• Folge 19 - Interview with ATARI Legend Howard Scott Warshaw

  • Jun 12 2024
  • Length: 50 mins
  • Podcast

Folge 19 - Interview with ATARI Legend Howard Scott Warshaw

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  • 👋 Welcome to a new Episode of our 🎧 Rock the Prototype podcast 🔈, where today we have the privilege of hosting none other than 👾 Howard Scott Warshaw, a name synonymous with the golden age of 🕹️ video gaming. 🏅 Howard is not just any figure in the gaming industry; he's a legend. Known for his groundbreaking work at Atari, including the development of iconic games 🎮 like Yars’ Revenge 👾 and his famous contributions to the very fabric of early video game history. ❇️ In our episode today, we'll dive into the fascinating world of software development and prototyping of Atari games, reflecting on the challenges, innovations, and lessons from that pioneering era. ❇️ Howard will share his personal perspective, offering insights that promise to enrich our understanding of video game development's past, present, and future. And of course, we'll also talk about his book, where he delves deeper into his experiences and learnings. ❇️ Whether you're a retro gaming enthusiast, a developer, or simply curious about the evolution of video games, this conversation is bound to captivate. So, grab your headset, find a quiet spot, and join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of video gaming history with Howard Scott Warshaw. In this episode of Rock the Prototype, we dive into the golden age of video gaming with the legendary ATARI game developer, Howard Scott Warshaw. Howard shares his fascinating journey at ATARI, starting from his early days to the development of iconic games like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and the infamous "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." We begin by exploring Howard's history at ATARI, where he discusses the creation of the first video game based on a movie, "Raiders of the Lost Ark." He offers unique insights into the experiences of a game developer at ATARI and how game development has evolved to make our lives more entertaining. Howard also shares what inspired him to get into game development and how he transitioned from a mundane software development job at Hewlett Packard to a thrilling career in gaming. One of the most intriguing parts of Howard's story is his initial rejection by ATARI and how he eventually became a game developer there. He highlights ATARI's innovative work environment and its influence on software development, comparing it to today's GAFAM giants. Howard credits his fascination with learning assembly code and machine language as pivotal to his success, explaining the significant impact ATARI's software development had on computer science. As we delve deeper, Howard reflects on whether today's games are better than those of the past and describes the creative process behind thinking up a game with only 8 bits of technology. He shares his innovative techniques for tricking the ATARI hardware and the iterative trial-and-error approach that characterized early game development. Howard's experiences extend beyond ATARI, as he discusses his time at 3DO and Blueshift, and the omnipresence and availability of games today compared to the past. He emphasizes the importance of constant feedback in game development and the challenges of prototyping games on classic hardware. We also explore the creativity and innovation required in game development, with Howard providing personal anecdotes from developing the notorious E.T. game in just five weeks. He discusses the close connection between movie concepts and game development, his work with Steven Spielberg, and what he would do differently given more time. Howard addresses the fundamental rules of game development, the importance of clearly defined requirements, and how success is measured in the industry. He reflects on the innovations from the ATARI era and his journey from being a programmer to a psychotherapist. Finally, we look towards the future of game development, discussing trends in virtual reality, augmented reality, and the power of AI in revolutionizing gaming experiences. Howard talks about his book, "Once Upon ATARI:
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