| ← Previous revision |
Revision as of 20:50, 8 November 2009 |
| Line 16: |
Line 16: |
| |
The original [[Atari Inc.]] was founded in 1972 by [[Nolan Bushnell]] and Ted Dabney. It was a pioneer in [[arcade game]]s, home [[video game console]]s, and [[home computer]]s. The company's products, such as ''[[Pong]]'' and the [[Atari 2600]], helped define the [[computer]] entertainment industry from the 1970s to the mid 1980s. |
|
The original [[Atari Inc.]] was founded in 1972 by [[Nolan Bushnell]] and Ted Dabney. It was a pioneer in [[arcade game]]s, home [[video game console]]s, and [[home computer]]s. The company's products, such as ''[[Pong]]'' and the [[Atari 2600]], helped define the [[computer]] entertainment industry from the 1970s to the mid 1980s. |
| |
|
|
|
| - |
In 1984, the original Atari Inc. was split, and the arcade division was turned into '''[[Atari Games|Atari Games Inc]]'''.<ref name=gamesinc>{{cite web|last = Current|first = Michael D.|title = A Brief Timeline of the Atari Divisions Initially Retained by Warner Communications, July 1984 to Present|date = 2004-2007|url =http://mcurrent.name/atariholdings.html|accessdate = 2007-11-06 }}</ref> Atari Games received the rights to use the logo and brand name with appended text "Games" on arcade games, as well as rights to the original 1972 - 1984 arcade hardware properties. The Atari Consumer Electronics Division properties were in turn sold to [[Jack Tramiel|Jack Tramiel's]] Tramel Technology Ltd., which then renamed itself to '''Atari Corporation'''.<ref name=ataricorp>{{Citation|last =Sanger|first = David E.|title =Warner Sells Atari To Tramiel|newspaper = New York Times|pages = Late City Final Edition, Section D, Page 1, Column 6|date=1984-07-03|url = [select.nytimes.com] name=tramel>{{cite web|last = Atari Corp.|title = Amendment to General Statement of Beneficial Ownership - Schedule 13D|publisher = Atari Inc.|date = 1994-03-29|url =http://www.secinfo.com/dMESy.bd.htm|accessdate = 2008-02-02 }}</ref> In 1996, Atari Corporation reverse merged with disk drive manufacturer '''[[JT Storage]]''' (JTS),<ref name=atarijts>{{Citation|last =Bloomberg Business NEws|title =Atari Agrees To Merge With Disk-Drive Maker|newspaper = New York Times|pages = 1|date=1996-02-14|url = [query.nytimes.com] becoming a division within the company.
|
+ |
In 1984, the original Atari Inc. was split, and the arcade division was turned into '''[[Atari Games|Atari Games Inc]]'''.<ref name=gamesinc>{{cite web|last = Current|first = Michael D.|title = A Brief Timeline of the Atari Divisions Initially Retained by Warner Communications, July 1984 to Present|date = 2004-2007|url =http://mcurrent.name/atariholdings.html|accessdate = 2007-11-06 }}</ref> Atari Games received the rights to use the logo and brand name with appended text "Games" on arcade games, as well as rights to the original 1972 - 1984 arcade hardware properties. The Atari Consumer Electronics Division properties were in turn sold to [[Jack Tramiel|Jack Tramiel's]] Tramel Technology Ltd., which then renamed itself to '''Atari Corporation'''.<ref name=ataricorp>{{Citation|last =Sanger|first = David E.|title =Warner Sells Atari To Tramiel|newspaper = New York Times|pages = Late City Final Edition, Section D, Page 1, Column 6|date=1984-07-03|url = [select.nytimes.com] name=tramel>{{cite web|last = Atari Corp.|title = Amendment to General Statement of Beneficial Ownership - Schedule 13D|publisher = Atari Inc.|date = 1994-03-29|url =http://www.secinfo.com/dMESy.bd.htm|accessdate = 2008-02-02 }}</ref> In 1996, Atari Corporation reverse merged with disk drive manufacturer '''[[JT Storage]]''' (JTS),<ref name=atarijts>{{Citation|last =Bloomberg Business NEws|title =Atari Agrees To Merge With Disk-Drive Maker|newspaper = New York Times|page = 1|date=1996-02-14|url = [query.nytimes.com] becoming a division within the company.
