Why was ET for Atari so bad?

Why was ET for Atari so Bad?

The Extra Terrestrial, or ET for short, was released by Atari in 1982, during the holiday season. It was hyped as one of the most anticipated games of that year, and many players were eager to get their hands on it. Unfortunately, the game turned out to be a massive failure, both critically and commercially. But what went wrong?

Plot and Gameplay Issues

One of the main reasons why ET failed was due to its lackluster plot and poorly designed gameplay. The game was meant to be an action-adventure where the player controlled ET, trying to gather enough pieces of him to phone home. However, the game had several major flaws that made it difficult to complete, including:

• Unclear objectives: The player had to navigate through poorly designed levels, trying to figure out what they had to do next.
• Slow and awkward controls: ET moved slowly and poorly, making it hard to navigate through the levels.

Poorly Designed Cartridge

Another significant reason for the game’s failure was the poorly designed cartridge that Atari released. The company rushed to release the game during the holiday season, skipping thorough testing and QA. As a result, the cartridge was faulty, leading to many gaming systems freezing or crashing, further frustrating players.

Competition and Market

In 1982, the video game market was extremely competitive, with popular games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong dominating the shelves. ET failed to compete with these established hits, and many critics considered it to be of lower quality, further alienating potential buyers.

Why did Atari decide to skip testing ET?

According to former Atari employee, James Heller, the company decided to rush the game to market, as they wanted to make the most of the holiday season. This decision backfired, as many gamers experienced problems with the cartridge, and the game was panned by critics and players alike.

Consequences of the ET Flop

The ET game was a major loss for Atari, both in terms of sales and reputation. The company experienced significant financial losses, with estimates suggesting that the company lost over $100 million on the game. Furthermore, the ET failure further solidified Atari’s poor reputation in the gaming community.

Did they find the ET games in a landfill?

In a shocking turn of events, archaeologists finally discovered the alleged "grave" of ET games, hidden in a New Mexico landfill in 2014. More than 1,300 cartridges were recovered, including rare titles and even a playable copy of the infamous E.T. game. It remains uncertain what will happen to the recovered games, but enthusiasts and collectors are eagerly hoping to get their hands on these rare relics.

In conclusion, the ET for Atari was a catastrophic failure, caused by a combination of poor game design, rushed release, and heavy competition in the market. The game’s poor performance not only affected Atari but also had a lasting impact on the gaming industry. Despite its poor reputation, ET has become a part of gaming history, reminding us of the importance of game design and development, and the importance of carefully planning and testing before release.