Atari pulls out of E3, current plans in question
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ May 12th 2009 at 12:30PM } 
Atari has pulled out of E3, a mere three weeks before the must-attend mega-event is set to kick off. When contacted for comment, the company told Joystiq that it was a "proactive decision to attend but not exhibit at this year's E3 event." Although the publisher feels E3 benefits the industry, it is currently focused on "other selling and marketing initiatives" for Ghostbusters, Champions Online and "other to be announced titles." It sounds to us like someone is out of cash, which is the word on the street (and might explain Ghostbusters' surprise exclusivity in Europe).
We contacted the ESA, which runs E3 and still has Atari listed as an exhibitor, to see if the organization had received a check from Atari for the space on the show floor and meeting room -- the ESA referred all media calls to Atari. We contacted Atari and asked several direct questions regarding its E3 status -- and whether it has paid for the space it reserved. A company representative could only confirm that it will not attend the show and did not have any press events planned for LA during E3. We've been told that we should expect a more detailed answer sometime soon.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
skyzbig @ May 12th 2009 12:39PM
Could be why Atari sold the Ghostbusters license to Sony....to keep some much needed money coming in.
InFaMoUs1- @ May 12th 2009 12:41PM
or maybe because Ghost Busters is a Sony Picture Film so it would be a smart move on Sony's part also I suppose
chamelean75 @ May 12th 2009 12:44PM
well, their Ghostbusters game has better be good then..............
George @ May 12th 2009 12:48PM
Well this just ruined my day.. thanks Atari.
InFaMoUs1- @ May 12th 2009 12:59PM
mine too.. that means less booth babes ;(
Snake Robot Podium @ May 12th 2009 1:00PM
What does it mean to attend, but not exhibit? Are they just going to be hanging out in the lobby?
Dv8thwonder @ May 12th 2009 1:45PM
The end is nigh?
Red Panda @ May 12th 2009 1:49PM
Something tells me Atari thinks the San Diego Comic Con would be a better avenue to unveil more about Champions Online than E3, so that "other selling and marketing initiatives" makes a bit of sense.
Dirty @ May 12th 2009 1:50PM
I always pull out... good move atari.
Jay @ May 12th 2009 2:06PM
The only reason I read these comments was to see if someone made a pulling out joke... good one.
Dirty @ May 12th 2009 2:08PM
Its kinda my job around here.
Marco @ May 12th 2009 2:08PM
Dude, Atari, you just have to ask for the cash! I told you that I'd be more than willing to throw in.
Grendel Pr1me @ May 12th 2009 2:54PM
Meanwhile in other unrelated news, Phil Harrison was seen on his knees yelling the words, "Please take me back," outside Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's headquarters.
Matias @ May 12th 2009 3:55PM
Anyone notice that SCEE publishing Ghostbusters in Europe exclusively, is exactly the kind of "favor" Atari's Phil Harrison could beg for to keep the company afloat. Especially at a time of economic crisis.
It probably will benefit both companies well, especially now that sony's trying to be more hardcore oriented. They seem to be on the chase for exclusive games opportunity and Atari seems to be on the chase for money to print discs and earn money. Because alone in the dark sure didn't.
Pochie @ May 13th 2009 6:56AM
"proactive"? isn't that just a buzzword that dumb people use to sound important? Not that I'm accusing Atari of anything like that..
oxymoronx420 @ May 13th 2009 10:15AM
Oh noes, is it the end of Atari... again???
Jojo @ May 13th 2009 3:42PM
Atari died in the 80s. This is Infogrames attempting to use a well known brand to stay afloat. They appear to be failing.