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POV: you're the CEO of Atari. Your job is to bring the company back to the heights they reached in the 70s/80s. What do you do?

64bitmodels

64bitmodels

Reverse groomer.
Imagine being the CEO of Atari. Atari's dead, buried, irrelevant, no one cares about them these days besides retro gamers talking about the 2600.

How would you bring them back into the mainstream? Would you create a new console? Make new IPs/games? Capitalize on boomer nostalgia? what... do you do?
 
N

NickFire

Member
The first thing I would do is negotiate a golden parachute. Then try anything people suggest until that chute opens.

Nostalgia certainly sells, but there is no returning Atari to the mainstream. It's been over 30 years since Atari was more than nostalgia IMO. Arcade cabinets are as much of a relevant (non) brand today IMO.
 
coffinbirth

coffinbirth

Member
Buy Nightdive, a studio known for remastering 90's FPS games despite not actually owning any IP that would benefit from their expertise, apparently.
 
Thebonehead

Thebonehead

Banned
Atari is just a cool logo on a t-shirt these days.

I think that is attributed to Nolan Bushnell, but someone can hopefully correct.

Sadly, there is no going back now
 
A.Romero

A.Romero

Member
Create mobile games that appeal to nostalgia.

If finances allow, publish games developed by other studios.

Develop the required capabilities to become a full development / publisher house

Fail but be acquired by Microsoft
 
cireza

cireza

Member
I would buy

AdventurousImaginativeBullmastiff-size_restricted.gif
 
Futaleufu

Futaleufu

Member
I would diversify, keep releasing modern remakes of classic IPs along new AA games with original IPs.

I would also negotiate with WB to re-release many Atari arcade games from the mid 80s till the late 90s.
 
Hendrick's

Hendrick's

If only my penis was as big as my GamerScore!
They will never be back to that level. They should focus 100% on nostalgia. Do more games like Atari 50.
 
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Crayon

Crayon

Member
Assuming there are these VCS units sitting around unsold, I would use some stickers or maybe slip boxes for the existing packaging and remarket that thing as the return of the "home computer".

Then I bundle it with RPG maker, Godot, and a few other, engines and game things. A bunch of asset packs and a good python IDE. Organize a page on this site with a bunch of little intro lessons to all that stuff.

That Atari vault they have is so stupid. Make clear that that's not a main attraction.

Suck it up and make it so the next update installed steam. Then I would make the store that sold steam keys and curated the games. Make it curated so you start out with just like 100 games on the store and add them carefully. Make the pages clean and nice with a little more info about how and who developed the game. And Photoshop the games banner onto an Atari cartridge for the thumbnail.

Make a wireless keyboard and trackpad combo that matches the color scheme of the controllers and everything.

I think now you've made that thing is interesting as possible. Anybody on any PC can go to your store and buy games. Especially if window shopping there is interesting because you have a little bit more effort put into the game pages.

I think that Atari VCS was really not too bad but this is the stuff they should have done with it. Throwing it out there and letting it be called a sort of console with stupid.
 
jshackles

jshackles

Gentlemen, we can rebuild it. We have the capability to make the world's first enhanced store. Steam will be that store. Better than it was before.
Azurro said:
It's just a name, do they even have any IP worth bringing back?
Click to expand...
Horror games are having a moment, didn't they announce they were working on a new Alone in the Dark game?

oh wait, Atari sold that to THQ in 2018.

Hmmm... Maybe a Souls-like Swordquest game?
 
Sakura

Sakura

Member
Salty Popsicle said:
I'd ask chatGPT what to do.
Click to expand...
As the CEO of Atari, my strategy to bring the company back to the heights they reached in the 70s/80s would involve a multi-faceted approach, focusing on the following key areas:

  1. Leverage Nostalgia and Retro Appeal
One of the most valuable assets Atari possesses is its brand nostalgia. I would capitalize on this by releasing a series of remastered classic games, as well as limited-edition retro consoles that emulate the original gaming experience. This could create a buzz among older gamers who grew up with Atari and introduce the brand to a younger generation seeking to explore gaming's roots.

