Atari has acquired Washington-based Nightdive Studios for $10 million, renowned for their efforts in restoring, optimizing, and publishing classic video games including the recent anticipated remaster of System Shock and Doom 64.
This acquisition will be a beneficial addition to Atari’s own library of classics, as they continue their focus on their growth in the modern retro-gaming sphere. Nightdive’s expertise in restoring classic video games seems to be the perfect partnership for Atari’s goals, considering that the decision was approved unanimously by Atari’s board.
“Night Dive’s proven expertise and successful track record in commercializing retro IP is well-aligned with Atari’s strategy,” said Wade Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Atari. “and I am confident that their combined talent, technology and IP portfolio will contribute to Atari’s future success.”
“Night Dive and Atari have a long history together and we know that Atari shares our passion for retro games and our focus on producing high-quality new and remastered games that do justice to the original IP,” said Stephen Kick and Larry Kuperman, principals of Night Dive. “As we look to grow our business and expand our capabilities, we could think of no better long-term partner than Atari.”
With the acquisition to be completed in April 2023, many within Atari and Nightdive have shown excitement for the future. That said, most video game fans were less than ecstatic.
Atari’s positive image within the gaming community has been on a steep decline in the 70s due to numerous controversies. In recent times their image plummeted further when Atari higher-ups inched over into crypto/NFT technology, resulting in the similar disillusionment seen with other game developers tapping into NFT technology and their fans.