In April, Atari relaunched its Infogrames label with a focus on expanding its game lineup beyond Atari’s usual titles. They acquired the Surgeon Simulator series from TinyBuild, adding these funny medical simulation games to their collection.
Geoffroy Châteauvieux, manager at Infogrames, emphasized the enduring popularity and unique appeal of Surgeon Simulator, highlighting it as a timeless franchise that aligns well with Infogrames’ strategic goals. The relaunched Infogrames division aims not only to expand the distribution of these games but also to explore potential merchandising opportunities and future game developments within the franchise.
Infogrames itself has a storied history, originally founded in 1983 in Paris and becoming known for its aggressive growth through acquisitions in the 1990s and early 2000s.
After licensing the Atari brand in 2003 and rebranding, the company faced financial challenges and underwent significant restructuring, including the acquisition of Atari Inc. and subsequent divestitures of its European distribution operations to Bandai Namco.
In recent years, under new leadership, Atari has refocused on the retro gaming market, acquiring specialists in game remasters and remakes such as Digital Eclipse and Nightdive Studios. The company has also expanded its intellectual property catalog, acquiring titles from Intellivision, M Network Games, Stern Electronics, and others.
This strategic pivot aligns with Atari’s efforts to rejuvenate its brand identity and capitalize on nostalgia while also embracing contemporary gaming trends.
The relaunch of Infogrames under Atari’s umbrella represents a renewed commitment to diversifying its gaming offerings and leveraging established franchises like Surgeon Simulator to broaden its market appeal. With plans for distribution expansion, potential merchandising ventures, and future game development, Atari’s Infogrames label aims to carve out a distinct niche in the evolving gaming landscape.