|
| |
|
|
|
| - |
In 1998, Hasbro Interactive acquired all Atari Corporation related properties from JTS.<ref name=hasbrojts>{{cite web|title = FORM 8-K Filing for transfer of assets to Hasbro Interactive from JTS|publisher = Securities And Exchange Commission|date = 1998-02-23|url =http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/941167/0001047469-98-009085.txt|accessdate = 2007-11-06 }}</ref>, creating a new subsidiary, Atari Interactive.<ref name=hasbrointeractive>{{cite web|title = Hasbro Interactive Pursues Copyright Infringement Suit|publisher = Hasbro Interactive|date = 2000-02-08|url =http://boardgames.about.com/library/news/bl000208a.htm|accessdate = 2007-11-06 }}</ref>. IESA bought Hasbro Interactive in 2001 and renamed it to '''Infogrames Interactive'''. <ref name=infointeractive>{{cite web|title = Civilization III:Play The World Press Release|publisher = Infogrames Inc.|date = 2002-05-08|url =http://www.civ3.com/pressrelease.cfm|accessdate = 2007-11-06 }}</ref> IESA changed the company name entirely to Atari Interactive in 2003.<ref name=subsidiary />
|
+ |
In 1998, Hasbro Interactive acquired all Atari Corporation related properties from JTS.<ref name=hasbrojts>{{cite web|title = FORM 8-K Filing for transfer of assets to Hasbro Interactive from JTS|publisher = Securities And Exchange Commission|date = 1998-02-23|url =http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/941167/0001047469-98-009085.txt|accessdate = 2007-11-06 }}</ref>, creating a new subsidiary, Atari Interactive.<ref name=hasbrointeractive>{{cite web|title = Hasbro Interactive Pursues Copyright Infringement Suit|publisher = Hasbro Interactive|date = 2000-02-08|url =http://boardgames.about.com/library/news/bl000208a.htm|accessdate = 2007-11-06 }}</ref> IESA bought Hasbro Interactive in 2001 and renamed it to '''Infogrames Interactive'''.<ref name=infointeractive>{{cite web|title = Civilization III:Play The World Press Release|publisher = Infogrames Inc.|date = 2002-05-08|url =http://www.civ3.com/pressrelease.cfm|accessdate = 2007-11-06 }}</ref> IESA changed the company name entirely to Atari Interactive in 2003.<ref name=subsidiary />
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
The company that currently bears the name [[Atari, Inc. (Infogrames subsidiary)|Atari Inc.]] was founded in 1993 under the name '''[[GT Interactive]]'''. IESA acquired a 62% controlling interest in GT Interactive in 1999, and renamed it '''Infogrames, Inc.'''<ref name=infinc>{{cite web|title = Infogrames Entertainment Corporate Profile and Annual Report |
|
The company that currently bears the name [[Atari, Inc. (Infogrames subsidiary)|Atari Inc.]] was founded in 1993 under the name '''[[GT Interactive]]'''. IESA acquired a 62% controlling interest in GT Interactive in 1999, and renamed it '''Infogrames, Inc.'''<ref name=infinc>{{cite web|title = Infogrames Entertainment Corporate Profile and Annual Report |
| - |
|publisher = Infogrames Entertainment SA|date = Fiscal Year 2005-2006|pages = 7|url =http://corporate.infogrames.com/MT-3.34-en/mt-static/FCKeditor/UserFiles/File/DOCDEREF05_06GB.pdf|accessdate = 2007-11-06 |format=PDF}}</ref> Following IESA's acquisition of Hasbro Interactive, Infogrames, Inc. intermittently published Atari branded titles for Infogrames Interactive. In 2003, Infogrames Inc. licensed the Atari name and logo from Atari Interactive and changed its name to Atari Inc.<ref name=incnamechange>{{cite web|last = Atari Inc.|title = 10-KT · For 3/31/03, Overview Subsection|publisher = Atari Inc.|date = 2003-03-31|url =http://www.secinfo.com/dsvr4.28Z7.htm#5ug|format =|doi =|accessdate = 2007-11-06 }}</ref> On October 11, 2008, Infogrames completed its acquisition of Atari, Inc., making it a wholly owned subsidiary. <ref name="completion"> [www.gamesindustry.biz] |
+ |
|publisher = Infogrames Entertainment SA|date = Fiscal Year 2005-2006|page = 7|url =http://corporate.infogrames.com/MT-3.34-en/mt-static/FCKeditor/UserFiles/File/DOCDEREF05_06GB.pdf|accessdate = 2007-11-06 |format=PDF}}</ref> Following IESA's acquisition of Hasbro Interactive, Infogrames, Inc. intermittently published Atari branded titles for Infogrames Interactive. In 2003, Infogrames Inc. licensed the Atari name and logo from Atari Interactive and changed its name to Atari Inc.<ref name=incnamechange>{{cite web|last = Atari Inc.|title = 10-KT · For 3/31/03, Overview Subsection|publisher = Atari Inc.|date = 2003-03-31|url =http://www.secinfo.com/dsvr4.28Z7.htm#5ug|format =|doi =|accessdate = 2007-11-06 }}</ref> On October 11, 2008, Infogrames completed its acquisition of Atari, Inc., making it a wholly owned subsidiary. <ref name="completion"> [www.gamesindustry.biz] Infogrames completes Atari Inc acquisition // News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