  1. Invest in Cutting-Edge Technologies
To be competitive in the modern gaming landscape, Atari needs to embrace emerging technologies. This would involve investing in the development of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and cloud-based gaming platforms. By creating unique and immersive gaming experiences utilizing these cutting-edge technologies, Atari can position itself as an industry leader once again.

  1. Collaborate with Indie Developers
Atari should actively seek partnerships with talented indie game developers to create innovative and engaging games that cater to various audiences. By providing financial support and sharing the brand's resources, Atari can foster a new generation of game developers and benefit from their creativity and fresh ideas.

  1. Diversify the Portfolio
Atari should consider expanding its portfolio beyond gaming to encompass other forms of entertainment, such as movies, TV shows, and merchandise. By leveraging the brand's iconic characters and stories, Atari can create new revenue streams and strengthen its market presence.

  1. Esports and Competitive Gaming
Esports is a booming industry, and Atari should not miss the opportunity to enter this market. By hosting tournaments and events featuring both retro and modern games, Atari can attract a new generation of competitive gamers and gain exposure in the esports scene.

  1. Strategic Partnerships
Atari should seek strategic partnerships with technology companies, streaming services, and other gaming platforms to expand its reach and increase brand visibility. These partnerships can help bring Atari games to new audiences and open up possibilities for collaborative projects.

  1. Focus on Quality
Lastly, Atari must prioritize quality in every aspect of its operations, from game development to customer support. By consistently delivering high-quality products and services, Atari can rebuild its reputation and regain the trust of gamers.

In conclusion, bringing Atari back to its former glory requires a combination of leveraging its nostalgic appeal, investing in emerging technologies, collaborating with indie developers, diversifying its portfolio, engaging in esports, forging strategic partnerships, and maintaining a strong focus on quality. With this comprehensive strategy, Atari has the potential to regain its position as a leading force in the gaming industry.

(too lazy to fix list numbering)
 
Last edited:
rofif

rofif

Can’t Git Gud
Make and release a real big, modern console that rivals ps5 and xsx... and got a bit of woodgrain on there
 
Havoc2049

Havoc2049

Member
64bitmodels said:
Imagine being the CEO of Atari. Atari's dead, buried, irrelevant, no one cares about them these days besides retro gamers talking about the 2600.

How would you bring them back into the mainstream? Would you create a new console? Make new IPs/games? Capitalize on boomer nostalgia? what... do you do?
Click to expand...
You do know that Atari has a mini PC/console called the VCS out right now that they still support with new releases. They have also released about 10 games in the Retro Recharged Series for the Playstation/Switch/Xbox/PC/VCS over the last several years, along with several other games like Tempest 4000, Atari 50 and Akka Arrh. They also have a bunch of new games in the pipeline.

Anyways, I would release a RPG sci-fi trilogy based on Atari Force/Star Raiders, with 16-bit pixel art.

0203ce527f43ec0eb46c247ca963076d.jpg
 
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Wildebeest

Wildebeest

Member
Get Valve to make a steamdeck clone and call it the Atari Panther. Then lock it down, so it can only play a bad clone of breakout.
 
K

KellyNole

Member
I'd say buy Activision because some of the best titles on Atari were made by them. Bring back Kaboom!, Keystone Kapers, and Pitfall. But... MS already bought them so I would just not take the job.
 
