Who Owns the Rights to Atari?
Atari, one of the pioneers in the video game industry, has been involved in several ownership changes over the years. From its humble beginnings as a startup founded by Nolan Bushnell in 1972 to its current form as an interactive entertainment company, Atari’s journey has been marked by ups and downs. In this article, we’ll explore the ownership history of Atari and answer the question, "Who owns the rights to Atari?"
Hasbro Interactive Acquisition
In 1998, Atari was acquired by Hasbro Interactive for $5 million. Hasbro Interactive was a subsidiary of Hasbro, a leading global play and entertainment company. During its ownership, Atari continued to develop and publish games for various platforms.
Infogrames Acquisition
In 2000, Infogrames Entertainment SA, a French software publisher, acquired Hasbro Interactive and its subsidiaries, including Atari. The acquisition was part of Infogrames’ strategy to expand its global presence and expand its gaming portfolio. Infogrames became the new parent company of Atari.
Netherock Incorporated
In 2008, Atari merged with Netherock Incorporated, a company specializing in online game development. The merger enabled Atari to expand its online gaming capabilities and access new markets. Infogrames renamed itself Atari Interactive after the merger.
Current Ownership
As of 2023, Atari is listed on Euronext Paris stock exchange under the ticker symbol ALI. The company is headquartered in Paris, France, and is part of the European gaming industry. Atari has never been sold or merged with any other company since its Infogrames era. It has remained an independent company, with its rights and intellectual properties intact.
Atari’s Intellectual Property Portfolio
Atari has an impressive portfolio of intellectual properties, including over 200 games and franchises. The company owns the rights to iconic game series such as Asteroids, Centipede, and Missile Command, among others. These properties have become synonymous with the video game industry and continue to generate revenue for the company through licensing and merchandising.
Atari’s Current State
Atari is focused on developing new games, expanding its online presence, and creating innovative gaming experiences. The company has invested in esports and virtual reality (VR) technologies, positioning itself for future growth and success.
Timeline of Ownership Changes
| Year | Acquirer/Owner |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Nolan Bushnell (founder) |
| 1998 | Hasbro Interactive |
| 2000 | Infogrames Entertainment SA (acquired Hasbro Interactive) |
| 2008 | Atari Interactive (merged with Netherock Incorporated) |
| 2023 | Atari (listed on Euronext Paris stock exchange) |
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the rights to Atari belong to the current company, Atari Interactive, which has its roots in the French software publisher Infogrames Entertainment SA. Atari has never been sold or merged with any other company since its Infogrames era and has maintained its independence as a publicly traded company listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange.
Atari’s intellectual property portfolio is an asset worth preserving, and the company’s focus on developing new games, expanding its online presence, and creating innovative gaming experiences is a testament to its commitment to its heritage and future success.