Atari considering a move into wearable tech
Plan lays out the future of the once massive gaming giant
Atari has mapped out its vision for the future, with the once-massive gaming brand planning a route to relevance through re-launched Pong, Asteroids and, fascinatingly, wearable technology.
Despite a commitment to bring its most famous wares to iOS and Android, along with PC online and other digital mediums, much of Atari's new direction doesn't feel like too great a departure from the old one.
But one interesting gubbit of information is that Atari is looking to wearables and 'gamified hardware' - licensing its brand in the short term but "with the goal of operating the most promising ventures at a later stage."
We for one can't wait for the Asteroids smartwatch or Pong Glasses.
Embracing new communities
The fallen giant still retains a brand that has meaning for gamers of a certain age, but it is also attempting to leverage new audiences including gamblers and the LGBT community.
According to a press release from the company: "Atari's approach to succeed in the digital age of entertainment includes online video games, online casinos, exclusive video content, and a robust licensing business including hardware and apparel.
"For success in a digital era, the world-renowned company is expanding its business and brands to mobile and online gaming platforms as well as completely new entertainment markets."
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So gambling and apps along with merchandising is the immediate future of Atari. Which, gambling aside, obviously sounds a lot like the recent past of Atari too.
We'll just get excited about the wearables instead.
- We spoke to Atari founder Nolan Bushnell about where it all went wrong for the gaming giant
Via CVG
Patrick Goss is the ex-Editor in Chief of TechRadar. Patrick was a passionate and experienced journalist, and he has been lucky enough to work on some of the finest online properties on the planet, building audiences everywhere and establishing himself at the forefront of digital content. After a long stint as the boss at TechRadar, Patrick has now moved on to a role with Apple, where he is the Managing Editor for the App Store in the UK.