Atari

In the future Atari games are going to be in museums.

That's the random thought that went through my head today.  While I'm sure there are already some Atari games sitting in museums around the world today, my thoughts were geared further down the road. 

First a precursor.  Early in January I read Neuromancer, a 1984 novel by William Gibson.  For those unfamiliar, Neuromancer is a futuristic sci-fi novel dealing with artificial intelligence and is credited with creating the idea of the matrix.  Excellent read.  Read this book.  But I'm not here to write a review.  The reason I bring it up is because a scene from the book is what sparked my thought tonight. 

Towards the end of the story, while making his way through the home of a rich family that seemingly owns and runs this world, our main character notices the rooms are filled with relics from the past.  For the reader, those relics are easily identifiable as everyday items from the 20th century.

While none of the items were specifically identified as video games,  I'm guessing a more accurate view of future private and public collections will be heavily consisting of late 20th century electronics.

So, since we're still in the early stages of the electronic revolution, I would assume technologies from today will eventually be looked at as the all important precursors that helped develop society in say 500 years. 

And after thinking about all this the next question that crossed my mind is, If in the future we develop a highly conscience artificial intelligence, will that AI view previous forms of computer processors and personal computers as it's ancestors?  Will an AI desire to collect the remains of their ancestors lead to the war with the machines?  I can only hope.



I think I may need to write a short story of a future AI scouring the remains of human civilization for their first champion, Pac-Man. 

Speaking of Pac-Man, as you can see in the above picture, yes, I still have my Atari games from the early 80s.  Why do I still have my Atari games you may ask?  Maybe I held out hope that someday I would readily be able to purchase a replacement system and play the games again.  It's as if my 1987 self knew there would be an eBay some day.  Perhaps I'm just a hoarder.  Regardless of intent, they're still here.  For now at least.

You see instead of buying a new system, which I've been putting off for the better part of 10 years, I decided to attempt to sell the games on eBay and after selling the first game I'm starting to question my decision to do so.  I suppose a feeling of nostalgia is making me remorseful of my choice.  Perhaps I'm thinking if I hold onto the games my future progeny will possess some of the most valued technologies from the 20th century.  Well, maybe I should consider getting a girlfriend before lending my mind to future progeny. 

Either way, it's obvious the most prudent decision at this point is to buy myself a Atari 2600 and play some Moon Patrol.