CH25 - Atari

When Ethan discovered that Atari might be his best partner, he couldn't contain the smile on his face any longer. At the same time, he felt he had figured out Steve Jobs's true intentions.

"Steve, your boss didn't just send you here to take a look at the situation, did he?" Ethan leaned back, smiling. "Or perhaps, you also want to try your luck? After all, there are many game engineers now."

"Hmm~" Steve Jobs revealed a smile, with a shrewd glint in his eyes. "Maybe."

He shrugged and said, "I just mentioned, that when I came here today, Nolan and I discussed the need to carefully evaluate various products in the market and ensure Atari's market position as much as possible."

Understanding, Ethan nodded, not speaking, exchanging smiles.

This situation maintained a formulaic smile on Steve Jobs' face as well.

After a moment, Ethan took the initiative to relax the tension, saying, "But I believe if you bring back an excellent game to the company, your boss Nolan Bushnell should be very pleased."

"Yeah~" Ethan's initiative made Steve Jobs admit, "I think so too."

At the same time, he continued, "So, do we have an agreement? I found you at the exhibition, and you..."

Jobs elongated his voice.

Ethan raised both thumbs, "And I brought the game, coming to Atari with you, full of sincerity."

"As for the rest, I don't know what you said, but I only know what I already knew."

"Hahaha~" Ethan's straightforwardness made Steve Jobs extend his right hand. "Happy cooperation."

"Happy cooperation." Ethan's face also bloomed with joy as they shook hands firmly.

Now that Ethan had reached an agreement with Steve Jobs, the next step for them was to move the "Snake Game" machine from San Francisco to Atari.

As Ethan left, Mr. Foster wore a puzzled expression.

Initially, Ethan thought he was concerned about the credibility of Steve Jobs. But when he confirmed that Jobs was trustworthy, Mr. Foster's response nearly left Ethan breathless.

"Huh? I was just thinking that no one will watch the booth after you leave."

"I just met an angel baby, and I want to chat more with her!"

"Goodbye!"

Ethan glared at him fiercely.

"No! Never again!"

Ethan forcefully closed the car door.

Stepping on the gas, he followed behind Steve Jobs' motorcycle, returning to Los Gatos.

Yes, Atari's current office was in Los Gatos.

It was only a few miles from Ethan's residence at Thomas Johnson's villa.

This proximity became the reason Magnavox internally criticized Ethan Jones.

Well, who asked him to be so damn close to Atari?

The journey home always felt familiar. After Ethan and Steve Jobs entered the Atari factory gates, the vast area symbolized strength, and the bustling production team reflected busy operations.

"Here, we produce the old machines," Steve Jobs briefly explained. "The arcade machines here... Hmm?"

"I know, I know, I know," Ethan nodded, indicating he understood that these machines lacked copyrights.

Speaking with smart people was simple. Led by Steve Jobs, Ethan quickly toured the Atari factory. Although the production style with the sky as the roof and the earth as the home felt somewhat makeshift, it didn't matter, right?

Ethan came to discuss cooperation, not to acquire the company!

After a brief tour, Ethan followed Steve Jobs into the office area.

Ethan thought he would have to wait for a while before seeing Nolan Bushnell, as he was now a well-known figure. However, Steve Jobs, walking in front of him, seemed to feel at home everywhere. Without greeting or knocking, he pushed aside all obstacles in his path.

Especially when opening the door to the general manager's office, he shouted, "Hey! Nolan! What are you doing?"

Such a wild style left Ethan amazed.

Nolan Bushnell's response was also different from the norm.

"Oh! Steve! You're back!"

This bearded man stood up directly, giving Steve Jobs a big bear hug. "Look at your excited look; you must have successfully completed the task. Oh... who is this?"

"You might need the answers." Steve Jobs winked at Nolan Bushnell.

The next second, Nolan Bushnell, who understood his meaning, warmly extended his right hand to Ethan.

"Oh, hello, sir. I'm Nolan Bushnell, and you are..."

In accordance with social etiquette, at this moment, Nolan Bushnell should be inquiring about what Ethan prefers to be called.

However, as this middle-aged man focused his gaze on Ethan's face, countless furrows appeared on his forehead.

He squinted at Ethan and, with an incredulous tone, asked, "Sir, forgive my rudeness, but have we met somewhere before? Why do I feel like I've seen you before?"

Ethan Jones smiled slightly at this question, extended his right hand for a handshake, and nodded, "Yes, Mr. Bushnell, three years ago in Burlingame, I was the one who received you."

"Oh My God!!!"

With this reminder from Ethan, Nolan Bushnell suddenly remembered everything! Because initially, Magnavox's Odyssey launch event was held there!

"Damn? How did you end up here?"

Despite the profanity, Nolan Bushnell's face beamed with a happy smile, "Although we haven't met in a long time, but... honestly, brother, I've always remembered your name, Ethan... Jones, right?"

Nolan Bushnell's tone was hesitant, but his face was filled with anticipation.

"Yeah," Ethan Jones nodded with a smile, "Mr. Bushnell, it seems your memory is excellent!"

"Wow~ You guys know each other?"

The conversation between the two surprised Steve Jobs a bit. Simultaneously, he noticed some clues from Ethan and Bushnell's dialogue, "Ethan Jones?... Could it be that you are..."

"Haha~ You guessed it right~"

Ethan didn't hide it, shrugged and said, "I'm the guy kicked out by Magnavox."

"Because I sent Mr. Bushnell the invitation to Odyssey."

'!!!'

At that moment, Steve Jobs finally understood why Ethan Jones had looked at him with such shock when they first met! As the 'hero' who directly gave birth to Atari after being kicked out by Magnavox and cherished by Atari people, this coincidence was truly surprising!

Of course, Ethan Jones didn't confirm or deny Steve Jobs' thoughts.

After all, he couldn't tell Steve Jobs, 'I was really shocked by your appearance,' right?

That would be too 'gay'!

Since everyone 'knows' each other, and the lawsuit between Magnavox and Atari has already concluded, communication between the two sides has become much simpler. When Nolan Bushnell learned that after leaving Magnavox, Ethan Jones started making games on his own, he expressed encouragement with a smile. And when he found out that Steve Jobs singled out Ethan's game at today's expo, he became even more curious about that game.

So, he walked out of the office area in a few steps, went to his own factory, and started testing "Snake."

The crisp sound of coins falling into the box rang out.

As the snake on the screen grew bigger again and again but couldn't escape its fate of death, Nolan Bushnell also gave high praise to this creative game—

"This could definitely become a groundbreaking game!"

"Absolutely!"

"It's more fun than 'Pong'!"

"No! It's more fun than all the games on the market!"

"Ethan, are you selling it?"

Nolan Bushnell gripped the joystick, his eyes fixed on Ethan.

Looking at that panting figure, Ethan shook his head, "Mr. Bushnell, I think your words might not be sincere, right?"

'???'

This statement left Nolan Bushnell stunned.

The next second, he instinctively looked at Steve Jobs.

And Steve Jobs decisively shook his head, indicating that this matter had nothing to do with him.

This attitude made Nolan Bushnell laugh, straightened up, and clapped his hands.

"Okay, Ethan, since you know the details, I'll go call my partner directly."

"Please wait a moment because we'll sit down and have a good talk."