==History== |
|
==History== |
| Line 28: |
Line 28: |
| |
===Atari Inc. (1972–1984)=== |
|
===Atari Inc. (1972–1984)=== |
| |
{{main|Atari, Inc.}} |
|
{{main|Atari, Inc.}} |
| - |
In 1971, [[Nolan Bushnell]] and Ted Dabney founded an engineering firm, [[Syzygy|Syzygy Engineering]],<ref name="syzygy engineering">{{cite web|last = Vendel| first = Curt| title = ATARI Coin-Op/Arcade Systems 1970 - 1974 | url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/arcade/arcade70.html| accessdate = 2008-05-18 }}</ref> that designed and built the first arcade video game - Computer Space for Nutting Associates. On June 27, 1972 Atari, Inc. was incorporated and soon hired [[Al Alcorn]] as their first design engineer. Bushnell decided to have Alcorn produce as a test of his abilities, an arcade version of the [[Magnavox Odyssey]]'s Tennis game,<ref name="nolanmagnavox"> [www.ralphbaer.com] which would be named [[Pong]]. While Bushnell incorporated Atari in June 1972, Syzygy Company was never formally incorporated. Before Atari's official incorporation, Bushnell wrote down several words from the game [[Go (board game)|Go]], eventually choosing ''[[Go terms#Atari .28.E5.BD.93.E3.81.9F.E3.82.8A.29|atari]]'', a term which in the context of the game means a state where a [[Rules of go#Stones|stone]] or group of stones is imminently in danger of being taken by one's opponent. In Japanese, ''atari'' is the nominalized form of ''ataru'' (verb), meaning "to hit the target" or "to receive something fortuitously". The word 'atari' is used in Japanese when a prediction comes true or when someone wins a lottery. The choice of Atari as a brand name was arguably better than Syzygy for most markets in terms of spelling, pronunciation and potential name recognition. Atari was incorporated in the state of California on June 27, 1972.<ref name="inc1972"> [kepler.ss.ca.gov] California Secretary of State - California Business Search - Corporation Search Results<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
|
+ |
In 1971, [[Nolan Bushnell]] and Ted Dabney founded an engineering firm, [[Syzygy|Syzygy Engineering]],<ref name="syzygy engineering">{{cite web|last = Vendel| first = Curt| title = ATARI Coin-Op/Arcade Systems 1970 - 1974 | url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/arcade/arcade70.html| accessdate = 2008-05-18 }}</ref> that designed and built the first arcade video game - Computer Space for Nutting Associates. On June 27, 1972 Atari, Inc. was incorporated and soon hired [[Al Alcorn]] as their first design engineer. Bushnell decided to have Alcorn produce as a test of his abilities, an arcade version of the [[Magnavox Odyssey]]'s Tennis game,<ref name="nolanmagnavox"> [www.ralphbaer.com] which would be named [[Pong]]. While Bushnell incorporated Atari in June 1972, Syzygy Company was never formally incorporated. Before Atari's official incorporation, Bushnell wrote down several words from the game [[Go (board game)|Go]], eventually choosing ''[[Go terms#Atari (当たり)|atari]]'', a term which in the context of the game means a state where a [[Rules of go#Stones|stone]] or group of stones is imminently in danger of being taken by one's opponent. In Japanese, ''atari'' is the nominalized form of ''ataru'' (verb), meaning "to hit the target" or "to receive something fortuitously". The word 'atari' is used in Japanese when a prediction comes true or when someone wins a lottery. The choice of Atari as a brand name was arguably better than Syzygy for most markets in terms of spelling, pronunciation and potential name recognition. Atari was incorporated in the state of California on June 27, 1972.<ref name="inc1972"> [kepler.ss.ca.gov] California Secretary of State - California Business Search - Corporation Search Results<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
[[Image:Atari2600a.JPG|right|thumb|300px|The third version of the Atari [[Atari 2600|Video Computer System]] sold from 1980 to 1981]] |
