The 1983 Video Game Crash: Details By Bob Jain

By Jason McDonald


Gaming is one of the biggest industries in the world, trumping music and Hollywood alike. What you may not know is that it wasn't always as affluent as it is today. If you look back more than 3 decades ago, you'll see that it was in rough shape following the event now known as the video game crash of 1983. For those that would like to know more about this event, financially or otherwise, here are some details provided by Bob Jain.

To give you an understanding of the impact this event had, consider that revenue in the gaming industry reached a high point of $3.2 billion. Despite this level of success, it would be undone by 1985, as these highs would hit considerable lows with a profit of $100 million. While gamers grew tired of this hobby, they weren't the only ones affected. Retailers that once sold games and consoles with confidence saw that their inventory wasn't moving at even a fraction of the pace it once did.

What caused the video game crash, you may wonder? There wasn't one specific event, as different variables played into the event in question. Oversaturation was an influential part, as there were simply too many manufacturers in what was becoming a crowded market. While consoles like the Atari 2600 enjoyed considerable success, others seemed to rip off its success. As financial authorities like Robert Jain can attest, it's difficult for one person to keep up with so many costly devices at once.

Another reason the video game crash occurred is the lack of quality associated with the games being purchased. One of the best examples of this was "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," which was an Atari 2600 game based on the Steven Spielberg movie of the same name. Despite the movie being a classic, the game was seen as the exact opposite. Its reputation is well-known among gamers and many will argue that it's the longest-lasting byproduct of the crash.

Nintendo would soon lead gaming out of the rubble, with the release of the widely popular NES. Furthermore, the company focused on producing high-quality content and testing the products that would hit stores, which were practices that were missing in the early-to-mid 80s. Gaming is now a media juggernaut, but it's important to remember the video game crash of 1983 all the same. It may prevent future creators, developing, and company owners from making the mistakes of the past.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment