Atari Acquires Chris Sawyers’ Transport Tycoon

Rhea-AI Summary

Atari has announced the acquisition of Transport Tycoon from creator Chris Sawyer. Released in 1994, this iconic simulation game allows players to build a transport empire during the Great Depression using various vehicles. The game received a Deluxe version in 1995 with expanded features and timeline (1950-2050). The title has been ported to multiple platforms including Mac, PlayStation, SEGA Saturn, and mobile devices. Under Atari's ownership, plans include expanding digital and physical distribution, developing new content, and exploring brand collaborations. Atari already publishes Locomotion (2004) and the RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise, both created by Sawyer.

Positive

• Strategic acquisition of a well-established gaming IP
• Expansion of Atari's simulation game portfolio
• Multiple revenue opportunities through distribution and new content development
• Synergy with existing Chris Sawyer titles in Atari's portfolio

Negative

• None.

NEW YORK, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atari^® — one of the world's most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers —today announced the acquisition of Transport Tycoon in an agreement with the game’s creator Chris Sawyer. The 1994 title set the standard for simulation games, with deep and complex gameplay, detailed pixel graphics, subtle animations, and a remarkably wide range of configuration options.

In Transport Tycoon, players take control of a transport company in 1930 when the world’s economy is reeling from the Great Depression. From these depths, they are charged with building a transport empire using trains, ships, trucks, planes, and helicopters. As their empire grows, they can leverage technological advances to move more passengers and cargo while they fend off computer-controlled rivals.

The original DOS version was released in 1994 and ports to Mac, PlayStation, and SEGA Saturn followed. In 1995 Transport Tycoon Deluxe added new landscapes, weather, vehicles, and scenarios. Even the historical timeline was expanded, giving players another 20 years of simulation by shifting the lens of empire building from 1950 to 2050. In 2013 the title was ported to mobile.

30 years after its release reviewers and players continue to praise the game's elegant mix of ease of use and realistic simulation.

“We are honored that Chris has entrusted us with Transport Tycoon, and our team is committed to both honoring and advancing his groundbreaking creation,” said Atari Chairman and CEO Wade Rosen.

Atari will seek to expand digital and physical distribution, potentially develop new titles or content, and explore brand and merchandising collaborations as part of a long-term plan to preserve and expand this classic sim.

Atari is also the publisher of Chris Sawyer’s 2004 title Locomotion, which he described as the spiritual successor to Transport Tycoon, as well as the RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise.

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About ATARI

Atari is an interactive entertainment company and an iconic gaming industry brand that transcends generations and audiences. The company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 400 unique games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids^®, Centipede^®, Missile Command^®, Pong^®, and RollerCoaster Tycoon^®. Atari has offices in New York and Paris. Visit us online at www.Atari.com.

Atari shares are listed in France on Euronext Growth Paris (ISIN Code FR0010478248, Ticker ALATA).

©2024 Atari Interactive, Inc. Atari wordmark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0b7b8ac5-f071-4b08-b950-3fe1af292621

FAQ

What game did Atari (PONGF) acquire in November 2024?

Atari acquired Transport Tycoon, the 1994 simulation game created by Chris Sawyer.

What are Atari's (PONGF) plans for Transport Tycoon after the acquisition?

Atari plans to expand digital and physical distribution, develop new titles or content, and explore brand and merchandising collaborations.

What other Chris Sawyer games does Atari (PONGF) publish?

Atari publishes Locomotion (2004) and the RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise, both created by Chris Sawyer.

What platforms was Transport Tycoon released on before Atari's (PONGF) acquisition?

Transport Tycoon was released on DOS, Mac, PlayStation, SEGA Saturn, and later ported to mobile platforms in 2013.