Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Atari US files for bankruptcy, selling iconic logo and assets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/atari-bankruptcy-selling-assets/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/atari-bankruptcy-selling-assets/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/atari-bankruptcy-selling-assets/#comments Atari US files for bankruptcy, looks to separate from French holding companyAtari Inc. filed for chapter 11 (restructuring) bankruptcy this morning, as it aimed to detach itself from Atari SA, its French parent company, and acquire independent business. Atari Inc. said it plans to sell all of its assets in the next 90 to 120 days, including defining franchises such as Pong and Asteroids, and even its iconic logo. The company has already secured, pending approval, $5.25 million in debtor-in-possession investment from funds managed by investment advisory Tenor Capital Management.

While Atari boasts a 40 year history, and is tied closely to the pioneering years of the arcade, its name has meant a number of different things across that time thanks to several changes of hands.

The US-based company now called Atari. Inc was GT Interactive when it was founded in 1993. GT Interactive then became Infogrames Inc. in 1999 after French company Infogrames Entertainment acquired controlling interest in it. In 2001, Infogrames Entertainment bought Hasbro Interactive, who had acquired Atari Corporation and its Atari properties three years prior. In 2003, Infogrames Inc. became Atari Inc, now with license to use the Atari name and logo, and in 2008 Infogrames Entertainment completely acquired the company. Then, just to confuse everything that one step further, Infogrames Entertainment renamed itself as Atari, SA in 2009.

Continue reading Atari US files for bankruptcy, selling iconic logo and assets

JoystiqAtari US files for bankruptcy, selling iconic logo and assets originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariatari-incatari-sabankruptcyinfogramesMon, 21 Jan 2013 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Alone in the Dark creator hopes for an HD remake one day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/alone-in-the-dark-creator-would-love-an-hd-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/alone-in-the-dark-creator-would-love-an-hd-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/alone-in-the-dark-creator-would-love-an-hd-remake/#comments HD remakes are becoming more prevalent in the video games industry, as a means of introducing a new generation of gamers to something they may have otherwise never played. Frédérick Raynal, designer of the original survival-horror game, Alone in the Dark, said he's totally on board with an HD remake.

"I would love an HD remake one day and I hope it will happen, one day," Raynal responded when asked about the possibility at the conclusion of his GDC postmortem. "I think Infogrames holds the rights; I'm not sure about that."

Atari published the last entry in the Alone in the Dark series back in 2008. If someone wants to get a remake out in time for the 20th Anniversary of the original game, they'll have to get it out within the next nine months.

JoystiqAlone in the Dark creator hopes for an HD remake one day originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarifrederick-raynalgdc-2012hd-remakeinfogramespcFri, 09 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The 'bullshot' dates back to Alone in the Dark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-bullshot-dates-back-to-alone-in-the-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-bullshot-dates-back-to-alone-in-the-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-bullshot-dates-back-to-alone-in-the-dark/#comments In the games industry, a 'bullshot' is a screenshot that's been manipulated to appear prettier and more exciting than the actual game. It happens more commonly than our tag would have you believe.

The thing is, scientists have been trying to determine the genesis of this heinous act for quite some time now -- and we think we've found a prominent example of one of the earliest bullshots in Alone in the Dark.

During his GDC postmortem, designer Frédérick Raynal admitted that he drew the back-of-the-box face for Alone in the Dark's protagonist in MS Paint, back in 1992. The main character doesn't look like he does above in the actual game, though the original packaging still shows the hand-drawn visage.

"We were in September 1992, master state, but we still had no head for the hero." Raynal said that Infrogrames was looking for screens to share at the time, and so Raynal was in a tough spot. He decided he was just going to draw the head in.

"It is funny because if you still look on the first box for the game, you an see those pictures with the fake head on it." Raynal said the bullshot even made it into the game -- if you don't touch the keys in the main menu, a slideshow featuring the touched-up image will start up. Nobody ever bothered to fix it.

JoystiqThe 'bullshot' dates back to Alone in the Dark originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullshotfrederick-raynalgdc-2012infogramespcsurvival-horrorFri, 09 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare rated for PS3 by ESRB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/alone-in-the-dark-the-new-nightmare-rated-for-ps3-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/alone-in-the-dark-the-new-nightmare-rated-for-ps3-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/alone-in-the-dark-the-new-nightmare-rated-for-ps3-by-esrb/#comments If a recently published ESRB rating is any indication, Sony is getting ready to re-release Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare on PS3 -- which, considering the original came out in 2001, might need a new subtitle. The rating might indicate that the game is simply being ported over as a PSOne Classic on PSN; however, ESRB ratings for such releases usually include a PSP designation, as well.

Should the generally well-received horror title be remade for PS3, it would make for an interesting cross-platform hat trick -- The New Nightmare's already appeared on PS1 and PS2. We get this bad boy on the PSP, NGP and Xperia Play, and all of a sudden, we might be looking at a new PlayStation brand mascot: Gun-Couple! The couple with guns.

