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Atari, Inc (Infogrames)
Encyclopedia
The company that currently bears the Atari Inc. name was founded in 1993 under the name GT Interactive
. In 1999, Infogrames Entertainment, SA (IESA) acquired a 62% controlling interest in GT Interactive, and proceeded to rename it Infogrames, Inc. After IESA's acquisition of Hasbro Interactive and its related Atari properties in 2001, Infogrames, Inc. intermittently published Atari branded titles for Infogrames Interactive. In 2003, Infogrames Inc. licensed the Atari name and logo from Atari Interactive and changed its name to Atari Inc. On October 11, 2008 Infogrames completed its acquisition of Atari, Inc., making it a wholly owned subsidiary.
, a toy making company, released a plug-and-play video game console called the Atari 10-in-1 TV Game. It was battery-operated and shaped similarly to an Atari 2600 joystick, and included A/V ports. In 2004, the same company created a device called Atari Paddle Games, in the shape of one of the 2600s "paddle" controllers with appropriate titles included. However, as stated, neither of the games was directly released by Atari.
The same year that the Paddle Games were released, Atari released a TV game of their own which they called the Atari Flashback
Console. The device was designed and produced by Atari consultant Curt Vendel through his engineering firm Legacy Engineering. With only a 10 week development window, what they produced looked like a minute version of the Atari 7800 console originally released in 1984, 20 years prior. The two controllers were small as well, having a joystick and two red buttons on each side. Twenty titles were built into the system. Unlike most plug-and-plays, the Flashback was not powered by batteries, but an (included) AC adaptor instead. The Flashback did fairly well in sales. Since the games were all recreated on hardware more closely resembling the Nintendo Entertainment System
than the 7800
, some of the aspects of certain games concerning the sound, graphics, or gameplay were either changed or omitted.
Because of popular demand, Atari hired Curt Vendel once again to produce a follow up product. With a longer development window, Vendel released a new version of the Flashback console, titled Atari Flashback 2, in August 2005. The Flashback 2 is based on an implementation of the original Atari 2600 on a single chip that Curt Vendel designed, allowing the original 2600 games to be run instead of ports as in the first Flashback. In addition, the included joysticks are fully compatible with the original 2600 joysticks and vice-versa. Furthermore, the circuitboard in the Flashback 2 actually has connectors for modders to solder on a cartridge slot, allowing the Flashback 2 to play the entire library of 2600 games.
Also, in late October 2005, Atari released one of two collections of its classic arcade games only for the Nokia N-Gage console, titled Atari Masterpieces. Atari Masterpieces Volume I includes classic arcade games: Asteroids, Battlezone, Black Widow, Millipede, Missile Command, Red Baron, Lunar Lander and Super Breakout, and features an exclusive interview with Nolan Bushnell. Atari Masterpieces Volume II was released in March 2006.
On May 5, 2006, Atari and Hasbro stopped Bioware
and DLA from further development of premium modules and publishing near-completed premium modules for Neverwinter Nights
. No reason was stated, but it was likely in anticipation of the upcoming sequel, Neverwinter Nights 2
, which would lack features from these modules. They relented after community backlash.
Recently, Atari's top-selling titles have been the Dragon Ball Z games based on the popular anime license from Toei Animation
in Japan
. These include the Dragon Ball Z: Budokai series of games for next-generation console systems and the Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku series of games for the Game Boy Advance
. These games have topped the best-seller charts for numerous console platforms since the release of Atari's first Dragon Ball Z game, The Legacy of Goku in 2002, which was the first Dragon Ball game to be made by an American company, Webfoot Technologies
, and is one of the best-selling Game Boy Advance games of all time (#16). The best selling Budokai series is developed in Japan by Dimps
and includes Dragon Ball Z: Budokai, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 2 and Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3). Atari is also releasing Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi and its sequel, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 which is a separate series from the Budokai series. Following the success of the Budokai and Legacy of Goku series, Atari has released numerous other Dragon Ball titles including Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors, Dragon Ball Z: Super Sonic Warriors 2, Dragon Ball Z: Sagas
, Dragon Ball GT: Transformation
, Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure
and Super Dragon Ball Z
.
Atari also released a series of games based on the Matrix
movie trilogy including Enter the Matrix
and The Matrix: Path of Neo
. Although not critical successes, these titles represent some of the most expensive video games ever developed. Enter the Matrix, which was developed by Shiny Entertainment
, sold 1.38 million units for the PlayStation 2
and 1 million units for the Nintendo GameCube
.
