Atari Expands Portfolio with Latest Purchase

Atari's Infogrames subsidiary has acquired the Surgeon Simulator franchise from tinyBuild Inc., marking a significant move in Atari's ongoing revitalization strategy. Infogrames, a label revived by Atari to handle titles outside its core brand, is tasked with expanding the Surgeon Simulator franchise through new releases and distribution channels. This acquisition builds on Atari's recent purchase of Totally Reliable Delivery Service, further bolstering Infogrames' portfolio.

Infogrames, a name synonymous with gaming in the 80s and 90s (known for titles like Alone in the Dark, Backyard Baseball, and the Putt-Putt series), aims to leverage its legacy and expertise in both physical and digital distribution to maximize the Surgeon Simulator franchise's potential. The acquisition comes as Atari continues its aggressive acquisition strategy, aiming to re-establish itself as a major player in the gaming industry.

Geoffroy Châteauvieux, Infogrames Manager, highlighted Surgeon Simulator's enduring popularity and unique gameplay as key factors in the acquisition. The quirky, darkly humorous surgery simulator, initially released in 2013, has since seen numerous ports and sequels across various platforms, including PC, Mac, iOS, Android, PS4, and Nintendo Switch. The future of the franchise, however, remains uncertain following Bossa Studios' 2023 staff reductions and the lack of an announced sequel. This acquisition, nonetheless, signals Atari's commitment to expanding its catalog with established and beloved IPs. The deal includes the intellectual property rights for Surgeon Simulator, originally developed by Bossa Studios and previously published by tinyBuild.