A gamer recently experienced a delightful wave of nostalgia upon rediscovering their vintage gaming award from 1983. This award showcased a significant achievement, reflecting a time when gaming milestones were commemorated in tangible ways. This discovery not only brought back fond memories for veteran gamers but also garnered admiration from newer enthusiasts, shedding light on how gaming achievements were celebrated in the past, particularly by companies like Activision.
Before the era of in-game achievements on consoles, gaming milestones were present in some titles, albeit to a lesser extent. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s, with the rise of consoles like the Xbox 360 and PS3, that achievements and trophies gained significant attention. These digital accolades became a captivating way for gamers to showcase their progress and brag about conquering challenging tasks within a game. Even today, many gamers consider a game unfinished until every achievement is unlocked, even if it means overcoming the most daunting challenges. Interestingly, certain games in the 1980s offered tangible rewards for specific achievements, as demonstrated by one enthusiastic fan’s discovery.
Reddit user whyforyoulookmeonso recently shared a snapshot of a letter and an achievement patch they received from Activision years ago for their accomplishments in the game Pitfall. This act of capturing their TV screen to demonstrate their score of over 20,000 points in the game and sending it to Activision resulted in a congratulatory letter from the company. Despite being only four years old at the time, Activision responded with praise for the player’s achievement, motivating them to continue their gaming endeavors with the company’s titles. The patch, designed to be ironed or sewn onto clothing, designated the player as a member of the prestigious Activision Explorers’ Club, granting them a tangible badge of honor to proudly display.
This nostalgic discovery resonated with several other gamers on the platform who also fondly remember the 1980s gaming patches. Many either earned these patches or attempted to do so, showcasing a shared appreciation for gaming achievements from that era. While Pitfall stood out as a popular game, it was not the only Activision title to receive such recognition. The game publisher had a range of releases where fans could earn achievements, including titles like Tennis, Space Shuttle, and Chopper Command. Even Pitfall 2 had its own patch and achievement, challenging players to reach 99,000 points to earn the coveted Cliff Hangers patch.
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In the contemporary gaming landscape, achievements are primarily digital, with little tangible evidence of completing a game 100%. However, in rare instances, physical rewards have resurfaced. For example, the opportunity to join the Xbox Hall of Fame came with a real Xbox Series X for the victor. While the Activision patches evoke nostalgia and a sense of history, it’s unlikely that major game publishers will regularly adopt such practices in the future. Nonetheless, these glimpses into gaming history serve as a reminder of the evolving nature of gaming achievements and rewards.
