The rise of Atari and LucasArts

By Ross Miller

Can you remember a time when George Lucas did not have a hand or two in the games industry? There was a time, long ago, when LucasArts did not exist, and Lucas was on top the world preparing to release Return of the Jedi in theaters. It was a time, also, when Atari would soon dominate the market.

Michael Rubin is currently on tour promoting Droidmaker, a book he wrote about George Lucas and Lucasfilms.
Mr. Rubin has graciously posted a chapter of his book online for free (in pdf format), detailing the creation of the Lucasfilms Games Group (later LucasArts). It is a fascinating read, covering topics such as the game Ballblazer and Warner Communications executive Manny Gerard, and very well researched – a must for any fan of gaming history.

Do you think Peter Jackon's WETA might one day follow a similar path, creating a games division using their graphics skills for the console and PC market?

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