In the early 1980s, the Atari 2600 video game console was the must-have toy in Freehold, N.J. The video game console paved the way for an industry that thrives today. Now, thirty years later, Atari is struggling to stay afloat.
On Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, the U.S. division of Atari filed for bankruptcy. The inventor of "Pong" is hoping that this move will resurrect the company. Breaking away from its French parent company may also help.
Atari products are rare in Freehold these days. But there was a time when game cartridges lined the shelves of stores. These games were both fun and innovative. "Pitfall", the popular side-scrolling game, inspired "Super Mario Bros." on the Nintendo Entertainment System. "Adventure" proved that games could be more than just button mashing. Atari was a groundbreaking technology back then. Unfortunately, it failed to stay on top.
Lately, Atari has lacked the innovation that made it so successful in the 1980s. Maybe today is a step in the right direction? Gamers are always looking for the next great thing. It is your move, Atari.
For more articles, please subscribe, add or follow me here.
Comments