JoystiqAlone in the Dark: The New Nightmare rated for PS3 by ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkalone-in-the-dark-the-new-nightmaredarkworksesrbinfogramesplaystationps3Sony-Computer-Entertainmentspiral-houseWed, 25 May 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[No more confusion: Atari drops Infogrames name]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/no-more-confusion-atari-drops-infogrames-name/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/no-more-confusion-atari-drops-infogrames-name/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/no-more-confusion-atari-drops-infogrames-name/#comments
Despite Infogrames standing for entertainment that rocks our world, the armadillo branding is gone and now only Atari remains. CEO Jim Wilson tells 1UP that the company is now officially doing away with the Infogrames branding to put focus on the more "popular target brand" of Atari.

Well, hopefully the name change helps. Currently the company "moved" its president, shut down European operations, shifted publishing rights for a major title and couldn't afford won't make it to E3. We're sure there's more, but let's try to stay optimistic with the name change. For what's in a name?

JoystiqNo more confusion: Atari drops Infogrames name originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 May 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribusinessinfogramesjim-wilsonSat, 30 May 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison steps down as president of troubled Atari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/phil-harrison-steps-down-as-president-of-troubled-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/phil-harrison-steps-down-as-president-of-troubled-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/phil-harrison-steps-down-as-president-of-troubled-atari/#commentsAtari president Phil Harrison, who joined the company last year, has taken a position as "non-executive director." According to Eurogamer, the move is a result of Atari's new focus on North American operations, following the sale of its European distribution to Namco Bandai.

Parent company Infogrames announced a loss of €226.1 million ($319.6m) for the last fiscal year, due in part to the loss of revenue that would have come in from the distribution business. As a result, Atari said it has canceled some of its projects to focus on "more cost-effective" games.

The identity of the canceled projects is unknown, but Atari released a hint of what some of the new, cost-effective, mass-market games would be: Cryptic Studios will create "a series of new games based on Atari's existing and historically successful IPs."

JoystiqPhil Harrison steps down as president of troubled Atari originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 May 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosinfogramesphil-harrisonFri, 29 May 2009 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Atari finished in Europe, Namco taking over]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/atari-finished-in-europe-namco-taking-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/atari-finished-in-europe-namco-taking-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/atari-finished-in-europe-namco-taking-over/#comments
And thus concludes Atari's European operations, reports MCV. Infogrames/Atari announced in March that it was selling its 66 percent stake in Distribution Partners, a retail distribution and marketing company, to Namco Bandai. MCV states Atari Europe will shut down in the coming weeks and the sales/marketing team will transition to the new company. This would also help explain why Sony is publishing Ghostbusters in Europe.

Atari's US offices will now become the publisher's sole headquarters. So sad then that the company can only crash E3, the biggest party of the year. Just wait, there's still more to come from the disgraced, born again and ... well, whatever it's doing now, company.

JoystiqReport: Atari finished in Europe, Namco taking over originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 May 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribusinessdistributiondistribution-partnersinfogramesnamco-bandaiThu, 14 May 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari/Infogrames sells distribution business to Namco Bandai]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/atari-infogrames-sells-distribution-business-to-namco-bandai/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/atari-infogrames-sells-distribution-business-to-namco-bandai/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/atari-infogrames-sells-distribution-business-to-namco-bandai/#comments
Atari/Infogrames is selling its 66 percent stake in Distribution Partners, a retail distribution and marketing company. In a rather strange turn of events, those shares will be delivered to Namco Bandai. (Infogrames has traditionally published Namco Bandai's products in Europe.)

The financial struggles of Infogrames are well-known, but the company has been making great strides in revitalizing its business. The sale of its majority stake in Distribution Partners will allow the company to further its "transformation into a content-led online game company." The money earned from this sale will be used to invest in further game development -- or, considering the company's track record, other orphaned game projects.

JoystiqAtari/Infogrames sells distribution business to Namco Bandai originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribusinessdistribution-partnersinfogramesnamco-bandaiThu, 26 Mar 2009 22:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Harrison: Atari to focus on downloadable PSP titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/harrison-atari-to-focus-on-downloadable-psp-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/harrison-atari-to-focus-on-downloadable-psp-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/harrison-atari-to-focus-on-downloadable-psp-titles/#commentsFiled under:

Monsieur Phil Harrison, AKA directeur général délégué des Infogrames, had some words of praise for the PSP at Atari's global showcase last week in London as he called it a "vibrant platform." However, the praise falls short of software support as Phil said the company currently wasn't going to make any new game announcements for the system.

Harrison noted, while not having anything specific to speak of, that Atari does have interest in going the route of e-distribution titles. Said Harrison: "There is no doubt that PSP is a very vibrant platform from a hardware perspective and I think Sony has recently made some good moves into opening up online distribution for software on PSP, so I'm looking to explore that." A downloadable version of N+ would be a great start, Phil!

JoystiqHarrison: Atari to focus on downloadable PSP titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariinfogramesnphil-harrisonMon, 08 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison still <3 Home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/phil-harrison-still-3-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/phil-harrison-still-3-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/phil-harrison-still-3-home/#commentsFiled under:


Looks like Phil Harrison hasn't forgotten his roots after leaving Sony earlier this year. Speaking to Eurogamer at an event earlier this week, the President of Infogrames said that Home will be "a very successful platform" and that Sony will have "brilliantly realized their ambitions."