Another popular series by Atari has been the Godzilla Series, based on the nuclear monster originally created by Toho. Pipeworks developed and created all of the three console titles, although handheld titles were developed separately. The series started with "Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee
" for the Nintendo GameCube which was released on October 11, 2002 to much success before it was ported to the Microsoft Xbox a year later. It was followed by a sequel, "Godzilla: Save the Earth
" for the PlayStation 2 and the Xbox, on November 16, 2004. Despite Save the Earth's relative commercial failure, Godzilla: Unleashed
was released for the PS2 and Wii
, on November 20, 2007 and December 5, 2007 respectively. Unleashed was accompanied by Godzilla Unleashed: Double Smash for the Nintendo DS, which was released on November 20, 2007. There is speculation as to the series' future, although current belief is Atari has lost the rights to Godzilla.
Other currently popular titles for Atari include RollerCoaster Tycoon 3
, Test Drive Unlimited
, Neverwinter Nights
, the Alone in the Dark series
and the Driver
series (recently sold to Ubisoft
for a reported $24 million).
since its price had fallen under $1.00. On September 5, 2006, David Pierce
was appointed as new CEO
of Atari, replacing Bruno Bonnell
. Pierce previously worked as an executive at Universal Pictures
, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
, Sony Pictures Entertainment
, Sony Music Entertainment
, and Sony Wonder
.
On October 2, 2006, Atari Inc. announced that it had sold off Shiny Entertainment
to Foundation 9 Entertainment
, which culminated in the completion of their strategic divesture.
On April 5, 2007, Bruno Bonnell
resigned his position as chairman and chief financial officer
.
On November 7, 2007, Gamespot
reported that Atari was beginning to run out of money, losing two million in the first fiscal year of 2008 and announced that were selling the rights of the Test Drive game series for the Infogrames .
On March 6, 2008, Infogrames made an offer to Atari Inc. to buy out all remaining public shares for a value of US$1.68 per share or US$11 million total. The offer would make Infogrames sole owner of Atari Inc., making it a privately held company.
On April 30, 2008, Atari Inc. announced its intentions to accept Infogrames' buyout offer and merge with Infogrames.
On May 9, 2008, It was revealed that Nasdaq
will be removing Atari from the Nasdaq stock market. Atari has stated its intentions to appeal the decision. Atari was notified of Nasdaq's final decision April 24, 2008 and the appeal hearing took place on May 1, 2008. Atari was expected to raise its value to $15 million USD from the period December 20, 2007 through to March, 2008. Atari received notice of its absolute delisting on September 12, 2008.
On October 11, 2008 Infogrames completed its acquisition of Atari, Inc., making it a wholly owned subsidiary.
in 2008 to recover damages from computer users illegally downloading games but stopped using the company when they were made aware of the false claims being made against innocent members of the public.
GT Interactive Software
GT Interactive Software Corporation was an American video game publisher and distributor, which later developed both video games and PC games....
. In 1999, Infogrames Entertainment, SA (IESA) acquired a 62% controlling interest in GT Interactive, and proceeded to rename it Infogrames, Inc. After IESA's acquisition of Hasbro Interactive and its related Atari properties in 2001, Infogrames, Inc. intermittently published Atari branded titles for Infogrames Interactive. In 2003, Infogrames Inc. licensed the Atari name and logo from Atari Interactive and changed its name to Atari Inc. On October 11, 2008 Infogrames completed its acquisition of Atari, Inc., making it a wholly owned subsidiary.
Atari Inc. product history
In 2002, Jakks PacificJakks Pacific
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a designer and marketer of toys and consumer products, with a range of products that feature numerous children's toy licenses...
, a toy making company, released a plug-and-play video game console called the Atari 10-in-1 TV Game. It was battery-operated and shaped similarly to an Atari 2600 joystick, and included A/V ports. In 2004, the same company created a device called Atari Paddle Games, in the shape of one of the 2600s "paddle" controllers with appropriate titles included. However, as stated, neither of the games was directly released by Atari.
The same year that the Paddle Games were released, Atari released a TV game of their own which they called the Atari Flashback
Atari Flashback
The Atari Flashback, Atari Flashback 2, Atari Flashback2+ and Atari Flashback 3 are dedicated video game consoles marketed by Atari Inc. in 2004, 2005 and 2010, then AtGames in 2011...
Console. The device was designed and produced by Atari consultant Curt Vendel through his engineering firm Legacy Engineering. With only a 10 week development window, what they produced looked like a minute version of the Atari 7800 console originally released in 1984, 20 years prior. The two controllers were small as well, having a joystick and two red buttons on each side. Twenty titles were built into the system. Unlike most plug-and-plays, the Flashback was not powered by batteries, but an (included) AC adaptor instead. The Flashback did fairly well in sales. Since the games were all recreated on hardware more closely resembling the Nintendo Entertainment System
Nintendo Entertainment System
The Nintendo Entertainment System is an 8-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America during 1985, in Europe during 1986 and Australia in 1987...
than the 7800
Atari 7800
The Atari 7800 ProSystem, or simply the Atari 7800, is a video game console re-released by Atari Corporation in January 1986. The original release had occurred two years earlier under Atari Inc. The 7800 had originally been designed to replace Atari Inc.'s Atari 5200 in 1984, but was temporarily...
