Selects: E.T.: Is It Really the Worst Video Game of All Time? | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW
Join Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant on "Stuff You Should Know" as they revisit what has been infamously dubbed the worst video game in history, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." Unraveling the negative hyperbole surrounding E.T., Josh and Chuck guide us through an examination of gaming's bygone era, contrasting the condemned game with others of its time. Highlighting the weight of expectation placed on E.T. due to its cinematic counterpart, they provide a fresh perspective on why this game received the unenviable title and how the looming holiday sales frenzy contributed to its rushed development and subsequent shortcomings.
The duo pays homage to Howard Scott Warshaw, exploring his innovative contributions to the gaming world and his dramatic shift in career post-Atari. Delving into Atari's notorious strategy of burying unsold cartridges in a New Mexico landfill, they discuss the Alamogordo excavation that debunked myths and ironically turned the supposed failure into a collector's goldmine. In a delightful detour, Josh and Chuck share chuckles over the slick situation caused by olives and Roman starlings, inviting listeners to embrace the quirks of history and humanity alike. "Stuff You Should Know" takes you on a journey of debunking myths and celebrating the peculiarities of cultural footnotes.
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1-Page Summary
Examining the Notorious Legacy of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Video Game
Unpacking the Reputation of E.T. the Video Game
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, the co-hosts, delve into the retrospective episode focused on the infamous "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" video game, often mislabeled as the worst game ever created. They argue against this label by comparing it to other games from the same era which were inferior in quality, although E.T.'s ties to the blockbuster film and its notable release timing drew more attention.
Challenges in the Game's Development and Production
The hosts share the behind-the-scenes history, which includes the exceedingly short five-week development period given to its creator, Howard Scott Warshaw, by Atari CEO Ray Kassar. Despite Spielberg's initial concept suggestion for the game to be similar to "Pac-Man," Warshaw presented an idea more true to the film's narrative, which Spielberg accepted. While Atari was the dominant force in the market at the time, the company hastened the development to beat the Christmas sales window, adding pressure on Warshaw.
Analyzing the Commercial Impact on Atari
Initially, the E.T. game sold half a million units, but it rapidly gained notoriety for its monotonous play and bugs, leading to an excess of unsold copies. This miscalculation, partially due to the assumption that the game would ride on the film's success, reflected Atari's corporate overconfidence and contributed to the company's financial downturn. This event played a role in the larger video game crash of 1983 in North America.
Highlighting the Role of Howard Scott Warshaw in Gaming History
Celebrating Warshaw's Pioneering Contributions to Atari
Acknowledging Warshaw's prior achievements, the hosts commend his exceptional work for Atari, including the creation of “Yar's Revenge” and the innovative “Raiders of the Lost Ark” game. These games displayed Warshaw's creativity, incorporating character backstories and Easter eggs to engage players.
Warshaw's Career Transition After Atari
Subsequent to the E.T. game's failure and Atari's decline, Warshaw left the gaming industry. He pursued varied careers, including real estate, and eventually found his calling as a psychotherapist, supporting individuals in the tech industry.
Unearthing Truths: The E.T. Video Game Burial Legend and Market Realities
The Truth Behind the Alamogordo Cartridge Excavation
The episode segues into the story of the "Atari Game Over" documentary, which looks into the lore of Atari disposing of unsold E.T. cartridges in a New Mexico landfill. The hosts recount the excavation led by Mike Burns and Joe Lewandowski in Alamogordo, which unearthed about 1,300 game cartridges, debunking the excessive rumors of the burial.
Reevaluating the "Worst Game Ever" Claim and Market Dynamics
The discovery transformed the supposed failure into a profitable event, with cartridges auctioned for significant sums and the local community benefiting from the attention. Through this, the podcast hosts contest the idea of E.T. as the worst game, and instead point to the crowded market of below-average games as a cause for Atari's collapse.
Cultural Reflections and Lighthearted Anecdotes
The Slippery Situation with Roman Starlings: An Urban Quirk
Finally, the article takes a lighter turn with a listener's anecdote about Roman starlings. The birds, after feasting on olives, leave the streets of Rome slick with oily droppings. This urban oddity is humorously discussed by the hosts, who also share their personal experiences with the charms of Rome despite the avian nuisance. They close the episode by inviting listeners to engage with more stories and feedback.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial video game faced challenges due to its rushed development within a five-week timeframe to align with the movie's release. Despite Atari's dominance, the game's rushed production led to quality issues and an oversupply of unsold copies. This misstep contributed to Atari's financial struggles and played a part in the video game crash of 1983 in North America.
- Howard Scott Warshaw was a game developer at Atari known for creating games like "Yar's Revenge" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." His innovative approach included incorporating character backstories and Easter eggs to engage players. Despite the infamous reception of the E.T. video game, Warshaw had prior successes in the gaming industry. After leaving Atari, he transitioned to different careers before finding his calling as a psychotherapist.
- The Alamogordo cartridge excavation was a dig in New Mexico that aimed to uncover unsold E.T. game cartridges buried by Atari. This event debunked rumors and shed light on the game's history. The discovery turned the game's failure into a profitable event through auctions and community benefits. It challenged the perception of E.T. as the worst game ever and highlighted the complexities of the video game market in the 1980s.
- The failure of the E.T. video game contributed to the larger video game crash of 1983 in North America by eroding consumer trust in the industry. The game's poor reception led to a surplus of unsold copies, causing financial losses for Atari and retailers. This event, combined with other factors like market saturation and low-quality games flooding the market, led to a widespread industry downturn. The crash resulted in a significant decline in video game sales and the closure of many game development companies, reshaping the industry landscape for years to come.
Counterarguments
- While Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant argue against labeling E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as the worst game ever, some might contend that the game's poor mechanics and design relative to player expectations justify its notorious reputation.
- The argument that E.T.'s ties to the blockbuster film and its release timing drew more attention to the game could be countered by suggesting that the game's failure was due to intrinsic quality issues rather than external factors.
- The short development period for the E.T. game could be seen not just as an excuse for its poor quality, but also as a reflection of the era's industry practices, where many games were developed quickly and still succeeded.
- The claim that the E.T. game's notoriety led to unsold copies and contributed to Atari's financial downturn might be challenged by pointing out that the video game crash of 1983 had multiple causes, and E.T.'s failure was just one factor among many.
- While Warshaw's creativity in "Yar's Revenge" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is celebrated, some might argue that these successes do not negate the shortcomings of the E.T. game or the impact it had on his career.
- The transition of Howard Scott Warshaw to a career as a psychotherapist could be viewed critically by some as a retreat from the gaming industry rather than a positive career evolution.
- The Alamogordo cartridge excavation might be criticized for potentially glorifying a commercial failure and contributing to the perpetuation of the E.T. game's infamy.
- Contesting the idea of E.T. as the worst game by attributing Atari's collapse to a crowded market of below-average games could be countered by arguing that E.T.'s high-profile failure had a significant impact on consumer confidence and the industry's reputation.
- The humorous discussion of Roman starlings could be criticized for trivializing the actual inconvenience and potential hazards caused by the birds to the residents of Rome.
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Examining the Notorious Legacy of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Video Game
Unpacking the Reputation of E.T. the Video Game
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, the co-hosts, delve into the retrospective episode focused on the infamous "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" video game, often mislabeled as the worst game ever created.
They discuss Howard Scott Warshaw's perspective, highlighting that he believed with just one more week dedicated to debugging, he could have fixed the notorious issues that plagued the game. They aim to correct common misconceptions and provide a clearer understanding of the game's actual standing in history, in comparison to other games from the same era which were inferior in quality, though E.T.'s ties to the successful Spielberg film and significant marketing efforts attracted more scrutiny.
Challenges in the Game's Development and Production
The hosts share the behind-the-scenes history, which includes the exceedingly short five-week development period given to its creator, Howard Scott Warshaw, by Atari CEO Ray Kassar due to prolonged rights negotiations cutting into the pre-Christmas development window.
Despite Spielberg's initial concept suggestion for the game to be similar to "Pac-Man," Warshaw presented an idea more true to the film's narrative which Spielberg accepted. Meanwhile, Atari's CEO harbored internal doubts about the project's feasibility after discussions confirmed the impractical nature of the development timeline.
Analyzing the Commercial Impact on Atari
Initially, the E.T. game sold half a million units, but it gained notoriety for its bugs and monotonous play, leading to a surplus of unsold copies which became evident through the intense marketing campaigns featuring E.T.-themed ads during the holiday season. This miscalculation, rooted in Atari's ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Examining the Notorious Legacy of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Video Game
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The retrospective episode on the "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" video game is a review or analysis that looks back at the game's history, impact, and legacy. It often involves discussing the game's development, reception, and cultural significance, providing insights and perspectives that may not have been fully appreciated at the time of the game's release. These retrospectives aim to offer a deeper understanding of the game's place in gaming history and its influence on the industry and popular culture.
- Howard Scott Warshaw was the game designer responsible for creating the "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" video game for the Atari 2600. He believed that with more time for debugging, he could have improved the game significantly. Despite facing challenges like a tight development schedule, Warshaw aimed to create a game that stayed true to the narrative of the popular Spielberg film. His perspective sheds light on the constraints and pressures he faced during the game's production.
- Howard Scott Warshaw, the creator of the E.T. video game, was given an extremely short five-week period to develop the game by Atari. This tight deadline was a result of negotiations over rights taking longer than expected, leaving Warshaw with limited time to create the game before the crucial Christmas season. The rushed development schedule significantly impacted the quality of the game, leading to the issues and criticisms it faced upon release. The pressure of this short timeframe is a key factor in understanding the challenges and shortcomings of the E.T. video game.
- Spielberg initially suggested that the E.T. video game be similar to "Pac-Man," a popular arcade game at the time. However, the game's creator, Howard Scott Warshaw, proposed a concept more closely aligned with the narrative of the E.T. film, which Spielberg ultimately accepted. This decision led to the development of a game that aimed to capture the essence of the movie rather than mimic the gameplay of "Pac-Man."
- Atari CEO Ray Kassar had doubts about the feasibility of the E.T. video game project due to the extremely short five-week development period allocated to its creator, Howard Scott Warshaw. The limited timeframe raised concerns about the game's quality and functionality, especially considering the complexities involved in translating a popular film into an engaging video game experience. Kassar's reservations stemmed from the realization that the ambitious development timeline might not allow for the necessary level of polish and refinement required for a successful game release. These doubts were compounded by the pressure to meet the holid ...
Counterarguments
- The claim that "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" is often labeled as the worst game ever created could be challenged by pointing out that this is a subjective assessment and that there are other contenders for that title, especially considering the vast number of games released since then.
- While Howard Scott Warshaw believed an additional week for debugging could have fixed the game's issues, it's possible that the game's fundamental design flaws required more extensive reworking than a simple debugging process could provide.
- The five-week development period is often cited as a primary reason for the game's failure, but some might argue that other successful games have been developed in a short time frame, suggesting that the issue may have been more about project management and scope rather than time constraints alone.
- Spielberg's acceptance of Warshaw's narrative-based game concept over a "Pac-Man" style game could be defended as an attempt to innovate rather than follow existing trends, even if the end product was not well-received.
- The initial sales of half a million units indicate that there was significant interest in the game, which could suggest that its failure was not solely due to the game's quality but also to external factors such as market saturation and the impending video game crash.
- The production of 1.5 million copies of the game might be criticized as overly optimistic, but it could also be seen as a ...
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Highlighting the Role of Howard Scott Warshaw in Gaming History
Celebrating Warshaw's Pioneering Contributions to Atari
Acknowledging Warshaw's earlier successes, the hosts commend his exceptional work for Atari, including the creation of "Yar's Revenge," hailed as an exemplary Atari 2600 game, and "Raiders of the Lost Ark," featuring groundbreaking two-joystick control. Warshaw's innovative design philosophy integrated character backstories and biographies, and placed hidden features, or Easter eggs, in games to enhance player engagement.
