and its unexpected transformation into a nostalgic piece of gaming history.
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The Atari Dump Excavation
- Howard Scott Warshaw witnessed the excavation of Atari cartridges in the New Mexico desert.
- He initially disbelieved the urban myth of Atari burying its failed E.T. game.
Atari's Innovation
- Atari pioneered home video game consoles, bridging the gap between arcade and home entertainment.
- Their simple console and joystick made interactive gaming accessible through televisions.
Yars' Revenge: A Game God's Creation
- Howard Scott Warshaw, an Atari programmer, created the game 'Yars' Revenge'.
- The game introduced innovative features like a pause mode, full-screen explosions, and complex sound and color.