, some of the aspects of certain games concerning the sound, graphics, or gameplay were either changed or omitted.
Because of popular demand, Atari hired Curt Vendel once again to produce a follow up product. With a longer development window, Vendel released a new version of the Flashback console, titled Atari Flashback 2, in August 2005. The Flashback 2 is based on an implementation of the original Atari 2600 on a single chip that Curt Vendel designed, allowing the original 2600 games to be run instead of ports as in the first Flashback. In addition, the included joysticks are fully compatible with the original 2600 joysticks and vice-versa. Furthermore, the circuitboard in the Flashback 2 actually has connectors for modders to solder on a cartridge slot, allowing the Flashback 2 to play the entire library of 2600 games.
Also, in late October 2005, Atari released one of two collections of its classic arcade games only for the Nokia N-Gage console, titled Atari Masterpieces. Atari Masterpieces Volume I includes classic arcade games: Asteroids, Battlezone, Black Widow, Millipede, Missile Command, Red Baron, Lunar Lander and Super Breakout, and features an exclusive interview with Nolan Bushnell. Atari Masterpieces Volume II was released in March 2006.
On May 5, 2006, Atari and Hasbro stopped Bioware
BioWare
BioWare is a Canadian video game developer founded in February 1995 by newly graduated medical doctors Ray Muzyka, Greg Zeschuk, and Augustine Yip. BioWare is currently owned by American company Electronic Arts...
and DLA from further development of premium modules and publishing near-completed premium modules for Neverwinter Nights
Neverwinter Nights
Neverwinter Nights , produced by BioWare and published by Infogrames , is a third-person perspective computer role-playing game that is based on third edition Dungeons & Dragons and Forgotten Realms rules. It was originally to be published by Interplay Entertainment, but the publisher's financial...
. No reason was stated, but it was likely in anticipation of the upcoming sequel, Neverwinter Nights 2
Neverwinter Nights 2
Neverwinter Nights 2 is a computer role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Atari. It is the sequel to BioWare's Neverwinter Nights, based on the Dungeons & Dragons pencil and paper fantasy role-playing game...
, which would lack features from these modules. They relented after community backlash.
Recently, Atari's top-selling titles have been the Dragon Ball Z games based on the popular anime license from Toei Animation
Toei Animation
Toei Animation Co., Ltd. is a Japanese animation studio owned by Toei Co., Ltd. The studio was founded in 1948 as Japan Animated Films . In 1956, Toei purchased the studio and it was reincorporated under its current name...
in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. These include the Dragon Ball Z: Budokai series of games for next-generation console systems and the Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku series of games for the Game Boy Advance
Game Boy Advance
The is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed, manufactured, and marketed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on March 21, 2001; in North America on June 11, 2001; in Australia and Europe on June 22, 2001; and in the People's Republic of China...
. These games have topped the best-seller charts for numerous console platforms since the release of Atari's first Dragon Ball Z game, The Legacy of Goku in 2002, which was the first Dragon Ball game to be made by an American company, Webfoot Technologies
Webfoot Technologies
Webfoot Technologies is a developer of personal computer games and video games for varied platforms. Titles released include "Hello Kitty: Happy Party Pals" and "Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku" for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance....
, and is one of the best-selling Game Boy Advance games of all time (#16). The best selling Budokai series is developed in Japan by Dimps
Dimps
is an Osaka, Japan-based video game development studio with an additional office in Tokyo, Japan. Employing a staff of 218 people, it is known for developing such games as the Dragon Ball Z: Budokai trilogy for the PlayStation 2, and the Sonic the Hedgehog games specific to the Game Boy Advance and...
and includes Dragon Ball Z: Budokai, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 2 and Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3). Atari is also releasing Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi and its sequel, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 which is a separate series from the Budokai series. Following the success of the Budokai and Legacy of Goku series, Atari has released numerous other Dragon Ball titles including Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors, Dragon Ball Z: Super Sonic Warriors 2, Dragon Ball Z: Sagas
Dragon Ball Z: Sagas
Dragon Ball Z: Sagas is a 3D action-adventure video game developed by Avalanche Software and published by Atari, based on the anime Dragon Ball Z...
, Dragon Ball GT: Transformation
Dragon Ball GT: Transformation
Dragon Ball GT: Transformation is a side-scroller beat 'em up video game developed by Webfoot Games for the Game Boy Advance. The story takes place during the "Lost Episodes" and "Baby" story arcs of the anime Dragon Ball GT. Despite the fact that the gameplay has changed since the Legacy of Goku...
, Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure
Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure
is a Game Boy Advance video game based on the Dragon Ball manga and anime series. The game contains 30 playable characters , which is unusually large for a game of this caliber...
and Super Dragon Ball Z
Super Dragon Ball Z
Super Dragon Ball Z is a cel-shaded 3D fighting video game, based on the manga Dragon Ball written by Akira Toriyama. It was originally released in Japanese and European arcades running on System 246 hardware, and later for the PlayStation 2...
.
Atari also released a series of games based on the Matrix
The Matrix
The Matrix is a 1999 science fiction-action film written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, and Hugo Weaving...
movie trilogy including Enter the Matrix
Enter the Matrix
Enter the Matrix is the first video game based on The Matrix series of films. It was developed by Shiny Entertainment and published by Atari and WB Interactive for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube game systems, and for the PC. It was published in Japan by Bandai...
and The Matrix: Path of Neo
The Matrix: Path of Neo
The Matrix: Path of Neo is the third video game based on the Matrix series and the second developed by Shiny Entertainment. Players control the character Neo, participating in scenes from the films. It was released on October 4, 2005 in North America....
. Although not critical successes, these titles represent some of the most expensive video games ever developed. Enter the Matrix, which was developed by Shiny Entertainment
Shiny Entertainment
Shiny Entertainment was an American video game developer based in Laguna Beach, Southern California, and the creator of several popular titles such as Earthworm Jim, MDK, Sacrifice and The Matrix: Path of Neo. Shiny was founded by David Perry in October 1993...
, sold 1.38 million units for the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
and 1 million units for the Nintendo GameCube
Nintendo GameCube
The , officially abbreviated to NGC in Japan and GCN in other regions, is a sixth generation video game console released by Nintendo on September 15, 2001 in Japan, November 18, 2001 in North America, May 3, 2002 in Europe, and May 17, 2002 in Australia...
.
Another popular series by Atari has been the Godzilla Series, based on the nuclear monster originally created by Toho. Pipeworks developed and created all of the three console titles, although handheld titles were developed separately. The series started with "Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee
Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee
Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee is a fighting video game produced by Pipeworks Software, Inc. and released for the Nintendo GameCube on October 8, 2002. The game was later released for the Xbox in North America on April 16, 2003...
" for the Nintendo GameCube which was released on October 11, 2002 to much success before it was ported to the Microsoft Xbox a year later. It was followed by a sequel, "Godzilla: Save the Earth
Godzilla: Save the Earth
Godzilla: Save the Earth is a fighting game released on November 2, 2004 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox game consoles based on characters and situations from the Godzilla film series. The game is itself the sequel to the 2002 game Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee which was released for the...
" for the PlayStation 2 and the Xbox, on November 16, 2004. Despite Save the Earth's relative commercial failure, Godzilla: Unleashed
Godzilla: Unleashed
Godzilla: Unleashed, abbreviated as G3 or GU, is a 3D fighting video game based on the Godzilla film franchise for the Wii and PlayStation 2, developed by Pipeworks and published by Atari. The PS2 version was released on November 20 and the Wii version on December 5, 2007 in North America and both...
was released for the PS2 and Wii
Wii
The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of the two others...
, on November 20, 2007 and December 5, 2007 respectively. Unleashed was accompanied by Godzilla Unleashed: Double Smash for the Nintendo DS, which was released on November 20, 2007. There is speculation as to the series' future, although current belief is Atari has lost the rights to Godzilla.
Other currently popular titles for Atari include RollerCoaster Tycoon 3
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 is a construction and management simulation computer game. It is the third installment in the RollerCoaster Tycoon series, first released on October 26, 2004 in North America...
, Test Drive Unlimited
Test Drive Unlimited
Test Drive Unlimited is an arcade-style racing game, the 9th game of the Test Drive series, it features over 125 licensed sports cars and motorcycles and a terrain modeled after the Hawaiian island of Oahu that features some 1000 miles of roads and highways. Test Drive Unlimited is the ninth main...
, Neverwinter Nights
Neverwinter Nights
Neverwinter Nights , produced by BioWare and published by Infogrames , is a third-person perspective computer role-playing game that is based on third edition Dungeons & Dragons and Forgotten Realms rules. It was originally to be published by Interplay Entertainment, but the publisher's financial...
, the Alone in the Dark series
Alone in the Dark (series)
Alone in the Dark is a series of survival horror computer games from Infogrames. In most of the series, the gamer plays as private investigator Edward Carnby, who usually goes to investigate a haunted mansion or town that is full of undead creatures. The story is based on the writings of H. P...
and the Driver
Driver (series)
Driver is a series of mission-based driving video games developed by Reflections Interactive , and originally published by GT Interactive and later by Atari. The gameplay consists of a mixture of action, driving, and third-person shooting in open world environments...
series (recently sold to Ubisoft
Ubisoft
Ubisoft Entertainment S.A. is a major French video game publisher and developer, with headquarters in Montreuil, France. The company has a worldwide presence with 25 studios in 17 countries and subsidiaries in 26 countries....
for a reported $24 million).
