Student project - coin ops marketing/advertising

[popsicle]

Hey everyone,

An 8th grade student at our gifted program is doing a long term project on decisions and tactics the early video game industry (late 70's, early 80's) used to market and sell their games. I think he was inspired by both arcade cabinet and flyer artwork.

 He's looking for a primary source to interview. Is there anyone out there that was a part of this kind of thing back in the day that would be open to either a phone or email interview? This might be someone who worked in marketing, someone who was responsible for arcade flyer production, distribution, or even a programmer whose work was heavily influenced or edited by the higher ups.

Thanks in advance!
popsicle

[pbj]

Why don't you email that nut that made ET for the 2600?


hscottw at gmail dot com

[Titchgamer]

Well that would be a interesting interview!

"So what did it feel like to see your efforts hated by the masses, nearly kill the industry and be buried in the dessert!?"

[big10p]

Well that would be a interesting interview!

"So what did it feel like to see your efforts hated by the masses, nearly kill the industry and be buried in the dessert!?"

Ouch! 

[StefanBurger]

There was this guy that helped out his friend at Atari to get "Breakout" done.
While the one who was uncapable to get the task finshied he was paid for isn't available anymore, the friend who helped out seem to have a lot of time in current days.

[pbj]

Well that would be a interesting interview!

"So what did it feel like to see your efforts hated by the masses, nearly kill the industry and be buried in the dessert!?"

Well, given that he participated in a documentary that was entirely about that, he seems to be willing to talk about it.

[Titchgamer]

Never watched that, What was it called PBJ? Might be a interesting watch.

Thing is we joke about it now but our hobby could of been effectively wiped out if things were different and it was deemed as "a fad"

[pbj]

Here's a link:

https://www.google.com/search?q=ET+documentary

[Titchgamer]

Cheers dude ile watch that one of these days

[jeremymtc]

Hey everyone,

An 8th grade student at our gifted program is doing a long term project on decisions and tactics the early video game industry (late 70's, early 80's) used to market and sell their games. I think he was inspired by both arcade cabinet and flyer artwork.

 He's looking for a primary source to interview. Is there anyone out there that was a part of this kind of thing back in the day that would be open to either a phone or email interview? This might be someone who worked in marketing, someone who was responsible for arcade flyer production, distribution, or even a programmer whose work was heavily influenced or edited by the higher ups.

Thanks in advance!
popsicle

The owner of the Vintage Arcade Superstore in Glendale, CA is an arcade operator from the golden age, and he's done several documentary interviews in the past. Operators are a bit of a different angle, but they are very well familiar with all of the marketing materials of the time since they were the target audience. Might be worth a shot.

[paigeoliver]

Todd Tuckey has been around since the old days and tends to be a great interview.

[pbj]

I wouldn't believe 90% of it, but he certainly likes to talk.

[popsicle]

Thanks everyone, keep 'em coming