34 Facts About E.T. (Video Game)

The Infamous E.T. Video Game

Released in 1982, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for the Atari 2600 is often cited as one of the worst video games ever made. Despite its poor reception, it holds a significant place in gaming history. Here are some fascinating facts about this notorious game.

1. Rushed Development: The game was developed in just five weeks to meet the Christmas shopping season deadline. Most games at the time took six months to a year to develop.

2. High Expectations: Atari paid $20-25 million for the rights to create the game, a massive sum at the time, expecting it to be a huge hit.

3. Single Developer: Howard Scott Warshaw, the game's sole developer, also created the successful game Yars' Revenge.

The Gameplay and Mechanics

The gameplay of E.T. was confusing and frustrating for many players. Let's dive into some specifics about its mechanics and design choices.

4. Objective: Players control E.T. as he searches for pieces of a phone to call home, while avoiding government agents and scientists.

5. Pitfalls: The game features numerous pits that E.T. can fall into, making it difficult to navigate and frustrating for players.

6. Energy Mechanic: E.T. has an energy bar that depletes over time, requiring players to find Reese's Pieces to replenish it.

The Aftermath

The release of E.T. had significant repercussions for Atari and the gaming industry as a whole. Here are some key points about its impact.

7. Massive Returns: Many copies of the game were returned to stores due to its poor quality, leading to significant financial losses for Atari.

8. Landfill Legend: Unsold copies of the game were buried in a landfill in Alamogordo, New Mexico, which became an urban legend until it was confirmed in 2014.

9. Atari's Decline: The game's failure contributed to Atari's financial troubles and the eventual video game crash of 1983.

Cultural Impact

Despite its negative reception, E.T. has left a lasting mark on popular culture and the gaming community.

10. Documentary: The story of the game's development and its aftermath was featured in the documentary Atari: Game Over.

11. Collector's Item: Today, copies of the game are considered collector's items, with some selling for hundreds of dollars.

12. Pop Culture References: The game has been referenced in various TV shows, movies, and other video games, cementing its place in gaming history.

Lessons Learned

The failure of E.T. taught valuable lessons to the gaming industry, influencing future game development and marketing strategies.

13. Quality Over Speed: The rushed development highlighted the importance of giving developers enough time to create quality games.

14. Market Research: The game's failure emphasized the need for thorough market research and understanding player expectations.

15. Licensing Risks: It showed the risks associated with high-cost licensing deals without ensuring the final product meets quality standards.

The Developer's Perspective

Howard Scott Warshaw, the developer of E.T., has shared his thoughts and experiences about the game's creation and its legacy.

16. Pride in Work: Despite the game's poor reception, Warshaw has expressed pride in his work, given the constraints he faced.

17. Public Speaking: Warshaw has become a public speaker, sharing his experiences and lessons learned from the E.T. project.

18. Author: He has written books about his time at Atari and the development of E.T., providing an insider's perspective on the gaming industry.

The Game's Legacy

E.T. remains a significant part of video game history, serving as a cautionary tale and a point of reflection for the industry.

19. Historical Significance: The game is often cited in discussions about the video game crash of 1983 and the lessons learned from that period.

20. Educational Tool: Some educators use the game's story to teach about project management, marketing, and the importance of quality control.

21. Gaming Milestone: Despite its flaws, E.T. is considered a milestone in gaming history, representing both the potential and pitfalls of the industry.

Fun Facts

Here are some lighter, fun facts about E.T. that might surprise you.

22. E.T.'s Neck: In the game, E.T.'s neck extends when he levitates, a feature that was meant to mimic his ability in the movie.

23. Hidden Easter Eggs: The game contains hidden Easter eggs, including a flower that blooms when E.T. uses his powers near it.

24. Speedrun Community: Despite its reputation, E.T. has a small but dedicated speedrunning community that competes to complete the game as quickly as possible.

The Game's Rediscovery

The rediscovery of the buried E.T. cartridges in 2014 brought renewed interest and attention to the game.

25. Excavation Event: The excavation was a public event, drawing crowds and media coverage from around the world.

26. Documentary Release: The documentary Atari: Game Over was released shortly after the excavation, detailing the game's history and the landfill legend.

27. Museum Exhibits: Some of the excavated cartridges are now displayed in museums, including The Smithsonian.

The Game's Influence on Modern Gaming

E.T.'s legacy continues to influence modern game development and industry practices.

28. Indie Game Movement: The game's failure highlighted the importance of creative freedom, inspiring many indie developers to prioritize innovation over commercial pressures.

29. Quality Assurance: Modern game development places a strong emphasis on quality assurance and playtesting, lessons learned from E.T.'s rushed release.

30. Consumer Trust: The game underscored the importance of maintaining consumer trust, leading to more transparent marketing practices in the industry.

The Developer's Redemption

Howard Scott Warshaw's career didn't end with E.T.; he went on to achieve success in other areas.

31. Therapist Career: Warshaw became a licensed therapist, helping others navigate their personal and professional challenges.

32. Industry Recognition: Despite E.T.'s failure, Warshaw is recognized as a pioneer in the gaming industry, celebrated for his contributions and resilience.

33. Continued Influence: Warshaw continues to influence the gaming community through his writings, talks, and participation in industry events.

The Game's Place in History

E.T. remains a fascinating chapter in the history of video games, offering lessons and insights for future generations.

34. Enduring Fascination: The game's story continues to captivate gamers, historians, and pop culture enthusiasts, ensuring its place in the annals of gaming history.

The Legacy of E.T. (Video Game)

E.T. (Video Game) remains a fascinating piece of gaming history. Despite its rocky start and the infamous landfill burial, it has become a symbol of the early video game industry's growing pains. The game’s rushed development and subsequent failure taught valuable lessons about quality control and market expectations. Today, it’s a collector’s item, a reminder of how far the gaming world has come. Its story is a testament to the importance of thoughtful game design and the impact of consumer feedback. While it may not have been a commercial success, E.T. (Video Game) has left an indelible mark on the industry, sparking conversations and curiosity decades later. So, next time you hear about E.T. (Video Game), remember its unique place in gaming lore and the lessons it brought to light.