Atari, the iconic gaming company, is doubling down on its commitment to retro gaming with the acquisition of Digital Eclipse, a renowned developer specializing in porting classic games to modern hardware. This acquisition follows Atari’s earlier purchase of Nightdive Studios, responsible for the System Shock remake and high-quality ports of classic titles, in May of this year. The deal with Digital Eclipse is expected to cost Atari up to $20 million.
Atari states that this acquisition will further support its retro-focused growth strategy. Atari CEO Wade Rosen emphasizes the alignment between the two companies, saying, “Digital Eclipse is the best in the world at what they do. They have a deep love and respect for the history of the games industry and are renowned for developing critically acclaimed projects based on historic franchises. Digital Eclipse, along with Nightdive, are in perfect alignment with Atari’s DNA and renewed purpose. I’m personally excited to see where we can push the boundaries of retro innovation together.”
The partnership appears to be a natural fit for both companies. In 2022, Digital Eclipse created the highly acclaimed Atari 50 collection, which delves into Atari’s rich history with 50 playable games and additional content, including galleries, arcade flyers, and documentaries.
Digital Eclipse continued its retro gaming journey with “The Making of Karateka,” a focused release that explores the creation of the 1984 classic game and its enduring influence on the gaming industry. This collection offers various versions of the game, along with a treasure trove of collectibles and documentary footage. With its expertise in crafting lovingly detailed gaming anthologies, Atari’s decision to acquire Digital Eclipse comes as no surprise.