|
[[Image:Atari2600a.JPG|right|thumb|300px|The third version of the Atari [[Atari 2600|Video Computer System]] sold from 1980 to 1981]] |
| |
In 1973, Atari secretly spawned a "competitor" called [[Kee Games]], headed by Nolan's next door neighbor Joe Keenan, to circumvent [[pinball]] distributors' insistence on exclusive distribution deals; both Atari and Kee could market (virtually) the same game to different distributors, with each getting an "exclusive" deal. Though Kee's relationship to Atari was discovered in 1974, Joe Keenan did such a good job managing the subsidiary that he was promoted to president of Atari that same year. |
|
In 1973, Atari secretly spawned a "competitor" called [[Kee Games]], headed by Nolan's next door neighbor Joe Keenan, to circumvent [[pinball]] distributors' insistence on exclusive distribution deals; both Atari and Kee could market (virtually) the same game to different distributors, with each getting an "exclusive" deal. Though Kee's relationship to Atari was discovered in 1974, Joe Keenan did such a good job managing the subsidiary that he was promoted to president of Atari that same year. |
| |
|
|
|
| - |
In 1976, Bushnell, through a Grass Valley, CA. engineering firm - Cyan Engineering, started an effort to produce a flexible video game console that was capable of playing all four of Atari's then-current games. The result was the [[Atari 2600]], sometimes called VCS for Video Computer System. Bushnell knew he had another potential hit on his hands, but bringing the machine to market would be extremely expensive. Looking for outside investors, in 1976 Bushnell sold Atari to [[Time-Warner|Warner Communications]] for an estimated $28 – $32 million, using part of the money to buy the [[Folgers]] Mansion. Nolan continued to have disagreements with Warner Management over the direction of the company, the discontinuing of the Pinball division and most importantly, he felt that the Atari 2600 should be discontinued, during a heated argument between Nolan Bushnell and Manny Gerard, Bushnell was fired in December 1978. During that year, the Kee Games brand was dropped<ref> [mcurrent.name] |
+ |
In 1976, Bushnell, through a Grass Valley, CA. engineering firm - Cyan Engineering, started an effort to produce a flexible video game console that was capable of playing all four of Atari's then-current games. The result was the [[Atari 2600]], sometimes called VCS for Video Computer System. Bushnell knew he had another potential hit on his hands, but bringing the machine to market would be extremely expensive. Looking for outside investors, in 1976 Bushnell sold Atari to [[Time-Warner|Warner Communications]] for an estimated $28 – $32 million, using part of the money to buy the [[Folgers]] Mansion. Nolan continued to have disagreements with Warner Management over the direction of the company, the discontinuing of the Pinball division and most importantly, he felt that the Atari 2600 should be discontinued, during a heated argument between Nolan Bushnell and Manny Gerard, Bushnell was fired in December 1978. During that year, the Kee Games brand was dropped<ref> [mcurrent.name] A History of Atari / Atari Games / Atari Holdings<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
A project to design a successor to the 2600 started as soon as the system shipped. The original development team estimated the 2600 had a lifespan of about three years, and decided to build the most powerful machine they could, given that time frame. Midway into the effort's time-frame, the [[home computer]] revolution was taking off, so the new machines were adapted, with the addition of a keyboard and various inputs, to produce the [[Atari 8-bit family|Atari 800]], and its smaller cousin, the 400. Although a variety of issues made them less attractive than the [[Apple II]] for some users, the new machines had some success when they finally became available in quantity in 1980. In 1982, the [[Atari 5200]] was released, based heavily on the 400 and 800 models, but without a keyboard. |
|
