Chapter 1.3

Atari 2600 VCS (1977)

History

1977 was a big year for American nerd culture. One of the biggest events happened in May, when George Lucas’ Star Wars blasted onto the big screen. Star Wars thrilled audiences with unprecedented special effects, unforgettable action sequences, and a fascinating new mythos. Star Wars was much more than just another hit movie, of course. Lucas shrewdly negotiated with the studio for rights to merchandise toys and other products based on the film. After watching the movie for perhaps the hundredth time, kids could go home and set up confrontations between the Empire and the Rebellion with their own action figures and play sets.

Four months after Luke Skywalker destroyed the first Death Star, Atari released ...

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