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Deep Dive: Once Upon Atari (2003)

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Once Upon Atari
Once Upon Atari covers the rise and fall of the Atari 2600 during the late 70s and early 80s. It focuses on the impact of the game ET, which New Media magazine labeled as a key factor in the decline of the video game industry. The documentary captures the competitive atmosphere among game designers who were not just battling in the market but also in their creative visions. The film provides firsthand accounts from individuals involved in the gaming industry, offering a glimpse into the often overlooked aspects of game production. It presents the cultural landscape of the time, including the rapid emergence and decline of cult celebrities in the gaming world, set against the backdrop of a significant period in video game history.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Howard Scott Warshaw, Atari's key game designer.
  • •See the impact of ET on the gaming industry.
  • •Find out about the fierce competition among game designers.

Did You Know

•New Media magazine called ET a catalyst that toppled a billion-dollar industry.
•The documentary is directed by Howard Scott Warshaw.
•The film runs for 120 minutes.
•The events covered take place in the late 70s and early 80s.

Perfect For

Video game historyAtari enthusiasts1980s pop culture