Why Did Atari Decide to Skip Testing ET The Extra Terrestrial?
Atari’s decision to skip testing ET The Extra Terrestrial has become one of the most infamous moments in video game history. The game’s release in December 1982 was a catastrophe, with players and critics alike panning the game’s poor gameplay, lack of direction, and awkward controls. But why did Atari decide to skip testing the game before its release? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this fateful decision.
Time Limitation
Atari was facing intense pressure to release a game based on the popular 1982 film ET The Extra Terrestrial. The film’s success was unprecedented, and Atari knew that they had to capitalize on the hype. According to Howard Scott Warshaw, the game’s designer, the company had only six weeks to develop and release the game. This was an extremely short amount of time, and it’s no wonder that the game suffered as a result.
The Impact of Rushed Development
Warshaw has spoken publicly about the stress and pressure he felt during the development process. The team worked long hours, often with little sleep or breaks. This rush to complete the game led to numerous bugs, glitches, and poor design choices. ET The Extra Terrestrial became a prime example of how rushed development can lead to a subpar gaming experience.
Unrealistic Expectations
Atari had set the bar extremely high for ET The Extra Terrestrial. The company had predicted that the game would sell millions of copies. However, the reality was far from that. The game’s poor reception and lack of direction made it difficult for players to enjoy. This led to a significant financial loss for Atari, which would later contribute to the company’s decline.
The Impact on the Gaming Industry
The failure of ET The Extra Terrestrial had far-reaching consequences for the gaming industry. The game’s poor reception led to a video game crash in 1983. This crash was a period of significant decline for the industry, with many game developers and publishers going out of business. The impact was so severe that it would take several years for the industry to recover.
Table: Atari’s Financial Losses
| Year | Losses |
|---|---|
| 1983 | $500 million |
| 1984 | $100 million |
| 1985 | $50 million |
Conclusion
Atari’s decision to skip testing ET The Extra Terrestrial was a costly mistake. The company’s rush to release the game led to a subpar gaming experience, poor sales, and significant financial losses. The impact of this failure was felt throughout the gaming industry, contributing to the video game crash of 1983. Today, ET The Extra Terrestrial is often cited as an example of how poor development and unrealistic expectations can lead to a game’s downfall.
Subheadings:
• Time Limitation: Atari’s decision to release the game in a short amount of time
• The Impact of Rushed Development: How the rush to complete the game led to numerous bugs and poor design choices
• Unrealistic Expectations: Atari’s expectations for the game’s sales and reception
• The Impact on the Gaming Industry: The consequences of the game’s poor reception and the video game crash of 1983