Excavating the Atari E.T. Video Game Burial Site-Game|Life-WIRED

Summary

The video documents the excavation of a New Mexico landfill, where Atari allegedly buried truckloads of video games, including the infamous ET game, 30 years prior. The event attracted media, public, and gaming historians. Amidst skepticism and harsh desert conditions, the team's perseverance paid off as they unearthed an intact ET cartridge, confirming the urban legend. The discovery not only validated the tale but also highlighted Atari's desperate measures during financial struggles, turning a myth into a historical fact.

Takeaways

• 🏜️ The script describes an excavation in the New Mexico desert, where Atari allegedly buried truckloads of video games, including the infamous ET game.
• 🕒 The event took place 30 years after the alleged burial, with the goal of finding evidence of Atari products.
• 📹 The media and public were invited to witness the excavation, which was a significant event for retro video gaming enthusiasts.
• 🎮 Howard Scott Warshaw, the designer of ET, was present at the excavation, adding credibility to the event.
• 📚 Video game design and historian Mike Micah, and author Ernie Klein were also present, indicating the cultural importance of the find.
• 🚜 The script mentions the dire financial straits of Atari, which led to the decision to dispose of the games in such an unusual manner.
• 🗑️ The disposal method was described as absurd and similar to handling nuclear waste, highlighting the scale of the operation.
• 🎉 The discovery of an intact ET game cartridge confirmed the urban legend and made it a historical fact.
• 🎉 The excavation was not only about finding games but also about the cultural impact and the legacy of Atari.
• 📺 Wired brought the story to the public, showcasing the transformation of a legend into a verified event.

Q & A

What was the main goal of the excavation in the New Mexico desert?

The main goal was to find evidence of Atari products, specifically the ET video game, that were allegedly buried in the desert.

Why was the ET game significant in the Atari excavation?

The ET game was significant because it was rumored to be part of the buried Atari products, and it was considered one of the most innovative Atari games at the time.

What was the condition of the Atari products found during the excavation?

Some Atari products, including ET, were found intact, suggesting that they were well-preserved despite being buried for decades.

How did the public and media react to the Atari excavation event?

The public and media were highly interested in the event, with many people attending and the media covering the excavation, indicating a significant level of public interest.

Who were some of the notable figures present at the excavation site?

Notable figures present included Howard Scott Warshaw, the designer of ET, video game design and historian Mike Mika, and Ernie Cline, the author of 'Ready Player One'.

What was the initial skepticism about the Atari burial story?

There was initial skepticism because the idea of a company burying its products, especially in such a manner, seemed absurd and was likened to the handling of nuclear waste.

What was the context of the Atari burial in terms of the company's financial situation?

The burial was done during a time when Atari was in dire financial straits, leading to the disposal of inventory that was considered worthless.

What was the impact of the ET game on the video game industry and Atari's reputation?

The ET game was blamed for the video game crash and the downfall of Atari, marking a significant moment in the industry's history.

How did the excavation change the perception of the Atari burial from a legend to a fact?

The discovery of the ET game and other Atari products during the excavation confirmed the long-standing legend, transforming it into an established fact.

What was the emotional response of the people involved in the excavation when they found the ET game?

There was a mix of excitement and relief among the excavators, as finding the ET game validated the legend and marked the end of a 30-year mystery.