Harrison has also been checking out his former employer's competition. The ex-Sony exec had this to say about the Xbox 360's newly launched system software, the New Xbox Experience: "I was quite impressed .. they're just scratching the surface of what the whole industry recognizes ... that customization, socialization and community platforms are going to be just as important as the games themselves."

Darn it, Harrison -- so which side are you on? Kidding, just kidding.

JoystiqPhil Harrison still <3 Home originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarihomeinfogramesphil-harrisonFri, 05 Dec 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari reveals plans to revisit Baldur's Gate, others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/atari-reveals-plans-to-revisit-baldurs-gate-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/atari-reveals-plans-to-revisit-baldurs-gate-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/atari-reveals-plans-to-revisit-baldurs-gate-others/#commentsFiled under: ,

Infogrames President Phil Harrison announced today at a publisher event that the company plans to revisit Baldur's Gate, Dungeons & Dragons, Neverwinter Nights and Test Drive Unlimited -- but not until after 2009 (via Eurogamer). Three of those franchises have had recent releases (NWN2: Storm of the Zehir last month, TDU and D&D Tactics in February 2007).

As for Baldur's Gate, a follow-up to BG2: Throne of Bhaal has been rumored since 2001 from now-defunct Black Isle Studios. It was reportedly mentioned again by a PC Gamer UK editor as recently as January 2008.

JoystiqAtari reveals plans to revisit Baldur's Gate, others originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribaldurs-gateinfogramesneverwinter-nightsphil-harrisontest-drive-unlimitedTue, 02 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Revenue results show Infogrames/Atari continuing its comeback]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/revenue-results-show-infogrames-atari-continuing-its-comeback/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/revenue-results-show-infogrames-atari-continuing-its-comeback/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/revenue-results-show-infogrames-atari-continuing-its-comeback/#commentsFiled under:


Although Infogrames won't announce profit/loss figures for a couple of weeks (it's a French thing), the company's sales figures show that it's surviving. The half-year fiscal results show that net revenues are up by 44.5%, with Atari seeing the largest growth of 145% to $46 million.

CEO David Gardner thinks that the economic climate will make the holiday season competitive, but he still projects revenue percentage growth of mid- to high-teens and a "return to profitability" by the second half of the next fiscal year. He reiterates that the company's new distribution deals and recent title acquisitions show the path to profitability.

JoystiqRevenue results show Infogrames/Atari continuing its comeback originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridavid-gardnerinfogramesMon, 17 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[It is done: Infogrames now fully owns Atari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/it-is-done-infogrames-now-fully-owns-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/it-is-done-infogrames-now-fully-owns-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/it-is-done-infogrames-now-fully-owns-atari/#commentsFiled under:


Infogrames has completed its $11 million stock purchase of Atari, making it a wholly owned subsidiary of the French publisher now. Infogrames CEO David Gardner stated the full buyout (it previously owned 51.4%) was another key part of the company's extreme makeover, which has seen the shocking revelation of profits show up in the publisher's coffers.

We wonder if this is the key step needed for us to bid adieu to Infogrames and see its name changed to Atari?

JoystiqIt is done: Infogrames now fully owns Atari originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridavid-gardnerinfogramesMon, 13 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari outlines more of its extreme makeover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/atari-outlines-more-of-its-extreme-makeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/atari-outlines-more-of-its-extreme-makeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/atari-outlines-more-of-its-extreme-makeover/#commentsFiled under:


Atari's reinvention continues as CEO David Gardner and President Phil Harrison delve into the company's strategy to fully embrace an online business model. Speaking to Develop, the pair expresses the company's necessary geographic expansion outside of France (home of Atari parent, Infogrames), which we're starting to see in the establishment of a UK studio and the hiring of SingStar guru Paulina Bozek.

Atari also plans to produce a variety of games for PSN, iTunes, Facebook, Xbox Live Arcade, and to stay, as Harrison puts it, "broadly online distribution agnostic." Gardner quips that he has no programming skills and Harrison says he's not a good graphic artist, so they expect to hire more top talent who believe the future of the industry lies online.

JoystiqAtari outlines more of its extreme makeover originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridavid-gardnergardnerharrisoninfogramesphil-harrisonThu, 18 Sep 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari plans to make billions off distribution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/atari-plans-to-make-billions-off-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/atari-plans-to-make-billions-off-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/atari-plans-to-make-billions-off-distribution/#commentsFiled under:


The amalgam of Infogrames/Atari apparently has a plan in place to make billions off game distribution. The strategy came to light earlier last week when Infogrames struck a distribution deal with Namco Bandai. Now Infogrames CEO David Gardner gives a little more detail about the scheme to MCV.

Gardner states that the company's main focus will still be "online social games," but that distribution in the European market holds a lot of financial potential. He explains that EA, Activision and Ubisoft have a firm grip on distribution in the region, but that other publishers are struggling to get product to retail. Gardner states that if Atari can get 25% of the business it should become a "billion dollar distribution force" on the continent.

