Berzerk – The Deadly Arcade Game Legend
In the early 1980s, the arcade world was electrified by the release of Berzerk — a tense maze-shooter featuring talking robots, deadly lasers, and the ever-smiling villain Evil Otto. It became one of the first video games to feature synthesised speech, but it also earned an unexpected and grim reputation that would make it a lasting part of gaming folklore.
The Origins of the Legend
In January 1981, reports emerged that Jeff Dailey, a 19-year-old from Virginia, collapsed and died of a heart attack shortly after achieving a high score of 16,660 — a number that notably included “666” in the middle. The following year, Peter Burkowski, aged 18, reportedly died under similar circumstances at an arcade in Illinois after playing the same game.
Another incident involved Edward Clark Jr., who was fatally stabbed outside an arcade, allegedly after a fight about a coin left in the return slot of the Berzerk game. While this case was unrelated to gameplay, it fuelled the growing rumour that the game carried a curse.
The “Curse” Explained
At the time, Berzerk stood out for its unnerving qualities — its cold robotic voices, fast-paced tension, and the seemingly unstoppable Evil Otto, a bouncing, smiling face that hunted players relentlessly. These elements created an atmosphere unlike anything seen before, and when tragic coincidences followed, a story began to spread: that Berzerk itself could kill.
However, researchers later found no verifiable record of a 19-year-old named Jeff Dailey from Virginia dying after playing the game. It appears that while Burkowski’s death was genuine — attributed to a pre-existing heart condition — the connection between Berzerk and these tragedies was exaggerated by media and player gossip.
Like many myths of the arcade’s golden age, Berzerk’s legend grew with every retelling, ultimately earning its place alongside stories such as Polybius.
Possible Explanations
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Heart conditions: The deaths of Dailey and Burkowski, where verified, were linked to pre-existing heart issues rather than any influence from the game.
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Third-party violence: The incident involving Edward Clark Jr. was unrelated to gameplay and stemmed from an argument outside an arcade.
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Urban mythmaking: The timing of the deaths, combined with the sinister atmosphere of Berzerk, created fertile ground for superstition.
Despite the lack of evidence, the myth endures — a cautionary tale from the early days of video gaming when the line between fascination and fear was thin.
From Haunted Arcades to Modern Events
At We Are Tricycle, we appreciate how stories like Berzerk’s highlight the cultural power of gaming. Our collection of Retro Arcade Machines includes timeless classics that capture the spirit of the 1980s arcade scene — without any of the sinister rumours.
For themed events, Exhibition Stand | Branded Games and Electronic & Digital Games can help recreate the look and feel of a neon-lit arcade. Combine this with immersive Themed Events such as Halloween Parties & Events or Music, Arts & Cultural Events to bring nostalgic atmosphere to life.
Nationwide Retro Arcade Hire
Our Fairground & Funfair Hire services operate across the UK, including Lancashire and Fairground Rides & Funfair Attractions For Hire Lancashire, with delivery available throughout all Areas We Cover. Whether you’re organising a university night, a film shoot, or a vintage-inspired event, our team can supply, set up, and manage your arcade and fairground entertainment.
For bespoke event branding, take a look at How to brand and customise funfair rides to see how classic games can carry your logo or campaign design.
Hire Classic Arcade Games for Your Event
From Berzerk to Pac-Man, our range of Retro Arcade Machines and Arcade Game Machines can add authentic 1980s energy to your event. Combine these with Fairground Rides or Fairground Side Stalls and Games to create a full vintage amusement experience.
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