Folge 19 - Interview with ATARI Legend Howard Scott Warshaw

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: