Atari hopes to bring RollerCoaster Tycoon to Nintendo Switch in rather unconventional manner. The company launched a campaign today using the crowdfunding website StartEngine, which implores backers to invest and receive a share of the profits in return. Currently, the minimum investment is $250.
Investing in the RollerCoaster Tycoon release will grant a pro rata share of 50% of profits until investors receive 120% of the original investment. Upon reaching that point, investors receive 25% of profits until eighteen months have passed following the game’s launch. The investment is a risk which Atari acknowledges, as profit-sharing can be terminated if their license to market and sell their game ends early. The percentages can also be decreased if the campaign does not reach the desired $2 million asked of. Investors do not receive a copy of RollerCoaster Tycoon until they pledge at least $1,500. It is also possible to pledge $750 in return for 25% off the game during launch.
Atari has stated that the game itself will be completely renovated to take advantage of the portable capabilities the Switch holds, and is not merely a direct port. RollerCoaster Tycoon will be developed by Nvizzio, who also worked on RollerCoaster Tycoon World for PC. Production for the Switch edition is set to commence in a few months. Atari has warned that around $10,000 may go towards “administration expenses” that may range from travel to entertainment. This may include inter-company debt.
The game is tentatively set to release later this year, regardless of the production not beginning until the coming months.