What Does Atari Stand For? Unraveling the Story Behind the Iconic Name
Atari, more than just a brand, is a cultural touchstone for anyone who grew up in the 70s and 80s. But what does the name “Atari” actually stand for? The name comes from the Japanese term atari, used in the ancient board game Go. In Go, atari signifies a move where you can capture one or more of your opponent’s stones in the next turn. Essentially, atari means “to hit a target” or “about to win,” connoting a position of advantage and a sense of imminent victory. Nolan Bushnell, the co-founder of Atari, Inc., chose this name to reflect the company’s ambition to dominate the burgeoning video game market. It perfectly captured the spirit of competition and the thrill of success that video games offered.
The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again?) of Atari
Atari’s history is a rollercoaster of innovation, success, and ultimately, near collapse. Founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, Atari quickly became a pioneer in the arcade gaming scene with hits like Pong. This success paved the way for their entry into the home console market with the Atari 2600 (originally known as the Atari VCS), which revolutionized home entertainment.
However, the video game crash of 1983 severely impacted Atari. Overproduction, poor quality control (especially with games like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial), and increased competition led to significant financial losses. The company was split, with the Consumer Division sold to Jack Tramiel, founder of Commodore computers, who established the Atari Corporation. The remaining parts of the company became Atari Games Inc., which eventually closed in 2003.
Despite these setbacks, the Atari brand endured. Today, Atari SA (formerly Infogrames Entertainment SA), a French video game holding company, owns the Atari brand through its subsidiary Atari Interactive. Under their stewardship, Atari has been attempting a comeback, releasing new consoles and games that leverage the nostalgia and appeal of the classic Atari experience.
Atari: More Than Just a Name
The name “Atari” carries significant weight in the history of video games. It represents a time of innovation, excitement, and the dawn of a new form of entertainment. The company’s impact on the industry is undeniable, and even today, the name evokes a sense of nostalgia and reminds us of the golden age of gaming. Atari represents the very essence of hitting the mark and finding success in the rapidly growing world of technology.
Atari’s Enduring Legacy: Learning Through Games
The influence of Atari extends beyond entertainment. The early days of video games sparked a fascination with technology and problem-solving, contributing to the growth of the tech industry and inspiring countless individuals to pursue careers in computer science and game development. The Games Learning Society understands this connection, working to explore and promote the educational potential of games and interactive media. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Atari
1. What does Atari SA stand for?
Atari SA (formerly Infogrames Entertainment SA) is a French video game holding company headquartered in Paris. It owns the Atari brand through Atari Interactive.
2. Was Atari the first game console?
No, the Magnavox Odyssey was the first home video game system, released in 1972. However, Atari popularized the home video game console market with the Atari 2600.
3. When did the original Atari go out of business?
The original Atari, Inc. was split into several divisions after the video game crash of 1983. The Consumer Division was sold to Jack Tramiel, who formed Atari Corporation. The remaining portion became Atari Games Inc., which eventually shut down in 2003.
4. Why is it called the Atari 2600?
The Atari VCS (Video Computer System) was renamed the “Atari 2600 Video Computer System” or “Atari 2600,” derived from the manufacture part number CX2600, to standardize naming conventions with the launch of the Atari 5200.
5. What was the oldest console ever?
The Magnavox Odyssey, released in 1972, was the world’s first home video game console.
6. What caused the Atari crash?
Several factors contributed to the Atari crash, including overproduction of games, lack of quality control, increased competition, and the poor reception of games like Pac-Man and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
7. Does Atari still exist today?
Yes, the Atari brand still exists. It is currently owned by Atari SA, a French company, through its subsidiary Atari Interactive.
8. What was the last game made for the Atari 2600?
The final licensed Atari 2600 games released in North America were Ikari Warriors, MotoRodeo, Sentinel, and Xenophobe in early 1991. In Europe, the final licensed games were Klax and Acid Drop in 1990 and 1992, respectively.
9. Who owns Atari today?
Atari SA, a French video game holding company, owns the Atari brand through its subsidiary Atari Interactive.
10. What is the oldest game in the world?
The Royal Game of Ur, originating around 4,600 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia, is considered the oldest playable board game in the world.
11. Does Atari still make consoles?
Yes, Atari, Inc. produces the Atari VCS, a home video game console.
12. Is Atari owned by Soulja Boy?
No, despite claims made by Soulja Boy on social media, Atari confirmed that the title of CEO belongs to Wade Rosen.
13. What is the new Atari called?
The new Atari console is called the Atari VCS (released in 2021).
14. Is Atari coming back?
The Atari 2600+ launched on November 17, 2023, offering a nostalgic gaming experience with pre-loaded games and support for original Atari 2600 and 7800 cartridges.
15. Why was the E.T. game for Atari so bad?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for Atari was panned for its poor plot, visuals, and gameplay. Its commercial failure damaged Atari’s reputation and contributed to the video game crash of 1983. The mass burial of unsold E.T. cartridges in Alamogordo, New Mexico, became a symbol of the crash.