Before “achievement unlocked” notifications, shiny trophies, and in-game rewards became the norm, video gamers had something even cooler to strive for: actual physical patches for their gaming achievements. Activision, one of the trailblazers in video game publishing, gave gamers a unique incentive to hit high scores and aim for the ultimate bragging rights – by mailing in proof of their digital feats in exchange for these awesome, collectible patches.
Imagine your mailbox lighting up with a letter from Activision congratulating you on your killer skills in Pitfall! or River Raid and, of course, your achievement patch to wear or display with pride.
How Did It Work?
Between the early 1980s and mid-80s, Activision introduced these patches as a way for players to prove they were serious about their gaming. Here’s how it worked: score high enough in one of the qualifying games, take a photo of your screen displaying the score (yes, with an actual camera), and mail that snapshot to Activision’s headquarters. They’d verify your score, and if everything looked good, you’d receive a congratulatory letter and a badge-style patch as a reward for your dedication.
Now, you might wonder, what did it take to earn one of these coveted patches? Well, each game had its own high-score threshold or achievement requirement. Let’s go down memory lane and look at some of the most famous Activision titles and their patch requirements!
The List of Activision’s Patch-Worthy Games and Requirements
Here’s a rundown of the most popular Activision games that could earn you a patch, along with what it took to win one:
- Pitfall!
- Achievement: Score 20,000 points or more in this iconic jungle adventure.
- Patch: Pitfall Harry’s Explorer Club.
- River Raid
- Achievement: Rack up 15,000 points or higher while flying through dangerous terrain.
- Patch: River Raiders.
- Freeway
- Achievement: Score 20 points or more in the chicken-crossing-the-road game.
- Patch: The “Save the Chicken Foundation” Patch.
- Stampede
- Achievement: Corral 3,000 points or more as you wrangle cattle in the wild west.
- Patch: Trail Drive Club.
- Chopper Command
- Achievement: Hit 10,000 points or above in this action-packed helicopter combat game.
- Patch: Commandos.
- Seaquest
- Achievement: Reach a whopping 50,000 points while dodging sea creatures.
- Patch: The Seaquest Patch.
- Kaboom!
- Achievement: Accumulate 3,000 points or more while catching bombs.
- Patch: Bucket Brigade.
- Barnstorming
- Achievement: Finish the Barnstorming game in under 33 seconds.
- Patch: Flying Aces.
- Megamania
- Achievement: Score over 45,000 points against bizarre cosmic enemies.
- Patch: Megamaniacs
And there were many others! Titles like Enduro, Laser Blast, and Spider Fighter each had their unique requirements and exclusive patches, giving players plenty of options to earn those brag-worthy rewards.
The Award Letter: Activision’s Seal of Approval
Once Activision received and approved your photographic evidence, they’d mail you a personalized letter congratulating you on your achievement and validating your score. They didn’t just make you feel good about your gaming skills; they made it official. Along with the letter came the long-awaited patch, sometimes featuring vibrant colors and designs tailored to each game’s theme – like the cartoonish look for Pitfall! or the sleek pilot wings of River Raid.
Wait times varied depending on how popular the game was, but generally, it could take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. Some lucky players even kept a wall of letters and patches as a shrine to their gaming skills, creating a legacy of victories to show off to friends.
How Popular Were These Patches?
Back in the day, these patches were a status symbol among gamers, not only because they proved your skill but because you went through the effort to mail in proof and wait patiently. The patches were especially popular among young players who could proudly display their achievements on jackets, bags, or in collections. Although Activision eventually stopped the promotion, these patches became a legendary part of 80s gaming culture.
Are These Patches Hard to Find Now?
Today, Activision patches are a hot collector’s item. Given that they weren’t produced in large quantities (especially compared to modern memorabilia), they’ve become rare treasures. Original patches in good condition are hard to come by and often fetch high prices in online auctions and retro gaming conventions.
For those hunting these retro relics, keep in mind that patches for more iconic games like Pitfall! or River Raid are a little easier to find, while rarer titles, like Kaboom! or Chopper Command, might require a deeper search and a steeper price.
The Consoles That Qualified
The patches primarily targeted players on the Atari 2600 system, where these games found most of their popularity. As Activision expanded, they released some of these titles on the Atari 5200, ColecoVision, and Intellivision consoles. But it was the Atari 2600 where most players scored their patches, as it dominated the early console market.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Gaming Bragging Rights
Activision’s achievement patches weren’t just pieces of fabric; they were tokens of skill, dedication, and the thrill of 80s gaming culture. For today’s gamers, these patches are both a testament to Activision’s innovative streak and a reminder of how far gaming has come. Now, if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one of these patches, you’re holding a piece of gaming history – a symbol of a time when taking a photo of your TV screen was the ultimate mark of achievement.