JoystiqAtari plans to make billions off distribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridavid-gardnerinfogramesSun, 14 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infogrames, Namco Bandai strike distribution deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/infogrames-namco-bandai-strike-distribution-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/infogrames-namco-bandai-strike-distribution-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/infogrames-namco-bandai-strike-distribution-deal/#commentsFiled under:


After getting the unfamiliar taste of profit out of its mouth, Infogrames is hungry for more. To this end, the parent of oft-addled Atari announced that it has cozied up to fellow publisher Namco Bandai to handle distribution of the latter's titles in both Europe and Asia. GI.biz writes that Infogrames' distribution activities in those regions will be consolidated as a result of the agreement, with Namco Bandai taking ownership of some 34 percent while leaving the remainder in the hands of Infogrames itself.

According to the report, Infogrames expects to find its wallet pleasantly filled with added revenue as a result of the deal thanks to added efficiency and every Economics major's favorite phrase -- economies of scale. The report further notes that Infogrames is also open to partnering with other companies over similar deals in the pursuit of greater profitability, no doubt helped when not weighed down by any pesky big budget monkeyshines.

JoystiqInfogrames, Namco Bandai strike distribution deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaataridistributioneuropeinfogramesnamco-bandaipartnershipprofitTue, 09 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First sign of the Apocalypse: Atari made profit in Q1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/first-sign-of-the-apocalypse-atari-made-profit-in-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/first-sign-of-the-apocalypse-atari-made-profit-in-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/first-sign-of-the-apocalypse-atari-made-profit-in-q1/#commentsFiled under:


Grab the kids and run for the countryside, perennial loser Atari made a profit last quarter! GameDaily reports that it's nothing huge, but the company's $3.5 million profit in Q1 is quite the departure from the $11.9 million loss the same time last year. Alone in the Dark, which shipped 1.2 million copies this quarter, was apparently a strong contributor to the happy times.

Considering Atari didn't have any huge reveals at E3, it appears its projections for AitD's success need to be maintained for the rest of the fiscal year. It's good to see Harrison et al. have the old girl up and walking again. Now let's see if they can avoid a relapse into fiscal floundering.

JoystiqFirst sign of the Apocalypse: Atari made profit in Q1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApocalypseatariinfogramesprofitThu, 14 Aug 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Versus tweaks format while Alone in the Dark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/big-versus-tweaks-format-while-alone-in-the-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/big-versus-tweaks-format-while-alone-in-the-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/big-versus-tweaks-format-while-alone-in-the-dark/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Our friends at Big Download took both the PC and Xbox 360 versions of Alone in the Dark for a spin in an updated version of Big Versus. In their words, "Shying away from our original concept of which is better than the other, Big Versus has transformed to a comparison piece regarding our overall experiences." So which version left them with a more positive half-smile? Check it out here.

Gallery: Alone in the Dark (2008)


Gallery: A Dark Past: An Alone in the Dark Retrospective

A Dark Past: An Alone in the Dark RetrospectiveAlone in the Dark (PC, Mac, 3DO)Alone in the Dark 2 (PC, Mac, PSone, Sega Saturn, 3DO)Alone in the Dark 3 (PC, Mac)Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare (PC, PS1, PS2, Dreamcast, Game Boy Color)

JoystiqBig Versus tweaks format while Alone in the Dark originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkatariinfogramesPCXbox-360Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Alone in the Dark producer talks design]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/alone-in-the-dark-producer-talks-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/alone-in-the-dark-producer-talks-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/alone-in-the-dark-producer-talks-design/#commentsFiled under:


At a recent Atari event, the same one in which Phil Harrison stated that Atari would no longer pursue big budget, single-player titles, Gamasutra sat down with Nour Polloni, producer of Alone in the Dark. The interview focuses mainly on the gameplay and design choices that Eden made for the game. Of particular interest is Polloni's thoughts on the game's open design, which allows players to solve problems in ways that make sense to them. Said Polloni, "we didn't want you to search for the golden key to open the door." She emphasizes that players shouldn't be asking themselves what they can't do within the game. In other words, if a player thinks of a logical way to open the door -- smashing it with a fire extinguisher, for example -- it will work. It all boils down to logic and accessibility.

It's really a refreshing idea, and one we'd like to see implemented in more games. The interview is a worthwhile read. We suggest you check it out. Oh, and just so you know Polloni isn't merely spewing hot air, check out Joystiq's (very positive) impressions of the game.

JoystiqAlone in the Dark producer talks design originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aitdalone-in-the-darkalone-in-the-dark-5atariedeneden-gamesinfogramesnour-polloniTue, 10 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't fear these new screens from Alone in the Dark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/dont-fear-these-new-screens-from-alone-in-the-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/dont-fear-these-new-screens-from-alone-in-the-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/dont-fear-these-new-screens-from-alone-in-the-dark/#commentsFiled under:


Click for larger image

Atari has dished out some new screens from upcoming title Alone in the Dark. Most of the shots feature protagonist Edward Carnby navigating dark and spooky environments. We even get a glimpse of old Ed's car, as he speeds around the abandoned streets bordering Central Park. Personally, we like a good scare every now and then. What about you?

You can check out the new images in our gallery below.

JoystiqDon't fear these new screens from Alone in the Dark originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 May 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkataricentral-parkedward-carnbyinfogramesnew-yorknew-york-citysurvival-horrorThu, 29 May 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Harrison elaborates on the future of single-player games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/harrison-elaborates-on-the-future-of-single-player-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/harrison-elaborates-on-the-future-of-single-player-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/harrison-elaborates-on-the-future-of-single-player-games/#commentsFiled under:


Infogrames president Phil Harrison made some eyebrow-raising comments last week, claiming that following Alone in the Dark, his company would move away from "huge-budget, single-player games." Speaking to videogaming247, Harrison went into more detail on what he described as not just a shift in direction for Infogrames, but for the entire industry as well.

While suggesting once again that Infogrames will be moving away from single-player console titles, Harrison elaborates that those games will still have a place in the market, but will have to begin integrating connectivity and non-linearity to survive. We'll have to see if there's any truth in these sooth-saying words.

JoystiqHarrison elaborates on the future of single-player games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 May 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkatariinfogramesphil-harrisonWed, 28 May 2008 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No more big budget games for Atari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/no-more-big-budget-games-for-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/no-more-big-budget-games-for-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/no-more-big-budget-games-for-atari/#commentsFiled under:


Phil Harrison, recently appointed president of Infogrames (parent company of Atari), has gone on record stating that Atari isn't likely to pursue any more big budget, single-player games after Alone in the Dark. Harrison told Gamasutra, "I don't see that we're going to be making huge-budget, single-player games in the future." Harrison did add that the company will still pursue "really incredible games that have high quality, high execution, and high innovation, but they won't be one-player, narrative-driven, start-middle-end games." Harrison sees online, socially driven games as the future for Atari and places emphasis on episodic content.

So, while a direct sequel to Alone in the Dark sounds unlikely, it's possible we might see similar games released in an episodic manner instead (as was the original plan for Alone in the Dark, which still incorporates an episodic structure). Harrison sees episodic games with integrated community features as a new direction for Atari and the games industry in general, giving video games the kind of "water cooler" effect that television shows enjoy. Sounds interesting to us.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqNo more big budget games for Atari originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkalone-in-the-dark-5ataribusinessedeneden-gamesinfogramesFri, 23 May 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Harrison: Infogrames & Atari done with 'huge-budget, single-player games']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/harrison-infogrames-and-atari-done-with-huge-budget-single-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/harrison-infogrames-and-atari-done-with-huge-budget-single-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/harrison-infogrames-and-atari-done-with-huge-budget-single-play/#commentsFiled under:

alone in the dark
Stopping short of calling Alone in the Dark his troubled (transitioning?) company's "swan song," Infogrames president and Atari legal guardian Phil Harrison has again proposed that the company (meaning Infogrames the parent and Atari the wholly owned US subsidiary) is focused on carving out its place in the budding online gaming business with a stress on social communication. "I don't see that we're going to be making huge-budget, single-player games in the future," Harrison told Gamasutra, adding, "Now, that doesn't mean that we won't have ambition to do really incredible games ... but they won't be one-player, narrative-driven, start-middle-end games."

Will we be hearing the same message if Alone in the Dark manages to answer CEO David Gardner's prayers (to the tune of 2-3 million units sold)? Sounds like it. Harrison has clearly set his sights on taking a "slightly aggressive, leading-edge role" in the online gaming movement where loneliness is the last motif he wants to cultivate and dark days are in the company's past. "We have plenty of titles in our pipeline, and we think [Alone in the Dark] will be an important part of our year, but it's by no means the only part of our year."

JoystiqHarrison: Infogrames & Atari done with 'huge-budget, single-player games' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkatariinfogramesphil-harrisonFri, 23 May 2008 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison talks Alone in the Dark, spotlight shines on game footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/phil-harrison-talks-alone-in-the-dark-spotlight-shines-on-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/phil-harrison-talks-alone-in-the-dark-spotlight-shines-on-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/phil-harrison-talks-alone-in-the-dark-spotlight-shines-on-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The dialog may sound cheesy, but Alone in the Dark looks like it could be good enough (and given our hands-on, maybe even 3 million units good enough) to try when it releases in late June. In the video above, Atari/Infogrames Directeur Général Délégué Phil Harrison speaks to 1Up about being impressed after seeing AitD for the first time and enjoying the narrative structure of the title.

The real highlight in the video is the impressive amount of gameplay footage shown, which gives us a much better idea of what the title will actually be like. We're not sure yet if Alone in the Dark will be "blow your mind" fantastic, but much like The Darkness last summer, it appears well suited in getting some attention from the consoles it'll launch on during a less-than-crowded release time. Don't fret PS3 owners, you should be way too busy with Solid Snake starting June 12 to care about little ol' Edward Carnby.

Gallery: Alone in the Dark (2008)

JoystiqPhil Harrison talks Alone in the Dark, spotlight shines on game footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aitdalone-in-the-darkatariinfogramesphil-harrisonPS3WiiXbox-360Fri, 23 May 2008 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari gets delisted by Nasdaq]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/atari-gets-delisted-by-nasdaq/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/atari-gets-delisted-by-nasdaq/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/atari-gets-delisted-by-nasdaq/#commentsFiled under:


As of today Atari has been delisted by the Nasdaq stock exchange, but the company states it will appeal. The company was first threatened with delisting last July after it failed to submitits year-end financials, then again in December because its market value was too low, and one final time in March for not fixing its issues from the previous year. The publisher will have its stock quoted on Pink Sheets and OTC Bulletin Board until the decision is reversed.

The delisting of Atari won't stop the $11 million buyout by Infogrames or the master plan of CEO David Gardner, Directeur Général Délégué Phil Harrsion and rest of the new Atari/Infogrames crew. Bargain hunters looking for a good deal might want to see if Gardner would be willing to trade some Atari stock for a casserole or some landscaping work.

JoystiqAtari gets delisted by Nasdaq originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridelistinginfogramesnasdaqFri, 09 May 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New CFO at Infogrames (Atari v2.0)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/new-cfo-at-infogrames-atari-v2-0/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/new-cfo-at-infogrames-atari-v2-0/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/new-cfo-at-infogrames-atari-v2-0/#commentsFiled under:


Infogrames has added another new executive, with Fabrice Hamaide having just been appointed Chief Financial Officer. GameDaily has Hamaide's full resume, but that's not as important as pointing out that this is just another change in the new Infogrames/Atari that CEO David Gardner and Directeur Général Délégué Phil Harrison are building.

The installation of a new CFO comes only days after Infogrames announced it would be buying Atari outright for $11 million dollars. We now wait to see if Infogrames changes its name to Atari and whatever else Gardner et al. have in store for Atari v2.0.

JoystiqNew CFO at Infogrames (Atari v2.0) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 May 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarigardnerharrisoninfogramesTue, 06 May 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infogrames buying Atari outright for $11 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/infogrames-buying-atari-outright-for-11-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/infogrames-buying-atari-outright-for-11-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/infogrames-buying-atari-outright-for-11-million/#commentsFiled under:


Infogrames announced that it will buy the remaining stock of Atari in an $11 million merger and will immediately lend $20 million to the company before the deal closes. Although it's been hard to distinguish the two companies, Infogrames only had a 51.4% controlling interest in Atari, which will now become a wholly owned subsidiary of Infogrames by the third (calendar) quarter.

Former Sony executive Phil Harrison, who is now Directeur Général Délégué at Infogrames, said a little while ago that we should think of Atari/Infogrames as a start-up ... and we're slowly getting there. With this merger opening up the full-on name change, along with the slew of new executives the company is collecting, the Atari/Infogrames we know now doesn't seem to be the Atari we'll know in a year. Whether any of this fixes the grim financial situation of the publisher, however? That's a story for another time.

JoystiqInfogrames buying Atari outright for $11 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 May 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarigardnerharrisoninfogramesThu, 01 May 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Infogrames confirms rejected SCi attempted purchase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/infogrames-confirms-rejected-sci-attempted-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/infogrames-confirms-rejected-sci-attempted-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/infogrames-confirms-rejected-sci-attempted-purchase/#commentsFiled under:


And playing the part of the jilted lover in today's episode of As The Game Industry Turns is Infogrames, as the company confirmed that while it recently offered to purchase Eidos-owner SCi, the Atari-parent saw its bid turned aside "at this stage."

The timing of the news is particularly interesting, given that SCi last week said that it had rejected an unspecified acquisition offer, though it remains unknown if the publisher was talking about Infogrames or some other mystery suitor. Not long after, SCi accepted a £60 million investment from Warner Bros. as part of what it called a strategic relationship.

We know how you feel Infogrames (or is it Atari?). You put yourself out there, and you're vulnerable. But thankfully, it's not as if you don't have options.

JoystiqInfogrames confirms rejected SCi attempted purchase originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aciacquisitionatarieidosinfogrameslara-croftlaracroftMon, 28 Apr 2008 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Infogrames could change name to Atari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/infogrames-could-change-name-to-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/infogrames-could-change-name-to-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/infogrames-could-change-name-to-atari/#commentsFiled under:


Infogrames CEO, David Gardner, tells GI.biz that the company may drop its name (which rocks our world) completely for the Atari marquee brand. He wants the company thought of as a "start-up" and the name change to represent the "final mark" of transformation. Directeur Général Délégué Phil Harrison chimes in that the company, as it stands now with a new management team less than a year old, is "absolutely a start-up" -- it's just a start-up with 25 years of history (and some serious financial drama).

Harrison and Gardner had apparently been talking about doing their own company for a long time. Harrison explains that the two had made significant plans and then the Atari opportunity came along. It was a company that had global infrastructure, offices, branding and was exactly the type of company the two were looking for. It'll probably become much easier to think of Atari as a "new" company once it announces some new IPs and gets the "old" company's games out the door, like the oft-delayed Alone in the Dark.

JoystiqInfogrames could change name to Atari originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridavid-gardnergardnerharrisoninfogramesphil-harrisonMon, 14 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infogrames CEO: Alone in the Dark will sell 2-3 million units this fiscal year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/infogrames-ceo-alone-in-the-dark-will-sell-2-3-million-units-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/infogrames-ceo-alone-in-the-dark-will-sell-2-3-million-units-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/infogrames-ceo-alone-in-the-dark-will-sell-2-3-million-units-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Infogrames CEO, David Gardner, tells Reuters he believes Alone in the Dark will sell two to three million copies this fiscal year. That means that, between its June 24 release and next March, the title needs to perform better than a game like BioShock. Given the fact that the title is being released on Wii, PS2, Xbox 360 and PC (PS3 is "sometime in 2008"), it just may hit that projection when combining all the systems ... maybe.

Gardner's currently focused on getting Infogrames / Atari to stop hemorrhaging money, and has Directeur Général Délégué Phil Harrison and friends looking to "get a business plan together that gets [Atari] to a break-even level." Unsurprisingly, Gardner couldn't give specifics on when he expects that to happen.

[Via GameDaily]

Gallery: Alone in the Dark (2008)

JoystiqInfogrames CEO: Alone in the Dark will sell 2-3 million units this fiscal year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aitdalone-in-the-darkaloneinthedarkataridavid-gardnergardnerinfogramesPS2PS3WiiXbox-360Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Nasdaq sends Atari another delisting warning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/nasdaq-sends-atari-another-delisting-warning/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/nasdaq-sends-atari-another-delisting-warning/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/nasdaq-sends-atari-another-delisting-warning/#commentsFiled under:


With all its fancy new executives, everything appears to be sunshine at the moment for Infogrames/Atari; but for the third time in less than a year Atari has been threatened with delisting by the Nasdaq stock exchange. The company admits it received a letter from Nasdaq's Listing Qualifications Department stating that it had not gained compliance with the last warning requiring the company obtain $15 million in market capitalization for 10 consecutive days before March 20.

Atari has asked Nasdaq for a hearing which will put a stay on the stock's execution. Meanwhile, Infogrames is looking to buy the "outstanding common stock" of the company, which may put this whole issue to rest. If Infogrames does not succeed, Atari admits there's no assurance it won't be delisted.

JoystiqNasdaq sends Atari another delisting warning originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariharrisoninfogramesnasdaqThu, 27 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Driving Theory Training is bad in theory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/driving-theory-training-is-bad-in-theory/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/driving-theory-training-is-bad-in-theory/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/driving-theory-training-is-bad-in-theory/#commentsFiled under:

Not many things sound as riveting as driving theory; for example, watching paint dry is probably a lot less exciting. You probably don't need our snark to tell you, though, that Driving Theory Training is an awful idea.

The entire purpose of this British nongame is to prepare people for their driver's license test. As an interactive study guide, it's probably not a bad thing -- but we'd prefer to study the old-fashioned way and save our money. We don't mind edutainment, but the thought of something as dull as driving theory on our DS seems rather unnecessary.

Should you think differently, though, you better hope that you live in the UK. We're sure learning British driving lessons as a U.S. driver would be a bad idea, as you'd wind up driving on the wrong left side of the road. If you are British, though, you'll be able to train in driving theory as soon as this summer.

[Via GamesPress press release]

JoystiqDriving Theory Training is bad in theory originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridrivingdriving-theory-traininginfogramesnongametrainingThu, 20 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infogrames offers to buy rest of Atari stock]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/infogrames-offers-to-buy-rest-of-atari-stock/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/infogrames-offers-to-buy-rest-of-atari-stock/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/infogrames-offers-to-buy-rest-of-atari-stock/#commentsFiled under:

In a rather terse press release, Atari announced it has a received an offer from Infogrames to buy the "outstanding common stock" of the fledgling company for $1.68 per share. Atari's stock closed at $1.66 yesterday but jumped to $1.77 this morning.

The move by Infogrames, already the majority shareholder in Atari, is hardly surprising. In a video interview this week, new Directeur Général Délégué Phil Harrison said, "The Atari opportunity, is the best opportunity that exists in the industry today to redefine, refocus and re-energize an incredible brand." Atari stated in the press release that it intends to evaluate the proposition, which in our minds entails the Board of Directors all working together to make a "Thank You Infogrames" card with macaroni and sprinkles.

JoystiqInfogrames offers to buy rest of Atari stock originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariinfogramesFri, 07 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Harrison: Atari is the best opportunity in the industry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/harrison-atari-is-the-best-opportunity-in-the-industry/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/harrison-atari-is-the-best-opportunity-in-the-industry/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/harrison-atari-is-the-best-opportunity-in-the-industry/#commentsFiled under:

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.

JoystiqHarrison: Atari is the best opportunity in the industry originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariharrisoninfogramesphil-harrisonphilharrisonThu, 06 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Listen to Phil Harrison talk about his big move]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/listen-to-phil-harrison-talk-about-his-big-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/listen-to-phil-harrison-talk-about-his-big-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/listen-to-phil-harrison-talk-about-his-big-move/#commentsFiled under:


So a few days ago you read about Phil Harrison's big decision about going to Infogrames. Today, you get to listen to Phil speak about that very decision in this video. It appears that the freshly appointed Directeur Général Délégué is getting comfortable at his new post as he introduces Eden Studios' Alone in the Dark. While we don't get to see much about the game, Phil seems excited about pushing it forward. Anyway, we really should stop our babbling and just let the man himself give you the low down.