Atari Inc. corporate history
On September 1, 2006, Atari Inc. announced that its stock faces delisting from NASDAQNASDAQ
The NASDAQ Stock Market, also known as the NASDAQ, is an American stock exchange. "NASDAQ" originally stood for "National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations". It is the second-largest stock exchange by market capitalization in the world, after the New York Stock Exchange. As of...
since its price had fallen under $1.00. On September 5, 2006, David Pierce
David Pierce (CEO)
-Corporate history:* Former CEO of Atari .* Sony Wonder executive VP/GM* Sony Music Entertainment* Sony Pictures Entertainment* Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer* Universal Pictures-References:...
was appointed as new CEO
Chief executive officer
A chief executive officer , managing director , Executive Director for non-profit organizations, or chief executive is the highest-ranking corporate officer or administrator in charge of total management of an organization...
of Atari, replacing Bruno Bonnell
Bruno Bonnell
Bruno Bonnell is a French personality, one of the founders of Infogrames Entertainment SA. A qualified chemical engineer, Bonnell received a degree in economics at the Université Paris IX. He began his long career on the Thomson TO7, one of the earliest French-produced home computers, before...
. Pierce previously worked as an executive at Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures
-1920:* White Youth* The Flaming Disc* Am I Dreaming?* The Dragon's Net* The Adorable Savage* Putting It Over* The Line Runners-1921:* The Fire Eater* A Battle of Wits* Dream Girl* The Millionaire...
, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. is an American media company, involved primarily in the production and distribution of films and television programs. MGM was founded in 1924 when the entertainment entrepreneur Marcus Loew gained control of Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures Corporation and Louis B. Mayer...
, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc. is the television and film production/distribution unit of Japanese multinational technology and media conglomerate Sony...
, Sony Music Entertainment
Sony Music Entertainment
Sony Music Entertainment ' is the second-largest global recorded music company of the "big four" record companies and is controlled by Sony Corporation of America, the United States subsidiary of Japan's Sony Corporation....
, and Sony Wonder
Sony Wonder
Sony Wonder is a children and family's music and home video arm of Sony Music Entertainment, founded in 1991. The division once distributed material from Sesame Workshop and Classic Media...
.
On October 2, 2006, Atari Inc. announced that it had sold off Shiny Entertainment
Shiny Entertainment
Shiny Entertainment was an American video game developer based in Laguna Beach, Southern California, and the creator of several popular titles such as Earthworm Jim, MDK, Sacrifice and The Matrix: Path of Neo. Shiny was founded by David Perry in October 1993...
to Foundation 9 Entertainment
Foundation 9 Entertainment
Foundation 9 Entertainment is an entertainment media conglomerate that has developed video games, comic books, film and television series. The company is one of the largest independent game developers in the world, and has more than 450 employees working in its various studios in California,...
, which culminated in the completion of their strategic divesture.
On April 5, 2007, Bruno Bonnell
Bruno Bonnell
Bruno Bonnell is a French personality, one of the founders of Infogrames Entertainment SA. A qualified chemical engineer, Bonnell received a degree in economics at the Université Paris IX. He began his long career on the Thomson TO7, one of the earliest French-produced home computers, before...
resigned his position as chairman and chief financial officer
Chief financial officer
The chief financial officer or Chief financial and operating officer is a corporate officer primarily responsible for managing the financial risks of the corporation. This officer is also responsible for financial planning and record-keeping, as well as financial reporting to higher management...
.
On November 7, 2007, Gamespot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
reported that Atari was beginning to run out of money, losing two million in the first fiscal year of 2008 and announced that were selling the rights of the Test Drive game series for the Infogrames .
On March 6, 2008, Infogrames made an offer to Atari Inc. to buy out all remaining public shares for a value of US$1.68 per share or US$11 million total. The offer would make Infogrames sole owner of Atari Inc., making it a privately held company.
On April 30, 2008, Atari Inc. announced its intentions to accept Infogrames' buyout offer and merge with Infogrames.
On May 9, 2008, It was revealed that Nasdaq
NASDAQ
The NASDAQ Stock Market, also known as the NASDAQ, is an American stock exchange. "NASDAQ" originally stood for "National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations". It is the second-largest stock exchange by market capitalization in the world, after the New York Stock Exchange. As of...
will be removing Atari from the Nasdaq stock market. Atari has stated its intentions to appeal the decision. Atari was notified of Nasdaq's final decision April 24, 2008 and the appeal hearing took place on May 1, 2008. Atari was expected to raise its value to $15 million USD from the period December 20, 2007 through to March, 2008. Atari received notice of its absolute delisting on September 12, 2008.
