Atari, the iconic gaming company, is set to acquire the renowned retro game developer, Digital Eclipse. This move is a part of Atari’s strategy to bolster its standing in retro gaming. The deal, set to conclude in the coming days, has an evaluation of up to US$20 million, contingent on Digital Eclipse’s performance over the forthcoming decade.
Strengthening retro-focused growth
Digital Eclipse has garnered a reputation over recent years for its expertise in remastering classic games and launching them as collections. Some significant projects under its belt include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection, Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King, and the SNK 40th Anniversary Collection.
The collaboration between Atari and Digital Eclipse caught the public eye last year with the launch of Atari 50: The Anniversary Collection. This acclaimed compilation amalgamated numerous games spanning Atari’s 50-year timeline, enriched with marketing and development documents, archival footage, and fresh interviews with erstwhile Atari staff. Building on the interactive documentary style, Digital Eclipse rolled out The Making of Karateka this year.
Under the aegis of Atari, Digital Eclipse aims to propel the Gold Master Series preservation project. The acquisition will not hamper Digital Eclipse’s collaborations with third-party developers and publishers, as several non-Atari ventures are in the pipeline, awaiting announcement.
Atari’s expedition in retro gaming and preservation
This acquisition isn’t Atari’s first stride towards becoming a behemoth in retro gaming and game preservation. Earlier this year, it also brought Nightdive Studios, another adept in-game remaster, into its fold alongside AtariAge, a vibrant community and news hub centred around Atari. Adding to its spree, Atari has been avidly acquiring numerous gaming franchises dating back to the 1980s and 1990s, amplifying its stronghold in the retro gaming sphere.
