Video game icon Atari is emerging from bankruptcy to jump into the world of social casino gaming. The publisher is partnering with virtual games company FlowPlay on Atari Casino, a series of classic casino games such as poker and blackjack that carry themes from classic Atari games including Asteroids, Centipede and Missile Command.
The games will be available on the Web, as well as Facebook and mobile devices this fall. “Entering social casino gaming is a logical next step for us given its appeal across multiple generations and its natural fit with the casual audience,” says Atari CEO Fred Chesnais.
The casino move is the latest attempt by Atari to resurrect the longstanding gaming brand, which got its start in arcades and was among the pioneers in the home video game console space. Last January, the U.S. division of Atari filed for bankruptcy, the latest in a series of setbacks for the troubled publisher.
Free from bankruptcy, Atari pushes to return to form with the upcoming launch of Atari Casino and mobile versions of its game Rollercoaster Tycoon. “I believe it’s a great brand that can go beyond traditional gaming,” says Chesnais.
Atari hasn’t abandoned its roots. Chesnais says players can expect to see traditional Atari games “rebranded and refreshed with online and social features.”
