This timeline covers Bushnell's pivotal period of founding Syzygy Engineering, which evolved into Atari, and the company's rise to prominence in the arcade game industry.
Syzygy Engineering Founded
1971
Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney found Syzygy Engineering. Their initial focus is on developing computer games and electronic devices.
Name Change to Atari
1972
Due to another company already using the name Syzygy, Bushnell and Dabney rename their company Atari, a term derived from the Japanese game Go, meaning 'you are about to win'.
Pong is Created
1972
Al Alcorn, Atari's first employee, is tasked with creating a simple tennis game as a training exercise. The resulting game, Pong, becomes a massive hit, launching Atari into the spotlight.
Atari's Arcade Game Dominance
1973-1976
Atari releases a string of successful arcade games, including Space Race, Breakout, and Tank. These games solidify Atari's position as a leader in the rapidly growing arcade game industry.
Atari Home Pong
1975
Atari releases a home version of Pong, allowing consumers to play the game on their televisions. This marks Atari's entry into the home video game market.
Warner Communications Acquisition
1976
Faced with mounting financial pressures and the need for capital to expand, Bushnell sells Atari to Warner Communications for $28 million.
Bushnell's Departure from Atari
1978
After clashing with Warner Communications management over the direction of Atari, Nolan Bushnell is forced out of the company he founded. This marks the end of his direct involvement with Atari's day-to-day operations.
