To mark the anniversary of this winning strategy, Game|Life writers present nine more risky moves that, for good or ill, had profound effects on the companies that undertook them. From uncertain product launches to bold business deals, these were pivotal moments with a lot on the line. Some of these industry players won big, some lost everything, but all were changed forever.

We've listed these in chronological order. Vote in the poll below to rate the biggest risks ever taken in gaming. Disagree with our picks? Think we've forgotten something? Add your own choices to the poll.

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Atari Sells Out

What happened: Atari wanted to launch its revolutionary Video Computer System in 1977, but it didn't have the cash to manufacture it. So Nolan Bushnell sold his company to Warner Communications.

Why it was risky: Arcade-game king Atari stood poised to rule the nascent home videogame industry. Its only competitors, the Fairchild Channel F and the RCA Studio II, were complete crap. A major cash infusion from Warner could have been just what it needed, but the button-down corporate culture of the massive media conglomerate was likely to clash with the young, pot-smoking Silicon Valley hippies at Atari.

The aftermath: Clash they did. By 1978, mercurial entrepreneur Bushnell was out as CEO and business suit Ray Kassar was in. Though he notoriously tangled with Atari's top talent — the company's hostility to creative types caused several of its best designers to quit and form Activision — Kassar turned Warner's redheaded stepchild division into one of the most profitable companies in the world. For a time, that is. By 1983, Atari's antipathy toward quality games had helped to torpedo the console division, and Warner sold it off the next year. —Chris Kohler

Image: Wired.com

Authors: Chris Kohler

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