Racing The Beam: The Atari Video Computer System

Discover the fascinating relationship between technology and creativity in this in-depth study of the Atari Video Computer System (VCS), a console that defined an era. At its peak, "Atari" became synonymous with home video gaming, thanks to its affordability and revolutionary use of interchangeable cartridges. Nearly a thousand game cartridges were developed, with many shaping new genres, mechanics, and techniques in gaming.

This book offers a detailed and accessible analysis of the Atari VCS, exploring its impact from both computational and cultural perspectives. As the inaugural entry in the Platform Studies series, it delves into the foundational systems of computing and how they influence creative expression. Authors Nick Montfort and Ian Bogost provide a critical examination of the console itself and six iconic games: Combat, Adventure, Pac-Man, Yars' Revenge, Pitfall!, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

Learn about the technical limitations and possibilities of the VCS and its influence on game design, gameplay, and aesthetics. Discover how Adventure broke new ground by creating a virtual world larger than the screen, paving the way for expansive games like World of Warcraft. See how Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back set early standards for media crossovers in gaming.

More than just a nostalgic piece of history, the Atari VCS was a pivotal platform that shaped the evolution of video games. Perfect for gamers, historians, and tech enthusiasts, this book reveals the essential role of the VCS in the story of digital media.