In this engaging conversation, Howard Scott Warshaw, a legendary game designer from Atari, shares his experiences creating iconic games like Yars' Revenge, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and E.T. He discusses the challenges of game design, the cultural impact of his work, and the internal dynamics at Atari. Warshaw reflects on the excavation of the Atari landfill and the ongoing legacy of the 2600, as well as his transition from game design to therapy. This conversation offers a unique insight into the early days of video gaming and the creative processes behind some of its most memorable titles.
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Howard Scott Warshaw
02:11 The Making of Yars' Revenge
12:01 Yars' Revenge and Its Unique Appeal
20:56 The Challenge of Raiders of the Lost Ark
30:38 The Controversy of E.T.
31:44 The Mechanics of Game Design
34:17 Best and Worst Games on the 2600
36:34 The Rise of Activision and Imagic
37:58 Ironies of ET and Industry Pressure
42:11 The Urban Legend of Buried Games
46:21 Emotional Reactions to Game Legacy
47:49 The Homebrew Community and New Developments
50:14 Quickfire Questions and Final Thoughts