Last edited:
Spukc

Spukc

always chasing the next thrill
As the CEO of Atari, my goal would be to revive the company's legacy and bring it back to the heights it reached in the 70s and 80s. To achieve this, I would focus on the following strategies:
  1. Revive classic games: Atari has a rich legacy of classic games that are still loved by fans today. I would focus on reviving these classic games by remastering them with modern graphics and gameplay mechanics. Additionally, I would work on developing new iterations of classic games that could appeal to a wider audience.
  2. Expand into new markets: Atari was primarily known for arcade and console games in the past. However, the gaming industry has evolved significantly since then, and there are now numerous new markets to explore. I would explore opportunities in mobile gaming, virtual reality, and augmented reality to expand Atari's reach.
  3. Focus on quality: Atari's reputation was built on the quality of its games. To bring the company back to its former glory, I would prioritize quality over quantity. This means investing in talented game designers and developers and ensuring that each game released is of the highest quality possible.
  4. Engage with the community: Atari has a dedicated fan base that has kept the company's legacy alive for decades. I would work to engage with this community through social media, events, and other initiatives to build a stronger relationship with them. This would help to ensure that Atari's future games resonate with its core audience.
  5. Collaborate with other companies: The gaming industry is highly collaborative, with many companies partnering to develop new games and technologies. I would explore partnerships with other companies in the gaming industry to leverage their expertise and expand Atari's reach.
Overall, my strategy would be to honor Atari's legacy while also embracing the future of gaming. By focusing on quality, engaging with the community, and exploring new markets, I believe that Atari can once again become a leading player in the gaming industry.
 
64bitmodels

64bitmodels

Reverse groomer.
Spukc said:
As the CEO of Atari, my goal would be to revive the company's legacy and bring it back to the heights it reached in the 70s and 80s. To achieve this, I would focus on the following strategies:
  1. Revive classic games: Atari has a rich legacy of classic games that are still loved by fans today. I would focus on reviving these classic games by remastering them with modern graphics and gameplay mechanics. Additionally, I would work on developing new iterations of classic games that could appeal to a wider audience.
  2. Expand into new markets: Atari was primarily known for arcade and console games in the past. However, the gaming industry has evolved significantly since then, and there are now numerous new markets to explore. I would explore opportunities in mobile gaming, virtual reality, and augmented reality to expand Atari's reach.
  3. Focus on quality: Atari's reputation was built on the quality of its games. To bring the company back to its former glory, I would prioritize quality over quantity. This means investing in talented game designers and developers and ensuring that each game released is of the highest quality possible.
  4. Engage with the community: Atari has a dedicated fan base that has kept the company's legacy alive for decades. I would work to engage with this community through social media, events, and other initiatives to build a stronger relationship with them. This would help to ensure that Atari's future games resonate with its core audience.
  5. Collaborate with other companies: The gaming industry is highly collaborative, with many companies partnering to develop new games and technologies. I would explore partnerships with other companies in the gaming industry to leverage their expertise and expand Atari's reach.
Overall, my strategy would be to honor Atari's legacy while also embracing the future of gaming. By focusing on quality, engaging with the community, and exploring new markets, I believe that Atari can once again become a leading player in the gaming industry.
Click to expand...
thanks for your input chatgpt
 
cinnamonandgravy

cinnamonandgravy

Member
make lots of new good games.
real games, not some pong or space invaders reboot garbage.

and get a restraining order against whoever thought this was a good idea:

atari-jaguar-controller.jpg
 
justiceiro

justiceiro

Marlboro: Other M
Heights?

I would port every shit mobile game and flood the console market once again with shitty games to drive their value down.
 
SegaSnatcher

SegaSnatcher

Member
You acquire a ton of talented dev teams and focus on a steady stream of quality games. No, you don't invest in introducing a console to compete with the big three, big mistake.

That is best case scenerio for Atari.
 
fermcr

fermcr

Member
64bitmodels said:
Imagine being the CEO of Atari. Atari's dead, buried, irrelevant, no one cares about them these days besides retro gamers talking about the 2600.

How would you bring them back into the mainstream? Would you create a new console? Make new IPs/games? Capitalize on boomer nostalgia? what... do you do?
Click to expand...

Buy Activision/Blizzard.

That will bring you to the top :messenger_beaming:
 
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