Atari have announced they will focus on premium PC and console games again, while reducing their focus on free-to-play mobile games.
In April of this year, Atari announced they would be split into two divisions. One would focus on blockchain technology, while the other- Atari Gaming- would aim to “revitalize” classic Atari games. The latter would also continue to create free-to-play mobile games.
GamesIndustry.biz now reports that Atari announced that its board of directors have approved a new direction for Atati’s gaming development. This will involve a focus on premium games for PC and consoles, and a reduced focus on mobile and free-to-play games.
“Our intent with any gaming experience is to provide accessible and joyful moments of meaningful play, that’s the core of Atari and what binds our history with our future” said Atari CEO Wad J. Rosen. “To that end, we feel that premium gaming is better representative of this type of gaming experience and the Atari DNA.”
Atari reportedly aim to “build a strong pipeline of premium games on all platforms.” this will come via new titles launching in their current fiscal year, ending March 31st, 2022. These titles also promise to be part of the lineup for the Atari VCS.
While the reason for the change in business plans was not fully explained; the Atari announcement noted “the competitive and marketing environment is weighing on the free-to-play business model.”
Nonetheless, Atari will continue to operate their successful free-to-play titles. GameIndustry.biz notes they may shut down or sell off other free-to-play titles, such as Roller Coaster Tycoon Stories, Crystal Castles, Castles & Catapults, Ninja Golf, and Atari Combat: Tank Fury.
Atari will also reportedly be exiting its casino business in Africa, and a write-down with TV show production (when the value of an asset becomes less than the carrying book value; and therefore an impaired asset). GamesIndustry.biz note that as a result of the new business strategy, Atari are expected to take a $5.9 million USD impairment loss (when an asset’s depreciation is in excess of the book value).
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