Once upon Atari cover art

Once upon Atari

How I Made History by Killing an Industry

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About this listen

Video games set the world on fire, and Atari lit the match. This is an intimate view into the dramatic rise and fall of the early video game industry, as seen through the eyes of one of its most iconic pioneers. This book offers eye-opening details and insights, laying bare the issues and dynamics still taking place in modern software companies. A must-hear for anyone in high-tech production, delivered in a compelling narrative, with a fresh voice and unorthodox style.

How much fun can you have inventing video games in a creative paradise? What behind-the-scenes corporate intrigue went on while making billions of dollars and launching a new medium? What really caused the video game crash of 1983? Once upon Atari is the inside story of how it all happened and how it upended the life of one of its key players. An innovative work from one of the industry’s original innovators, delivered in a creative style that mirrors the industry it reveals. It is a compelling tale of innocence, joy, greed, devastation, and ultimately redemption.

©2020 Howard Scott Warshaw (P)2022 Howard Scott Warshaw
Professionals & Academics Science & Technology Technology Video Game Software
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great narration I really enjoyed listening to this book, it is very interesting and funny and what a incredible career he has had. Thanks for the book 👍

very interesting and funny listen

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Howard lived and breathed Atari and, to an extent, he still does. Very interesting window into a snapshot of time that had a profound effect on those who remember it, and those who followed.

Unrivalled insight into a golden age

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Many times, I read about Atari and golden sge of video games. But it's always something else if someone living and baing part of it tells the story.
This book gives some never heard insights into the Atari story and a unique perspective.
HSW does a great job reading his own book. At this point, I like more reading sbout video games, then playing them.

Read by the author, a true video game legend

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starts if good as you think you are going to get an insight into the world of computer games and Atari.
instead it turns into an self indulgent, narcissistic diary of sorts. Very bloated and takes way too much time to get to any point. 10 words when 3 would do.
The voice quality is very jarring and thus becomes unpleasant to listen too.
This book was the final nail in the coffin for me cancelling Audible.

get on with it

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