Is Atari ET worth anything?

Is Atari ET Worth Anything?

The answer is a resounding yes. Despite being considered one of the worst video games of all time, Atari ET has become a highly valuable commodity in recent years. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the game, its downfall, and why it’s now worth a small fortune.

The History of Atari ET

Released in 1982, Atari ET was a game developed by Howard Scott Warshaw and published by Atari, Inc. The game was a tie-in with the popular film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and was intended to capitalize on the film’s success. Unfortunately, the game received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and players alike.

Why Atari ET was a Failure

So, what went wrong? Several factors contributed to the game’s failure:

• Poor game design: The gameplay was confusing, and the graphics were subpar.
• High expectations: The game was released during a period of intense competition, and the public had high expectations for a game tied to a beloved film.
• Overproduction: Atari produced millions of copies of the game, which ended up in landfills across the United States.

The Landfill Legacy

In 1983, Atari buried millions of copies of the game in a landfill in Alamogordo, New Mexico. For decades, the story was met with skepticism, and many believed it was an urban legend. However, in 2014, a team of excavators uncovered the landfill, and many of the buried copies were recovered.

The Value of Atari ET Today

So, how much is Atari ET worth? In recent years, mint-condition copies of the game have sold for tens of thousands of dollars. Here are some notable sales:

• In 2018, a mint-condition copy of the game sold for $41,000 on eBay.
• In 2019, a boxed copy of the game with the original manual and insert sold for $25,000 on Heritage Auctions.

Why Atari ET is Valuable

There are several reasons why Atari ET is valuable:

• Rarity: Few copies of the game survived the landfill, making it a rare find.
• Historical significance: The game is a piece of gaming history, and its downfall is a cautionary tale for game developers.
• Investment potential: Atari ET has the potential to appreciate in value over time, making it an attractive investment opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts.

Table of Atari ET Sales

Here’s a table showing the value of Atari ET sales over the years:

Conclusion

Is Atari ET worth anything? Absolutely. While the game was a failure when it was first released, its rarity, historical significance, and investment potential make it a valuable commodity today. Whether you’re a collector, an enthusiast, or an investor, Atari ET is a unique opportunity to own a piece of gaming history.