Iconic publisher Atari, perhaps best known for creating franchises like Pong and Asteroids, has announced a “comeback strategy” that the company will employ in hopes of seeing better fortunes. To succeed in 2014 and beyond, Atari says it is expanding its business and brands to mobile and other online gaming platforms, and also deepening its commitment to new markets.
This includes extending its “classic gaming brands” to new platforms like iOS, Android, PC, and other digital mediums. In addition, Atari plans to reach out to growing markets and new audiences, including LGBT, social casinos, real-money gambling, and YouTube.
Atari’s “comeback strategy” also includes a continued focus on its “robust licensing business” for hardware and apparel.
“Atari is more than a game publishing company; it’s an iconic brand that has established a passionate and timeless culture,” Atari CEO Fred Chesnais said in a statement. “Known across multiple generations around the world, Atari will continue to embrace all audiences. What the company has accomplished over the years is no small feat, but there is more to come. We’re looking forward to delivering on our new strategy and engaging with our audience in new ways across multiple channels as the next era of Atari unfolds. We are leading a rebuilding exercise in a highly volatile industry, so at the same time we are also aware of the challenges that lay ahead.”
Atari says it has already made “significant strides” so far this year. This includes the release of RollerCoaster Tycoon 4 for iOS (with Android and PC versions to follow), the launch of a new version of Haunted House for mobile devices, and a new multiplayer online battle arena game called Minimum. Going forward, Atari says it will launch a new version of Asteroids for mobile and digital platforms “in the coming months.” The company also recently signed deals with real-money firm Pariplay and and social casino company FlowPlay.
Atari US filed for bankruptcy last year, but later received $2 million+ in financing to stay afloat.
Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @EddieMakuch |
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