On October 11, 2008 Infogrames completed its acquisition of Atari, Inc., making it a wholly owned subsidiary.
Software piracy
Atari was one of the companies using British legal company Davenport LyonsDavenport Lyons
Davenport Lyons is a London-based law firm who provide legal advice and services across various fields. Although most of their work concerns corporate acquisitions, in 2007 their actions against file sharers became news in the United Kingdom...
in 2008 to recover damages from computer users illegally downloading games but stopped using the company when they were made aware of the false claims being made against innocent members of the public.
Major products
- Act of War: Direct ActionAct of War: Direct ActionAct of War: Direct Action is a real-time strategy game developed by Eugen Systems and published by Atari, Inc. The game was released in March 2005 and features a detailed story written by Dale Brown, a retired captain of the US Air Force and a bestselling author. An expansion pack called Act of...
- Act of War: High TreasonAct of War: High TreasonAct of War: High Treason is an expansion pack for Act of War: Direct Action. It is developed by Eugen Systems and published by Atari.-Plot:...
- Alone in the DarkAlone in the Dark (series)Alone in the Dark is a series of survival horror computer games from Infogrames. In most of the series, the gamer plays as private investigator Edward Carnby, who usually goes to investigate a haunted mansion or town that is full of undead creatures. The story is based on the writings of H. P...
Series. - ArmA: Armed Assault
- Boiling Point: Road to HellBoiling Point: Road to HellBoiling Point: Road to Hell is a video game developed by the Ukrainian based game studio Deep Shadows and published in 2005 by Atari. Boiling Point's gameplay is a combination of both FPS and RPG mechanics. Critical response upon its release was, with few exceptions, lukewarm...
- Backyard Sports
- Dark EarthDark Earth (video game)Dark Earth is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game for the PC.-Story:Dark Earth takes place several centuries in the future, when a meteor collision with Earth tossed up great clouds of dust that blocked out the sun. Earth's remaining survivors began to seek refuge beneath small openings in the...
- Dragon Ball: Advanced AdventureDragon Ball: Advanced Adventureis a Game Boy Advance video game based on the Dragon Ball manga and anime series. The game contains 30 playable characters , which is unusually large for a game of this caliber...
- Dragon Ball Z: Budokai
- Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 2
- Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3
- Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi
- Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2
- Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
- Dragon Ball Z: SagasDragon Ball Z: SagasDragon Ball Z: Sagas is a 3D action-adventure video game developed by Avalanche Software and published by Atari, based on the anime Dragon Ball Z...
- Dragon Ball Z: Super Sonic Warriors
- Dragon Ball Z: Super Sonic Warriors 2
- Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku
- Dragon Ball GT: TransformationDragon Ball GT: TransformationDragon Ball GT: Transformation is a side-scroller beat 'em up video game developed by Webfoot Games for the Game Boy Advance. The story takes place during the "Lost Episodes" and "Baby" story arcs of the anime Dragon Ball GT. Despite the fact that the gameplay has changed since the Legacy of Goku...
- Yu Yu Hakusho: Spirit DetectiveYu Yu Hakusho: Spirit DetectiveYu Yu Hakusho: Spirit Detective is a video game for the Game Boy Advance handheld console. Based on the popular manga and anime series YuYu Hakusho created by Yoshihiro Togashi, the plot follows the central character Yusuke Urameshi, a street-brawling, often truant teenager who dies trying to save...
- Yu Yu Hakusho: Tournament TacticsYu Yu Hakusho: Tournament TacticsYu Yu Hakusho: Tournament Tactics is a video game for the Game Boy Advance. It is based on the manga and anime series YuYu Hakusho created by Yoshihiro Togashi. The plot follows the protagonist Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage delinquent who dies in an accident and is brought back to life as a "Spirit...
- Yu Yu Hakusho: Dark TournamentYu Yu Hakusho: Dark TournamentYu Yu Hakusho: Dark Tournament is a video game for the PlayStation 2 home game console. Based on the popular manga and anime series YuYu Hakusho created by Yoshihiro Togashi, Dark Tournament follows the protagonist Yusuke Urameshi, a rebellious teenager who dies and is brought back to life in...
- DriverDriver: You Are the WheelmanDriver , is a 1999 action driving video game developed by Reflections Interactive , who had earlier hits with Destruction Derby on the early years of the PlayStation...
(1999) - Driver 2Driver 2Driver 2: Back on the Streets is the second installment of the Driver video game series.-Gameplay:...
(2000) - DRIV3RDRIV3RDriv3r, more commonly known as Driver 3 , is a racing, shooting, and adventure video game. It is the third installment in the popular Driver series and was developed by Reflections Interactive and published by Atari. Driv3r was released in North America for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox on June 21, 2004...
