How long did ET take to make for Atari?

How Long Did ET Take to Make for Atari?

The infamous E.T. game for the Atari 2600 is a topic of much debate and fascination among gamers and historians alike. Released in 1982, the game was a commercial failure and is often cited as one of the main reasons for the North American video game crash of 1983. But how long did it take to make this ill-fated game?

The Rushed Development

According to Howard Scott Warshaw, the programmer responsible for creating the game, E.T. was developed in a mere five weeks. This incredibly short development time was due to the pressure from Atari’s management to release the game quickly, capitalizing on the popularity of the E.T. movie franchise.

The Consequences of Rushed Development

The rushed development of E.T. had severe consequences for the game’s quality. Warshaw has spoken publicly about the difficulties he faced during development, including a lack of resources, inadequate testing, and a tight deadline. The game’s poor reception was a direct result of these issues, with many critics and players citing its confusing gameplay, poor graphics, and numerous bugs.

The Impact on Atari

The failure of E.T. had a significant impact on Atari’s reputation and finances. The game’s poor sales and negative reviews led to a decline in consumer confidence in the company, ultimately contributing to the North American video game crash of 1983. This crash had far-reaching consequences for the entire video game industry, leading to a significant decline in sales and a shift in the market towards more established and reliable game developers.

The Legacy of E.T.

Despite its poor reception, E.T. has become a cult classic among retro gamers and collectors. The game’s rarity and notoriety have made it a sought-after item, with some copies selling for thousands of dollars. The game’s legacy also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of rushed development and the importance of quality control in game development.

Comparison to Other Atari Games

To put the development time of E.T. into perspective, other Atari 2600 games took significantly longer to develop. For example, Pac-Man, another popular Atari 2600 game, took around 6-8 months to develop. This longer development time allowed for more thorough testing and refinement, resulting in a game that was well-received by critics and players.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the development of E.T. for the Atari 2600 was a rushed and poorly planned process that ultimately led to a game that was widely panned by critics and players. The game’s poor reception had significant consequences for Atari’s reputation and finances, and serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of quality control in game development. Despite its poor reception, E.T. has become a cult classic among retro gamers and collectors, and its legacy continues to fascinate and educate gamers and game developers alike.

Timeline of E.T. Development

Rushed Development Timeline

Note: The exact timeline of E.T.’s development is disputed, and the above timeline is based on Howard Scott Warshaw’s account.