Atari is a renowned American video game and consumer electronics company that played a pivotal role in shaping the early video game industry. Founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, Atari introduced iconic arcade games like "Pong" and later released the Atari 2600, one of the first home video game consoles. It became a symbol of the video game craze in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Atari's influence on gaming culture is profound, and it remains a nostalgic and significant part of the history of interactive entertainment.