Atari’s Acquisition Bolsters Its Portfolio and Promises Business as Usual for the Retro Specialist
In what is being hailed as a sensible and strategic move in the gaming industry, Digital Eclipse has officially become part of the Atari family, following its exceptional work on “Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration.”
Founded in 1992, Digital Eclipse has earned a stellar reputation for its expertise in the retro gaming realm, notably for crafting well-received compilations like the “Mega Man Legacy Collection” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection.” The standout achievement, however, was its work on “Atari 50,” a project that received accolades for its comprehensive historical insight into Atari, both as a company and a creator.
The official press release for this acquisition highlights the fact that this union allows Digital Eclipse to expand its development capacity and gain access to Atari’s world-class intellectual property, all while benefiting from Atari’s exceptional management expertise.
One important detail is that, despite now being under the Atari umbrella, Digital Eclipse will continue to collaborate with other partners on various projects. This arrangement offers the enticing possibility of new compilations, such as a potential “Nintendo 50” collection, a prospect that retro gaming enthusiasts eagerly await.
Furthermore, Atari has assured that the Gold Master Series, currently represented by “The Making of Karateka,” will remain a top priority for Digital Eclipse, and Atari will not impose any constraints on the series’ future.
In essence, this move promises to maintain the status quo for Digital Eclipse while affording the studio the official backing and access to Atari’s illustrious history. It’s a union that holds significant potential for the continued exploration and celebration of gaming’s rich retro heritage. Considering that several major companies have attempted to thwart fan-made game preservation projects in the past, it is nice to see that a company with a legacy like Atari’s can carry part of the torch.