How many Atari ET games were buried?

How Many Atari ET Games Were Buried?

The Atari ET game, released in 1982, is often referred to as one of the worst video games of all time. Its poor reception led to a massive surplus of unsold cartridges, which ultimately ended up in a New Mexico landfill. The myth surrounding the burial of these games has been perpetuated for decades, but the truth is finally revealed.

The Truth About the Burial

In 2014, an excavation team from Alamogordo, New Mexico, confirmed that the city’s landfill did indeed contain a massive quantity of Atari games and consoles. The team, led by local businessman and avid gamer, Joe Lewandowski, discovered over 1,300 cartridges of various Atari games, including the infamous ET.

The Initial Estimates Were Way Off

Before the excavation, rumors swirled that the landfill was home to millions of unsold ET cartridges. These estimates were wildly exaggerated, and the actual number was significantly lower. The 1,300 cartridges found are still a staggering number, considering the game was considered a commercial failure at the time of its release.

What Was Bothered and Buried?

The landfill excavation revealed that the Atari games and consoles were not just ET cartridges. The following items were also found:

• Unsold Atari 2600 consoles: The excavation team discovered dozens of unsold Atari 2600 consoles, many still in their original packaging.
• Other Atari games: The team found a variety of other Atari games, including titles such as Yars’ Revenge, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and more.
• Computer parts: The landfill also contained various computer parts, including circuit boards, motherboards, and other components.

Why Were the Games Buried?

The games were buried due to Atari’s financial struggles in the early 1980s. The company had overestimated the demand for their games, leading to a surplus of unsold cartridges and consoles. The company was unable to sell the games and consoles, and ultimately, they were disposed of in the landfill.

The Significance of the Burial

The burial of the Atari ET games has become a significant piece of gaming history. It serves as a reminder of the risks involved in the gaming industry and the impact of poor game development and marketing. The excavation has also sparked renewed interest in the Atari brand and its iconic games.

What Happened to the Discovered Games?

After the excavation, the discovered games and consoles were removed from the landfill and sent to various museums and private collectors. Some of the games have been restored and are now on display at museums, while others have been sold to collectors. The excavation has also sparked a renewed interest in the Atari brand, with some enthusiasts even attempting to create working versions of the games from the buried cartridges.

Conclusion

The burial of the Atari ET games is a fascinating piece of gaming history that has been shrouded in mystery for decades. The truth is finally out, and we can now appreciate the significance of this event in the gaming industry. Whether you’re a nostalgic gamer or a history buff, the story of the Atari ET game burial is an interesting and educational tale that highlights the risks and rewards of the gaming industry.