Specific to the E.T. game, Warshaw's ambitious work ethic is evidenced by the six-screen world he designed amidst a grueling schedule facilitated by Atari, who provided a home office and managerial oversight to ensure his basic nutrition. Warshaw's decision to include Easter eggs is discussed, questioning whether efforts would ha ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Highlighting the Role of Howard Scott Warshaw in Gaming History
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- "Yar's Revenge" is significant for its innovative gameplay and success on the Atari 2600 console, becoming one of the best-selling games for the platform. "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is notable for its pioneering use of two-joystick controls, offering a unique gaming experience for players at the time. Both games contributed to shaping the early history of video games and are remembered as important titles in the Atari era.
- Easter eggs in video games are hidden messages, inside jokes, or secret features intentionally placed by developers for players to discover. They can range from hidden rooms to special items and can be found through exploration or by following specific instructions. Easter eggs add an element of surprise and fun for players, often rewarding their curiosity with unique experiences. These hidden gems have become a popular tradition in gaming culture, encouraging players to thoroughly explore game worlds for hidden secrets.
- The E.T. game's failure in 1982 is considered one of the most significant events in video game history. It is often cited as a major factor in the video game industry crash of 1983. The game's rushed development and poor rec ...
Counterarguments
- While Warshaw's games like "Yar's Revenge" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" were innovative, some might argue that other game designers at Atari or within the industry also made significant contributions that should be equally celebrated.
- The integration of character backstories and Easter eggs, though pioneered by Warshaw, could be seen as part of a broader trend in gaming where many developers were beginning to explore deeper storytelling and hidden content.
- The six-screen world of E.T. was ambitious, but critics might point out that the complexity of the design contributed to the game's confusing gameplay and ultimately its poor reception.
- The provision of a home office and managerial oversight by Atari could be viewed as a standard practice for the time, especially for projects with tight deadlines, and not necessarily a special accommodation for Warshaw.
- Warshaw' ...
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Unearthing Truths: The E.T. Video Game Burial Legend and Market Realities
The Truth Behind the Alamogordo Cartridge Excavation
The episode segues into the story of the "Atari Game Over" documentary, which looks into the lore of Atari disposing of unsold E.T. cartridges in a New Mexico landfill.
The hosts recount the excavation led by Mike Burns, who became intrigued by the legend after a conversation with a former Atari employee, and Joe Lewandowski, a pivotal figure with a background in the city's waste department.
Notably, the dig attracted enthusiasts like "Ready Player One" author Ernest Cline. The presence of Howard Scott Warshaw at the excavation provided a moment of reconciliation with his past. Adding to the thrill, time-specific newspapers were discovered along with the cartridges, intensifying the evidential value of the excavation which unearthed about 1,300 game cartridges, debunking the exaggerated rumors of the burial.
Reevaluating the "Worst Game Ever" Claim and Market Dynamics
The discovery transformed the alleged failure into a collector's and museum's treasure, with cartridges auctioned for significant sums and the local community benefiting f ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Unearthing Truths: The E.T. Video Game Burial Legend and Market Realities
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- In 1983, Atari faced financial losses due to the poor reception of the E.T. video game. To clear unsold inventory, Atari allegedly buried thousands of E.T. game cartridges in a landfill in Alamogordo, New Mexico. This event became a part of gaming folklore and was later investigated through a documentary called "Atari: Game Over." The excavation in 2014 aimed to uncover the truth behind this legend and shed light on Atari's history during the video game industry crash of the early 1980s.
- The "Atari Game Over" documentary is a film that delves into the urban legend surrounding Atari's burial of unsold E.T. game cartridges in a New Mexico landfill. It follows the excavation led by enthusiasts to uncover the truth behind this legend. The documentary sheds light on the historical significance of the event and its impact on the gaming community. It features interviews with key figures involved in the excavation and explores the broader context of the video game industry during that era.
- Howard Scott Warshaw is a former game designer who worked at Atari in the early 1980s. He is known for designing and programming games like Yars' Revenge, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for the Atari 2600. Warshaw later transitioned to a career as a psychotherapist and has also been involved in writing books and directing documentaries.