(2004) - Driver: Parallel LinesDriver: Parallel LinesDriver: Parallel Lines is the fourth video game in the Driver series. The game was released on March 2006 on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox by Atari, Wii and Microsoft Windows on June 2007 by Ubisoft.-Overview:...
(2006) (PC and Wii Versions were published by Ubisoft) - StuntmanStuntmanA stuntman or stunt performer is someone who performs dangerous stunts.Stuntman may also refer to:*The Stunt Man, a 1980 film starring Peter O'Toole*Stuntman , a 2002 video game**Stuntman: Ignition, its sequel...
- Enter the MatrixEnter the MatrixEnter the Matrix is the first video game based on The Matrix series of films. It was developed by Shiny Entertainment and published by Atari and WB Interactive for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube game systems, and for the PC. It was published in Japan by Bandai...
- IkarugaIkarugais a shoot 'em up video game developed by Treasure. It was released in the arcades in 2001 on the Sega NAOMI, subsequently released on Dreamcast in Japan and then worldwide on the Nintendo GameCube, and was released on Xbox Live Arcade on April 9, 2008...
- Chris Sawyer's LocomotionChris Sawyer's LocomotionChris Sawyer's Locomotion is a computer game by independent game developer Chris Sawyer. In his words, it is "the spiritual successor to Transport Tycoon"....
- Neverwinter NightsNeverwinter NightsNeverwinter Nights , produced by BioWare and published by Infogrames , is a third-person perspective computer role-playing game that is based on third edition Dungeons & Dragons and Forgotten Realms rules. It was originally to be published by Interplay Entertainment, but the publisher's financial...
(2002) - Neverwinter Nights 2Neverwinter Nights 2Neverwinter Nights 2 is a computer role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Atari. It is the sequel to BioWare's Neverwinter Nights, based on the Dungeons & Dragons pencil and paper fantasy role-playing game...
(2006) - Test DriveTD OverdriveTD Overdrive or Test Drive Overdrive is the seventh installment in the Test Drive series...
(2002) - Test Drive UnlimitedTest Drive UnlimitedTest Drive Unlimited is an arcade-style racing game, the 9th game of the Test Drive series, it features over 125 licensed sports cars and motorcycles and a terrain modeled after the Hawaiian island of Oahu that features some 1000 miles of roads and highways. Test Drive Unlimited is the ninth main...
(2006 + 2007) - Test Drive Unlimited 2Test Drive Unlimited 2Test Drive Unlimited 2 is a racing video game developed by Eden Games and published by Atari. It is the sequel to Test Drive Unlimited and the tenth game in the series. The game was released on 8 February 2011 in North America and on 11 February in Europe.The game suffered from many bugs during...
(2011) - The Matrix: Path of NeoThe Matrix: Path of NeoThe Matrix: Path of Neo is the third video game based on the Matrix series and the second developed by Shiny Entertainment. Players control the character Neo, participating in scenes from the films. It was released on October 4, 2005 in North America....
- Unreal Tournament 2003Unreal Tournament 2003Unreal Tournament 2003 or UT2003 is a first-person shooter video game designed mainly for multiplayer gaming. The game is part of the Unreal franchise's series of games, and is a sequel to Unreal Tournament ....
(2002) - Unreal Tournament 2004Unreal Tournament 2004Unreal Tournament 2004, also known as UT2K4 and UT2004, is a futuristic first-person shooter computer game developed by Epic Games and Digital Extremes...
(2004) - Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters MeleeGodzilla: Destroy All Monsters MeleeGodzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee is a fighting video game produced by Pipeworks Software, Inc. and released for the Nintendo GameCube on October 8, 2002. The game was later released for the Xbox in North America on April 16, 2003...
- Godzilla: Save the EarthGodzilla: Save the EarthGodzilla: Save the Earth is a fighting game released on November 2, 2004 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox game consoles based on characters and situations from the Godzilla film series. The game is itself the sequel to the 2002 game Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee which was released for the...
- Godzilla: UnleashedGodzilla: UnleashedGodzilla: Unleashed, abbreviated as G3 or GU, is a 3D fighting video game based on the Godzilla film franchise for the Wii and PlayStation 2, developed by Pipeworks and published by Atari. The PS2 version was released on November 20 and the Wii version on December 5, 2007 in North America and both...
- TransformersTransformers (Atari video game)Transformers is a PlayStation 2 video game based on the Transformers: Armada animated series. Originally entitled Transformers Armada: Prelude to Energon, the title was shortened before release....
- Atari FlashbackAtari FlashbackThe Atari Flashback, Atari Flashback 2, Atari Flashback2+ and Atari Flashback 3 are dedicated video game consoles marketed by Atari Inc. in 2004, 2005 and 2010, then AtGames in 2011...
