Atari acquires Digital Eclipse , a studio that specializes in preserving and re-releasing retro games on modern hardware .
The releases often include a wealth of additional material and historical content. Think of the Criterion Collection, but for video games. In a press release, Atari says it is paying up to $20 million for the studio, with the first $6.5 million in cash and stock, and an additional $13.5 million in cash over the next decade, depending on performance . The deal is expected to close in the coming days.
See also: Atari & Plaion collaborated for the new retro Atari 2600+
In total, Atari says that Digital Eclipse has created over 250 games since its founding.
Despite being owned by Atari, Digital Eclipse states that it retains the freedom to work on non-Atari-related creations, as stated in a FAQ page on its website. In addition to recent releases like Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord and The Making of Karateka, Digital Eclipse has several surprise projects that are not related to Atari intellectual property, and these will continue as planned.
This is the latest notable acquisition Atari has made in the retro space this year, and follows the purchase of Nightdive Studios, a developer perhaps best known for its work on the remastering and remake of The System Shock. As with Nightdive, Atari says the acquisition of Digital Eclipse will help with its "retro-focused growth strategy."
"Digital Eclipse is the best in the world at what it does," said CEO Wade Rosen in a statement. "They have a deep love and respect for the history of the gaming industry and are renowned for developing critically acclaimed projects that build on historic franchises. Digital Eclipse, along with Nightdive, are in perfect alignment with Atari's DNA and renewed purpose."
“Atari and Digital Eclipse share the same ethos of celebrating and preserving the history of gaming,” said Digital Eclipse founder and CEO Andrew Ayre. “It’s an exciting combination and one I’m confident will serve Digital Eclipse and our fans well as we grow business and expand our capabilities.”
While the “ Atari 50 ” collection has been well-received, some of the company’s other recent initiatives haven’t been as well-received. Its Atari VCS console had a rocky start and ultimately received mediocre reviews , and the brand also entered NFTs in 2021. Fortunately, its recent acquisitions are a sign that it will focus more on classic games while maintaining its brand.
See also: Atari: Reviving the game Akka Arrh – It was very difficult for players in 1982
Source: theverge.com