- The E.T. video game, released in 1982 for the Atari 2600, is often considered a commercial failure due to its rushed development and poor gameplay mechanics. It is infamous for its negative reception and impact on Atari's financial performance. The game's alleged fai ...
Counterarguments
- The excavation may have been led by Mike Burns, but it was a collaborative effort involving many individuals and organizations, and attributing the success to a single person might overlook the contributions of others.
- While Joe Lewandowski's role was pivotal, it's important to recognize that such projects are multi-faceted and require the expertise and support of a diverse team.
- Ernest Cline's participation, while notable, does not necessarily add to the archaeological or historical significance of the excavation; his presence is more relevant to pop culture enthusiasts.
- Howard Scott Warshaw's presence at the excavation is a powerful narrative element, but it doesn't necessarily provide a comprehensive view of the impact the E.T. game had on his life or career.
- The discovery of time-specific newspapers does add to the evidential value, but it's worth noting that such finds are common in landfills and may not be as remarkable as portrayed.
- While the excavation did unearth about 1,300 game cartridges, this number may not fully represent the scale of the burial, and there could be more to the story.
- The transformation of the E.T. cartridges into collector's items could be seen as a result of the documentary and media attention rather than the inherent value of the cartridges themselves.
- The auctioning of the cartridges for significant sums could be criticized as capitalizing on a narrative rather than the actual value of the games.
- The benefit to the local community is a positive outcome, but it might ...
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Cultural Reflections and Lighthearted Anecdotes
The Slippery Situation with Roman Starlings: An Urban Quirk
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant shift gears to a lighter topic when they address a unique urban dilemma faced by Romans, brought to their attention by a listener named James. The starlings in Rome have a peculiar habit of ingesting olives from the surrounding rural areas during the day and then flocking to the city at night, seeking the urban warmth. This results in streets slick with oily droppings, causing not only an unsightly mess on cars but also hazardous driving conditions.
The troublesome situation came to life with James's personal anecdote of slipping off his scooter because of the slippery droppings. Chuck notes the additional concern of the droppings' acidity damaging car paint, while the hosts humorously suggest that pedestrians might resort to using umbrellas ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Cultural Reflections and Lighthearted Anecdotes
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant are hosts of the popular podcast "Stuff You Should Know," where they discuss a wide range of topics in an engaging and informative manner. The podcast covers everything from science and history to pop culture and urban legends, often delving into quirky and lesser-known subjects. Listeners enjoy their dynamic and conversational style, making complex topics accessible to a broad audience. The hosts' humor and chemistry have garnered a large following, with fans appreciating their blend of education and entertainment.
- The urban dilemma in Rome involves starlings ingesting olives from rural areas during the day and flocking to the city at night, causing oily droppings on the streets. This behavior leads to messy and slippery conditions, posing risks to both pedestrians and drivers. The acidity of the droppings can also damage car paint, adding to the challenges faced by residents and visitors. The situation highlights the unique interaction between urban and rural environments in Rome, creating a quirky yet troublesome issue for the city's inhabitants.
- Starlings in Rome ingest olives during the day from rural areas. The olives have a high oil content. When the starlings come to the city at night, they excrete the oil-rich droppings, making the streets slippery.
- Bird droppings, including those from starlings, can be acidic due to their high uric acid content. When these acidic droppings land on a car's paint, they can cause damage by etching into the surface. This can lead to discoloration, dullness, and even corrosion over time if not promptly clean ...
Counterarguments
- The discussion may not fully acknowledge the ecological role and benefits of starlings, which could include pest control and seed dispersal, providing a more balanced view of their presence in urban areas.
- While the use of umbrellas is suggested humorously, it might not be a practical solution for pedestrians, and the text does not explore more effective ways to mitigate the issue.
- The text does not address potential long-term solutions to the problem, such as wildlife management strategies or urban planning adjustments, which could be more constructive than simply sharing anecdotes.
- The charm of Rome and the elegance of the locals are subjective observations and may not reflect the experiences of ...
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