- Atari Flashback 2
- Mission Impossible: Operation Surma
- Terminator 3: The RedemptionTerminator 3: The RedemptionTerminator 3: The Redemption is a video game based on the Terminator series, more specifically the film Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. It was developed by Paradigm Entertainment and published by Atari in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube.-Production:Terminator 3: The Redemption...
- The Witcher
- ThrillvilleThrillvilleThrillville is a simulation and strategy video game that depicts theme park management, very similar to RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, which Frontier Developments also created. Thrillville is currently available for PlayStation 2, PSP and Xbox.-Plot:...
- Thrillville: Off the RailsThrillville: Off the RailsThrillville: Off the Rails is a theme park simulation video game developed by Frontier Developments. The sequel to the 2006 game Thrillville, it is again published by LucasArts...
- Tycoon City: New YorkTycoon City: New YorkTycoon City: New York is a 2006 city-building game where players are tasked with developing New York City, specifically the island of Manhattan...
- Dungeons & Dragons Online
- The Temple of Elemental EvilThe Temple of Elemental Evil (computer game)The Temple of Elemental Evil is a computer role-playing game by now-defunct Troika Games. It is a re-creation of the classic Dungeons & Dragons adventure of the same name using the 3.5 edition rules. The game was published by Atari, who then held the interactive rights of the Dungeons & Dragons...
- FahrenheitFahrenheit (video game)Fahrenheit, also known as Indigo Prophecy in North America, is a cinematic adventure video game developed by Quantic Dream and manufactured and marketed by Atari Europe SAS...
, also known as Indigo Prophecy in the U.S.United StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. - Retro Atari Classics
- RollerCoaster Tycoon 3RollerCoaster Tycoon 3RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 is a construction and management simulation computer game. It is the third installment in the RollerCoaster Tycoon series, first released on October 26, 2004 in North America...
- Marc Eckō's Getting Up: Contents Under PressureMarc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under PressureMarc Eckō's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure is a video game released on February 14, 2006. It was developed by The Collective, Inc. and published by Atari under license by Marc Ecko...
2010
- Star Trek OnlineStar Trek OnlineStar Trek Online, often abbreviated as STO, is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Cryptic Studios based on the popular Star Trek series created by Gene Roddenberry. The game is set in the 25th century, 30 years after the events of Star Trek Nemesis...
- The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark AthenaThe Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark AthenaThe Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is a science fiction first-person action game for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Mac OS X. The game is a sequel to The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, which has been remade and has been included along with the Assault...
- SBK X: Superbike World ChampionshipSBK X: Superbike World ChampionshipSBK-X: Superbike World Championship is a motorcycle racing game developed by Milestone s.r.l. and published by Black Bean Games in 2010. The game features three modes of gameplay: the arcade mode, the simulation mode and the multiplayer mode. Also for the first time in the series the game features...
2011
- Ghostbusters: Sanctum of SlimeGhostbusters: Sanctum of SlimeGhostbusters: Sanctum of Slime is an action-adventure video game developed by Behaviour Interactive and published by Atari. The game features four-player cooperative gameplay as players control Ghostbusters to defeat enemy ghosts...
- Test Drive Unlimited 2Test Drive Unlimited 2Test Drive Unlimited 2 is a racing video game developed by Eden Games and published by Atari. It is the sequel to Test Drive Unlimited and the tenth game in the series. The game was released on 8 February 2011 in North America and on 11 February in Europe.The game suffered from many bugs during...
- Dungeons & Dragons: DaggerdaleDungeons & Dragons: DaggerdaleDungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale is an action role-playing video game developed by Bedlam Games and published by Atari. The game includes both single and co-operative multiplayer modes and is set in a Forgotten Realms environment.-Gameplay:...
- The Witcher 2: Assassins of KingsThe Witcher 2: Assassins of KingsThe Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is a third-person role-playing video game developed by Polish studio CD Projekt RED for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360. It is a sequel to the 2007 video game The Witcher, and was released internationally on May 17, 2011. Just like its predecessor, the game is based...
- Centipede: InfestationCentipede: InfestationCentipede: Infestation is a video game developed by WayForward Technologies and published by Atari, SA for the Nintendo Wii and the Nintendo 3DS. It is a re-imagining of the Centipede video game franchise.- Gameplay :...
- Neverwinter (video game)Neverwinter (video game)Neverwinter is an upcoming massively multiplayer online role-playing game in development by Cryptic Studios for the Microsoft Windows platform and is currently scheduled for a "late" 2012 release...
- Star Raiders (2011 video game)Star Raiders (2011 video game)Star Raiders is a 2011 space combat video game developed by Incinerator Studios for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 game consoles and PCs.- External links :* * *...
- Yars' RevengeYars' RevengeYars' Revenge is a video game developed for the Atari 2600 in 1981. It was created by Howard Scott Warshaw, who also wrote the 2600 titles Raiders of the Lost Ark and the much-derided E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial...