Selects: E.T.: Is It Really the Worst Video Game of All Time? | Stuff You Should Know

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts delve into the infamous Atari video game, E.T., and its reputation as the worst video game of all time. They explore the factors that contributed to its notoriety and the impact it had on the video game industry. Join them as they separate fact from fiction and uncover the truth behind this legendary game.

Main Takeaways

The Bandwagon Effect and E.T.’s Reputation

• E.T. the Atari video game is widely believed to be the worst video game of all time, but it’s not.
• The internet has created a bandwagon effect around the game being the worst of all time.
• The game’s reputation as the worst ever is largely due to its association with the E.T. movie franchise.

The Design and Creation of E.T.

• Howard Scott Warshaw was a brilliant designer at Atari who came up with innovative ideas.
• Warshaw realized that creating a backstory for a game made it way more enjoyable.
• Designing backstories and biographies for characters in video games can make players care more about them and imagine what’s going on in the game world.

The Challenges of Developing E.T.

• Howard Scott Warshaw was asked to make the E.T. video game in just 5 weeks.
• The reason for the shortened schedule was due to the haggling to get the rights for the E.T. game, and Atari wanted it out in time for Christmas.
• Howard was 24 years old and full of exuberance and hubris, and he believed he could do it.

The Reception and Fallout of E.T.

• The game sold a million and a half copies, making it a success, but it was not well-received by players.
• The game had frustrating design flaws, such as E.T. falling into pits and difficulty levitating back out.
• The game’s poor reception came at the worst possible time for Atari.

The Legacy of E.T. and Howard Scott Warshaw

• ET’s failure alone would not have saved Atari from its eventual decline.
• Howard Scott Warshaw took time off after E.T. and eventually became a psychotherapist, specializing in talking to Silicon Valley types about their work problems.
• A documentary called “Atari Game Over” explores the legend of the buried E.T. game cartridges.

Summary

The Bandwagon Effect and E.T.’s Reputation

The widespread belief that E.T. is the worst video game of all time is largely due to the bandwagon effect created by the internet. While the game may not be a masterpiece, its association with the popular E.T. movie franchise has contributed to its infamous reputation.

The Design and Creation of E.T.

Howard Scott Warshaw, a talented designer at Atari, understood the importance of creating backstories for video games. By giving players a reason to care about the characters and imagine the game world, he was able to enhance the gaming experience. This innovative approach was evident in his successful game, Yars’ Revenge.

The Challenges of Developing E.T.

Warshaw faced immense pressure when he was asked to develop the E.T. video game in just 5 weeks. Despite the tight deadline, he believed in his abilities and took on the challenge. This shortened schedule was a result of the negotiations for the rights to create the game and Atari’s desire to release it in time for Christmas.

The Reception and Fallout of E.T.

Although the E.T. game sold a significant number of copies, it received negative reviews from players. Frustrating design flaws, such as E.T. falling into pits and difficulty levitating back out, contributed to its poor reception. This, coupled with the oversaturation of the market with subpar games, led to a decline in Atari’s profits and ultimately the North American video game crash of 1983.

The Legacy of E.T. and Howard Scott Warshaw

E.T.’s failure alone would not have saved Atari from its eventual decline, as there were other factors at play. Howard Scott Warshaw, the designer of the infamous game, moved on from the video game industry and became a psychotherapist. He found closure in the aftermath of the E.T. debacle, realizing that many of the game’s critics did not fully understand the challenges he faced.

Conclusion

The E.T. video game may have a reputation as the worst of all time, but it is important to separate fact from fiction. While it had its flaws, the game’s association with the E.T. movie franchise and the timing of its failure contributed to its notoriety. Howard Scott Warshaw, the game’s designer, has found peace with the aftermath and has moved on to a successful career outside of the video game industry.