In the early 1980s, Atari could do no wrong. They created the arcade and home video game market, and had over an 80 percent share of the latter. By the year 2000, they were an afterthought. A cool retro logo on a hipster’s t shirt. What happened? And for those too young to remember, what exactly was Atari?
In Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, Digital Eclipse Studio created a full featured interactive timeline of Atari. Photos, promotional materials and video compose five categories of the iconic company’s history. From their arcade origins through their consoles and computers, Atari 50 covers the biggest steps and missteps of the company.
The highlight of this digital documentary are the interviews from past Atari employees. Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell, Defender creator Eugene Jarvis, Yar’s Revenge creator Howard Scott Warshaw, Pong creator Al Alcorn and game designer Tim Schafer are just some of those interviewed. Topics include the broken Pong machine that stopped working because it was full of quarters, drug use at Atari and how some of the most popular Atari games came about.
People are also reading…
After hearing Howard Scott Warshaw talk about Yar’s Revenge, your first instinct may be to play the game. Atari 50 allows you to jump in the game right from their interactive timeline. Play a game of Breakout after reading about its famous creators Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, and view Atari’s promotional flyer where they first use their tagline “Innovative Leisure.”
If playing classic Atari games excites you more than the company’s history, you can bypass the timeline and go right to the games library. Over 80 classic Atari games are available in this collection, from the Atari 2600 to the Jaguar and Lynx. Along with the originals, Digital Eclipse created reimagined versions of eight classic games, including Haunted House, Breakout, Swordquest and Yar’s Revenge. Atari 50 also includes prototypes of games that were never released on any system.
Atari 50 took a mostly rosy view of the company, despite one segment on drug use. It fails to discuss the company's past decade, where Atari tried to use its name to become relevant again. The Atari Speakerhat, a crypto currency called the Atari Token, a Metaverse casino, Atari hotels and their costly new system the Atari VCS - which basically is a way to play classic Atari games and Stream Netflix - all feel like failed experiments. But maybe it is good these are ignored in Atari 50. Maybe it is best to remember and celebrate the Atari of old rather than what the company is now. Better to play classic games and enjoy an interactive history of the first real video game company.
Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration offers a unique and creative history of a great American technology company. After completing the retrospective, I hope other classic gaming and technology companies receive a similar treatment. I dream of similar collections for Commodore, Amiga or Sega, just to name a few.
Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC and even Atari VCS.
20 great gifts for gamers
Steam Deck
The handheld gaming system created by Valve allows you to play computer games on the go. Pick up the optional docking station to hook it to your computer. Portable and powerful, with thousands of games available.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
A novel about two friends with a passion for video games. The story follows their lives and stories from college through adulthood.
Heroes of Barcadia
You are an adventurer whose life is measured in fluid ounces. Explore dungeons, battle ghouls or other players. But be careful not to let your glass go empty before completing the quest!
Custom designed Xbox controller
Want to add your own unique style to your hobby. Customize a controller with the colors and design you want. Choose between the standard Xbox wireless or Elite controller.
Create your own at the Xbox Design Lab
Elden Ring
FromSoftware’s hit game provides dozens of hours of entertainment in a beautiful open world setting, with a story created by Hidetaka Miyazaki of Dark Souls and George R. R. Martin of A Game of Thrones.
Available on Xbox, PlayStation and PC.
Metal dice set
Looking for the perfect gift for that Dungeons & Dragons or role-playing fan? These metal dice will help them roll critical hits, while looking good doing it.
Tamagotchi
The digital pet a generation tried to keep alive as children is back. Can your children do a better job than you did? Or maybe you want to give it another crack yourself.
LEGO Super Mario NES
Build your own Nintendo Entertainment System featuring Super Mario Bros.This detailed LEGO set can even follow Mario through part of the game.
PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X
While these are still a hot ticket item, they are easier to find these days at your local Target, Walmart or GameStop. Call ahead, and they might be in stock.
Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration
More than a collection of classic Atari games, The Anniversary Celebration is a digital timeline with interactive interviews and images spanning the complete history of Atari. Learn about the first great gaming company.
Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and PC.
Backbone gaming controller
If you like to play games on your phone, the Backbone is for you. Add the familiar Xbox or PlayStation control scheme to your Android or iPhone.
NES cartridge drink coasters
Show your love for retro games with these coasters shaped like classic Nintendo cartridges. Eight different designs in each set.
Cascadia
The 2022 Spiel Des Jahres winner for best board game. Create habitats for wildlife in the Pacific Northwest by drafting tokens and laying tiles. Can you create the best ecosystem?
Govee panel lights
Create unique designs with a variety of light shapes that sync with your music, smart device or gaming computer.
Blue light glasses
Blue light blocking glasses are essential for anyone who spends a lot of time in front of a computer or television. Gunnar is the most well known brand, but there are plenty of other quality options at a fraction of the price.
God of War Ragnarök
The sequel to the 2018 franchise reboot. Kratos and his son Atreus continue their battle against the Norse gods. One of the best reviewed games of the year.
Legend of Zelda mug
Give your morning beverage a touch of personality.
Logitech C920S Pro HD webcam
One of the highest rated webcams on the market for the price, the C920S is perfect for the game streamer in your life, or the work from home individual who makes a lot of Zoom calls.
Gaming socks
Put your feet up and enjoy some games, while letting those around you know your plans.
Xbox mini fridge
Keep your favorite beverages cold while gaming with this mini refrigerator designed to look like an Xbox Series X.
