Atari buys MMO dev Cryptic Studios
by Jason Dobson 
{ Dec 9th 2008 at 10:15AM }
With all of the activity coming out of Atari lately, you'd think the once-struggling publisher stumbled across a bag of cash under the house. The company, which recently has made a habit of picking up other publisher's unwanted cast offs, today acquired City of Heroes developer Cryptic Studios in what GI.biz describes as a "performance-linked deal."The agreement includes three of Cryptic's upcoming projects, including next year's super powered MMO, Champions Online, Star Trek Online in 2010 and an as-yet-unannounced third project (Hint: something Online?) due the year after that. What's more, the report suggests that in addition to the $26.7 million in cash that Cryptic pocketed from the deal, the developer could see its coffers grow by another $20 million bonus should enough players decide to suit up in tights or explore the final frontier.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ignatius @ Dec 9th 2008 10:28AM
Huh, I thought Atari was still struggling. I hope they don't pull Cryptic down with them if they do go belly up.
Reboot @ Dec 9th 2008 10:49AM
That's my fear also. I'd hate for Cryptic to fall on hard times down the road because of this deal
Wiinterfang @ Dec 9th 2008 10:34AM
If the Online title doesn't start with Phantasy Star then I don't care.
MBO @ Dec 9th 2008 11:12AM
hm... i wonder wut phil harrison is thinking
The3rdNuisance @ Dec 10th 2008 12:02AM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I think that about sums up my opinion.