Atari

Atari, founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, is one of the most iconic names in the history of video gaming. Initially known for its arcade hits, Atari helped shape the early gaming landscape and played a pivotal role in the development of both arcade and home gaming experiences.

The Early Years (1972–1977) Atari’s first major success came with Pong, one of the first commercially successful arcade games. Released in 1972, Pong's popularity marked the start of the video game arcade boom. It wasn't long before Atari expanded, producing more arcade titles like Space Invaders (1980) and Asteroids (1979), both of which were huge hits and became cultural icons.

The Atari 2600 and the Rise of Home Consoles (1977–1982) In 1977, Atari revolutionized gaming with the release of the Atari 2600, one of the first home video game consoles to use interchangeable game cartridges. This move marked the beginning of the home console era, and the 2600 sold over 30 million units. Titles like Adventure and Pac-Man became household names, helping Atari dominate the gaming market throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The Video Game Crash (1983–1984) However, the rapid growth of the video game industry led to oversaturation, contributing to the infamous video game crash of 1983. Atari's downfall was particularly swift. The E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial game, rushed to market in 1982, became a symbol of the industry's decline. The game was poorly received, and Atari suffered massive financial losses. By 1984, Warner Communications, Atari's parent company, sold the brand to Jack Tramiel, the founder of Commodore, marking a significant turning point for the company.

Shifting Focus (1985–1993) Under Tramiel’s leadership, Atari pivoted to personal computers, launching the Atari ST series, which competed with Apple and IBM. While the ST was initially successful for its graphical interface and affordability, it failed to maintain long-term market share. Atari also released the Atari 7800 console in 1986, but it couldn't compete with the rise of Nintendo's NES.

Reinvention and Mergers (1993–2000s) In the 1990s, Atari struggled to regain its footing. The company went through multiple mergers, eventually becoming part of Infogrames in 2001, which rebranded the company as Atari, SA in 2003. While the brand saw some success in the gaming world with titles like RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, it continued to face financial instability.

Modern Era (2010s–Present) Atari’s focus shifted to digital and mobile gaming in the 2010s, and it embraced emerging trends like blockchain with the launch of the Atari Token in 2020. In 2025, Atari announced a partnership with Thunderful Group, acquiring a majority stake, signaling its continued attempts to remain relevant in an evolving market.

Atari may no longer dominate the gaming industry, but its legacy is undeniable. From pioneering home consoles to shaping arcade gaming, Atari laid the groundwork for the modern video game industry, and its impact continues to be felt today.

News

2025-08-29 Thunderful Group Approves Atari Acquisition
2025-08-28 Atari to Acquire Five Ubisoft Games
2025-07-30 Atari to Acquire Thunderful Group
2024-06-26 Infogrames Acquires Surgeon Simulator
2024-05-23 Atari Acquires Intellivision
2024-04-24 Infogrames Returns as Publisher
2023-10-31 Atari Acquires Digital Eclipse

Search

Atari

News

Related news