Atari is revamping its approach to mobile game development, pivoting away from free-to-play titles and mobile games to focus on creating premium experiences for PCs and consoles. This strategic shift marks a significant departure from the company's previous emphasis on free-to-play and mobile gaming.
According to Atari's CEO Wade J. Rosen, the decision is rooted in the company's commitment to providing accessible and joyful moments of meaningful play. "That's the core of Atari and what binds our history with our future," he said. "To that end, we feel that premium gaming is better representative of this type of gaming experience and the Atari DNA."
While the free-to-play business model has faced significant challenges in recent years, Atari will continue to operate successful titles with a dedicated user base. However, games like Roller Coaster Tycoon Stories, Crystal Castles, Castles & Catapults, Ninja Golf, and Atari Combat: Tank Fury will either be shut down or sold off.
Additionally, Atari is exiting its Atari Casino business in Africa and writing down its efforts to get into TV show production. These moves signal a renewed focus on building a strong pipeline of premium games on all platforms.
The first titles from this new effort are expected to launch during the current fiscal year, which ends March 31, 2022. These new releases will also bolster the lineup for the Atari VCS, the company's recently released PC-based system.
As a result of the strategic shift, Atari is anticipating an impairment loss of €5 million ($5.9 million). This change marks a significant departure from the company's previous restructuring efforts under Rosen, who took over as CEO in April and reorganized the businesses into Atari Gaming and Atari Blockchain.
With this new focus on premium PC and console games, Atari aims to reclaim its position as a leader in the gaming industry.