Harrison: Atari is the best opportunity in the industry

21 Comments by Alexander Sliwinski Mar 6th 2008 7:00PM
Filed under: Business

Gametrailers has a video of Phil Harrison's Infogrames/Atari coming out party from earlier this week, depicting the former Sony exec really entrenching himself into the current fixer-upper situation. He quite confidently says to the press in attendance, "The Atari opportunity, is the best opportunity that exists in the industry today to redefine, refocus and re-energize an incredible brand."

This week has seen numerous moments where Infogrames' new CEO David Gardner and Harrison, as the new Directeur Général Délégué, have said all the right things. Giving the appearance that Atari is a salvageable brand is great, but showing some profit is always a good first step.

Tags: atari, harrison, infogrames, phil-harrison, philharrison

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(Page 1) Reader Comments

Marty: Mar 6th 2008; 7:10PM

Well yeah - when you've hit rock bottom, you've got nowhere to go but up, right?

Nick the Hero of Canton: Mar 6th 2008; 7:12PM

Atari is the best opportunity in the industry?

When did the second video game crash happen and where was I?

carg0: Mar 6th 2008; 7:12PM

oooh, you bastard...stole my line = )

carg0: Mar 6th 2008; 7:13PM

lets wait a year and see if he still has those sentiments

Mr Khan: Mar 6th 2008; 7:14PM

I don't think its the best opportunity, but the raw talent is definitely there. Their latest beat-'em-ups on Wii were pretty good (DBZ BT 2 & 3, and Godzilla: Monsters Unleashed)

Atari's got potential, they just need excellent management to knock themselves into shape. Whether Mr. Harrison is up to the task remains to be seen, but it'll be a fun ride either way

Edog Lost: Mar 6th 2008; 7:16PM

I still think it was a bad idea for Harrison. But he is a smart guy, with way more knowledge of the industry then I have. Maybe he sees something we don't. I love a comeback success story, and wish him the best.

Microswirl: Mar 6th 2008; 7:27PM

Marge: It's awfully small...
Lionel: I'd say it's awfully -- cozy!
Marge: That's dilapidated.
Lionel: Rustic!
Marge: That house is on fire!
Lionel: Motivated seller!

x silence x: Mar 6th 2008; 7:31PM

Why didn't he go to EA?

mullinsmcd: Mar 6th 2008; 7:41PM

Its clear. Atari wants to switch their focus to causal, social games because thats whats hot now thanks to the Wii. Like Harrison has said, hes been beating the drum of social gaming for a long time now but now its actually stuck because of the Wii.

In other words, expect next year to be shovelware central thanks to Atari.

JRM: Mar 6th 2008; 8:17PM

I don't understand.

So he fails at trying to re-energize a slumping brand (PS3), and then goes to re-energize another brand that's in an EVEN WORSE condition?

....Is this guy for real?!?

ThornedVenom (Harley Quinn Defense Force): Mar 6th 2008; 8:28PM

I wish them the best of luck: at least it's nice to see that Atari is taking action to get out of their hellhole.

I just think that they need more creative games with appealing marketable features (like that Alone in the Dark sticky-tape demo was more than enough to create interest), from more creative game designers. But on the other hand, whilst creativity is the healthiest way to go, it doesn't ensure commercial success as EA is the living proof of it (Activision becoming a troll as well).

Batzarro: Mar 6th 2008; 10:04PM

Do I hear cuckoo clocks?

Anthony: Mar 6th 2008; 10:27PM

His comment is completely sincere. Remember, in corporate speak, "opportunity" means "problem."

mr mobius: Mar 6th 2008; 11:10PM

Do you think enough time has passed for the world to be ready for a sequel to ET? That could be their plan. If they are going to fall, let everyone fall as well, so easier to get back up and be the first up.

driven2sin: Mar 7th 2008; 12:05AM

Atari is better off with Nolan B trashing everyone and waiting for the next gaming dark age

ronald.raygun: Mar 7th 2008; 12:15AM

despite all my rage i am still just a rat in a cage.

ThornedVenom (Harley Quinn Defense Force): Mar 7th 2008; 12:17AM

Turn the page or get off the stage.

(sorry, I was desperate to continue your rhyme)

Rod E. Katote: Mar 7th 2008; 5:11AM

Does the words "Titanium Cohonés" mean anything?

Jayslacks: Mar 7th 2008; 8:32AM

We all are going to feel real stupid in two years when Atari is kicking major ass. Watch and see.

Ves: Mar 9th 2008; 10:04AM

Why do people always say that when they start at their new job.

hvnlysoldr: Mar 12th 2008; 6:17PM

Perhaps he's a super saiyijin who seeks life threatening situations so he can come back stronger than ever.

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