Atari has entered into a significant partnership with Universal Pictures and Entertainment 360 to develop ten feature films based on its extensive library of classic video games. The deal grants Universal the rights to adapt titles such as Pong, Asteroids, Breakout, Centipede, Missile Command, and Yars' Revenge, among others, with the stated intention of creating "big-scale action-adventure fare."
This move signifies Hollywood's continued interest in leveraging established video game intellectual property for film adaptations. Universal has already begun work on one undisclosed Atari project, with scripts being developed by Matt Reilly and Carl Hampe. The studio has a recent track record with video game adaptations, having distributed the successful but critically divisive "Five Nights at Freddy's" and the lucrative "The Super Mario Bros. Movie."
Atari CEO Wade Rosen expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "For more than five decades, Atari has created games and worlds that have remained part of popular culture long after their original release. We are excited to work with Universal and Entertainment 360 to bring the spirit of our iconic brand and games to a new medium."
Details regarding the release schedule for these film projects have not yet been announced. The scope of the deal suggests a broad exploration of Atari's influential catalog, which has been a staple of popular culture for over fifty years.