Summary
- In 1982, Bill Williams created the Atari game Salmon Run, which involved a salmon swimming upstream to spawn whilst avoiding obstacles and predators.
- Williams infused the game with meaning due to his own battles with cystic fibrosis, which gave the gameplay an added layer of authenticity.
- The player has to navigate numerous dangers and obstacles, which is a reflection of William’s own real-life struggles.
- The game was notable for its impressive audio design, which created convincing water sounds using 8-bit hardware.
- The game’s themes of labour and overcoming adversity resonate particularly strongly in today’s uncertain world.
- Collectively, Salmon Run is a testament to the importance of video games as genuine cultural artefacts.
By Benj Edwards
Original Article