Did Atari Really Bury ET in the Desert?
The urban legend surrounding Atari’s alleged burial of millions of unsold ET cartridges in a New Mexico landfill has captivated the gaming community for decades. But what’s the truth behind this fascinating story?
The Legend Begins
In the early 1980s, Atari, Inc. was struggling to stay afloat. The company had released several popular games, including Asteroids and Centipede, but their most iconic title, ET the Extra-Terrestrial, was not as successful as expected. As a result, Atari was left with a massive inventory of unsold cartridges, which were reportedly dumped in a landfill in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
The Initial Rumors
The story of the buried ET cartridges gained momentum in the 1980s, with rumors circulating about the sheer number of games buried. 700,000 cartridges, according to some estimates, were allegedly dumped in the landfill, along with other Atari games and consoles. This figure has been disputed, but the idea of a massive burial has become an integral part of gaming folklore.
The Investigation
In 2014, a documentary crew from Fuel Industries, led by Microsoft’s Larry Hryb, set out to uncover the truth behind the legend. The team excavated the Alamogordo landfill, and after several days of digging, they finally uncovered the remnants of Atari’s alleged burial site.
What Was Found?
On June 16, 2014, the documentary crew announced that they had found 1,300 cartridges, including several copies of ET, buried in the landfill. While this was significantly fewer than the rumored 700,000, it still marked a significant discovery that lent credence to the legend.
The Atari Perspective
In an interview with Game Informer, former Atari employee James Heller, who was present during the excavation, revealed that the company had indeed buried some of their unsold inventory, including ET cartridges. "We didn’t bury them all," Heller said, "but we did bury some." Heller’s testimony adds weight to the legend, but it’s unclear how many cartridges were actually buried.
The Legacy
The myth of Atari’s buried ET cartridges has become a symbol of the company’s struggles in the early 1980s. While the legend has been exaggerated and distorted over time, it remains an important part of gaming history. The story serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by Atari, as well as the enduring appeal of classic video games.
Timeline:
- 1982: Atari releases ET the Extra-Terrestrial, which fails to sell as expected.
- Early 1980s: Atari buries unsold cartridges, including ET, in a landfill in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
- 2014: Documentary crew excavates the landfill, finds 1,300 cartridges, including ET.
- 2014: Former Atari employee James Heller confirms the burial of some unsold inventory.
Key Points:
• 700,000 cartridges allegedly buried in the landfill, according to rumors.
• 1,300 cartridges found in the landfill, including several copies of ET.
• Former Atari employee James Heller confirms the burial of some unsold inventory.
• The excavation marked a significant discovery that lent credence to the legend.
In conclusion, while the exact number of buried ET cartridges remains unclear, the legend has become an integral part of gaming history. The story serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by Atari, as well as the enduring appeal of classic video games.