Atari and Universal to create movies based on classic properties
Atari has signed a deal with Universal Pictures to turn 10 of its classic video game franchises into movies. The company is making its transmedia push in collaboration with Entertainment 360.
As reported by Deadline, Atari is keen to create action-adventure blockbusters based on notable properties such as Asteroids, Adventure, Berzerk, Breakout, Centipede, Crystal Castles, Millipede, Missile Command, Pong and Yars’ Revenge.
“For more than five decades, Atari has created games and worlds that have remained part of popular culture long after their original release,” said Atari chairman and CEO Wade Rosen. “We are excited to work with Universal and Entertainment 360 to bring the spirit of our iconic brand and games to a new medium.”
The first movie will be produced by Entertainment 360’s Guymon Casady from a screenplay by Universal exec-turned-screenwriter Matt Reilly and Hellboy producer Carl Hampe. Both of them will also be producers.
Atari continues to expand under the leadership of CEO Wade Rosen, who in 2024 told Game Developer the company is done being a ‘fast follower’ and must strive to become a market leader.
With that in mind, the company has set out its stall as a preservationist publisher after spending millions to acquire studios including Digital Eclipse, Nightdive, and Hipster Whale, while also acquiring the rights to notable franchises including Transport Tycoon, Wizardry, and Crossy Road.