A project to design a successor to the 2600 started as soon as the system shipped. The original development team estimated the 2600 had a lifespan of about three years, and decided to build the most powerful machine they could, given that time frame. Midway into the effort's time-frame, the [[home computer]] revolution was taking off, so the new machines were adapted, with the addition of a keyboard and various inputs, to produce the [[Atari 8-bit family|Atari 800]], and its smaller cousin, the 400. Although a variety of issues made them less attractive than the [[Apple II]] for some users, the new machines had some success when they finally became available in quantity in 1980. In 1982, the [[Atari 5200]] was released, based heavily on the 400 and 800 models, but without a keyboard. |
| Line 92: |
Line 92: |
| |
In November 13, 2007, The US division announces to exit the game development business to concentrate solely on publishing and distribution. |
|
In November 13, 2007, The US division announces to exit the game development business to concentrate solely on publishing and distribution. |
| |
|
|
|
| - |
On March 6, 2008, Infogrames made an offer to Atari Inc. to buy out all remaining public shares for a value of $1.68 per share, or $11 million total. The offer would make Infogrames sole owner of Atari Inc., thus making it a privately held company.<ref name="offer"> [biz.yahoo.com] Atari, Inc. Reports Receipt of Non-Binding Offer from Infogrames Entertainment S.A.: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> On April 30, 2008, Atari Inc. announced its intentions to accept Infogrames' buyout offer and to merge with Infogrames.<ref name="buyoutapproved"> [biz.yahoo.com] Infogrames Entertainment S.A. and Atari, Inc. Announce Agreement to Merge: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> On October 11, 2008, Infogrames completed its acquisition of Atari Inc., making it a wholly owned subsidiary.<ref name="completion" />
|
+ |
On March 6, 2008, Infogrames made an offer to Atari Inc. to buy out all remaining public shares for a value of $1.68 per share, or $11 million total. The offer would make Infogrames sole owner of Atari Inc., thus making it a privately held company.<ref name="offer"> [web.archive.org] Atari, Inc. Reports Receipt of Non-Binding Offer from Infogrames Entertainment S.A.: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> On April 30, 2008, Atari Inc. announced its intentions to accept Infogrames' buyout offer and to merge with Infogrames.<ref name="buyoutapproved"> [web.archive.org] Infogrames Entertainment S.A. and Atari, Inc. Announce Agreement to Merge: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> On October 11, 2008, Infogrames completed its acquisition of Atari Inc., making it a wholly owned subsidiary.<ref name="completion" />
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
On December 9, 2008, Atari announced that it had acquired [[Cryptic Studios]], an [[MMORPG]] developer. <ref name="cryptic"> [www.gamesindustry.biz] Atari acquires Cryptic Studios]</ref> |
|
On December 9, 2008, Atari announced that it had acquired [[Cryptic Studios]], an [[MMORPG]] developer. <ref name="cryptic"> [www.gamesindustry.biz] Atari acquires Cryptic Studios]</ref> |
| Line 114: |
Line 114: |
| |
==External links== |
|
==External links== |
| |
* [www.atari.com] Atari brand's official global site] |
|
* [www.atari.com] Atari brand's official global site] |
| - |
* [www.atarimuseum.com] The Atari History Museum] - Atari historical archive site.
|
+ |
* [www.atarimuseum.com] The Atari History Museum] - Atari historical archive site.
|
| |
* [www.ataritimes.com] Atari Times], supporting all Atari consoles. |
|
* [www.ataritimes.com] Atari Times], supporting all Atari consoles. |
| |
* [www.atariage.com] AtariAge.com] |
|
* [www.atariage.com] AtariAge.com] |
| |
* [www.mobygames.com] Atari] entry at [[MobyGames]] |
|
* [www.mobygames.com] Atari] entry at [[MobyGames]] |
| - |
* [www.atarihq.com] Atari Gaming Headquarters] - Atari historical archive site.
|
+ |
* [www.atarihq.com] Atari Gaming Headquarters] - Atari historical archive site.
|
| |
* [www.ataritimes.com] Atari On Film] - List of Atari products in films. |
|
* [www.ataritimes.com] Atari On Film] - List of Atari products in films. |
| |
* [www.thedoteaters.com] The Dot Eaters: classic video game history] - Comprehensive history of videogames, extensive info on Atari offerings and history |
|
* [www.thedoteaters.com] The Dot Eaters: classic video game history] - Comprehensive history of videogames, extensive info on Atari offerings and history |
