Pitfall - Memories

Pitfall! was created for the Atari VCS2600 console by one of Activision's original co-founders, David Crane. His inspiration came from a realistically animated figure which he had created a few years before. This stick figure needed a game design, so armed with a sheet of paper David created the setting, the obstacles and the ultimate quest in no time at all.

Influences on the game design included Raiders of the Lost Ark and Tarzan to name just a few. The game originally featured only one level, but the addition of the underground levels helped expand the playing area and make the game more challenging.

The game's technical achievements on the limited VCS hardware didn't go unnoticed. The VCS version allegedly sold over 4 million cartridges when it was released in 1982. It was subsequently converted to a wide range of other consoles and home micro formats.

The C64 conversion was published by Telecomsoft as part of the multi-title budget deal signed with Activision in 1987. The sequel was also re-released on the Firebird Silver £1.99 budget range.