JoystiqListen to Phil Harrison talk about his big move originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkatariinfogramesphil-harrisonphilharrisonWed, 05 Mar 2008 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infogrames attracted Harrison with giant magnet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/infogrames-attracted-harrison-with-giant-magnet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/infogrames-attracted-harrison-with-giant-magnet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/infogrames-attracted-harrison-with-giant-magnet/#commentsFiled under:

Okay, maybe not literally (although the imagery does make us giggle), but a "magnet for talent" is certainly the new image Infogrames hopes to project. Now that Phil Harrison has taken his seat as president of Infogrames, CEO David Gardner has been singing the praises of the company's new business model, which is centered around the online market, as well as recognizable talent, and attracting new faces.

According to Gardner, the future of Atari and Infogrames rests in the field of online gaming, a risky new venture for the company that Gardner is optimistic Harrison will be able to assist in. In addition to the new online focus, Gardner hopes that the company can continue to attract talent, and aims for a healthy mix of both industry veterans, and fresh young faces hoping to innovate. They better hope that magnet's got a lot of pull left in it, as Atari's messy history is naturally repellent.

JoystiqInfogrames attracted Harrison with giant magnet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariinfogramesphil-harrisonphilharrisonTue, 04 Mar 2008 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison is new president of Infogrames ... wow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/phil-harrison-is-new-president-of-infogrames-wow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/phil-harrison-is-new-president-of-infogrames-wow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/phil-harrison-is-new-president-of-infogrames-wow/#commentsFiled under:


The rumors of a "Phil eye for the Atari guy" are true. Former Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Phil Harrison has joined Atari's parent company Infogrames with the title of Directeur Général Délégué (President). Harrison will report directly to Infogrames CEO David Gardner, who plans to announce tomorrow how he's going to turn the beleaguered company around -- and we're guessing Harrison will have a huge role in doing that.

Harrison's fancy French title (which we're sure to use every chance we can) isn't going to protect him from the hard road ahead. The plan is apparently for Harrison and Gardner to turn Atari into "a leading online game company." Despite Gardner's belief that Infogrames has a "strong financial foundation," its going to take a lot of "show us" over the next few years before Atari gets off the D-list. But damn, is getting Harrison on the team a good start.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqPhil Harrison is new president of Infogrames ... wow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribreakingnewsgardnerinfogramesphil-harrisonphilharrisonMon, 03 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison now officially with Infogrames, Atari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/phil-harrison-now-officially-with-infogrames-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/phil-harrison-now-officially-with-infogrames-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/phil-harrison-now-officially-with-infogrames-atari/#commentsFiled under:

Well, well, well, the rumors turned out to be true. The former president of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Phil Harrison, is now president of French company Infogrames. Harrison will be working alongside newly appointed CEO David Gardner and will be overseeing the studios and content development for the group -- including the Infogrames-owned Atari.

As this comes as quite a surprise to many, Phil backs his decision by stating, "This is the perfect time to join Infogrames and help shape the future of Atari." Can the old Sony heavyweight do it? Can he help restore the sinking ship that is Atari? We always want to see success, so we're hoping for the best. Score one for France.

JoystiqPhil Harrison now officially with Infogrames, Atari originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariinfogramesphil-harrisonphilharrisonMon, 03 Mar 2008 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Former EA exec. David Gardner becomes CEO of Infogrames]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/former-ea-exec-david-gardner-becomes-ceo-of-infogrames/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/former-ea-exec-david-gardner-becomes-ceo-of-infogrames/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/former-ea-exec-david-gardner-becomes-ceo-of-infogrames/#commentsFiled under:


Former EA executive David Gardner has been appointed the CEO of Atari parent company Infogrames, effective ... now. This means former CEO Patrick Leleu, who just recently outlined plans regarding Infogrames/Atari's recovery, has been given his golden watch parachute and shown the door. Gardner is now captain of a ship sailing through a financial minefield of debt and drama.

Gardner was at EA for nearly 25 years and was one of its first employees in 1983. Early on he was in sales and marketing and in '92 became Managing Director of Europe, where he had a strong role in European acquisitions for EA and integrating those companies into the beast. Before leaving EA last August he held the title of COO of Worldwide Studios and helped establish EA in Asia. Best of luck to Gardner, who's got a lot of work ahead of him.

JoystiqFormer EA exec. David Gardner becomes CEO of Infogrames originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarigardnerinfogramesleleuThu, 31 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari sheds more light on plan to switch focus to casual games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/atari-sheds-more-light-on-plan-to-switch-focus-to-casual-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/atari-sheds-more-light-on-plan-to-switch-focus-to-casual-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/atari-sheds-more-light-on-plan-to-switch-focus-to-casual-games/#commentsFiled under:

A couple of days ago, Atari told us of their intention to revise their business approach. They planned to shift their support to the casual market, with a strong focus on Nintendo platforms. It sounded like a good business plan to us, as Nintendo is top dog on the block and their ridiculous hardware sales make it a very appealing company to working with.

So, how much effort will Atari, and parent company Infogrames, put into projects for Nintendo platforms? There isn't any hard numbers, but Mathias Hautefort, executive vice president of publishing and production at Atari, assures us the company is looking at "mainstream, gamer friendly and fun titles, as well as groundbreaking and trendsetting concepts." He went on to add that the company "will be offering several mass market licences for DS and Wii platforms and, in certain cases, casual online versions."

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqAtari sheds more light on plan to switch focus to casual games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricasualinfogramesFri, 25 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST