The arcade business has been around for a while now, but the video side of the business really got started, of course, when Atari released PONG in 1972. After a slew of other successful and well-known titles, Atari left the coin-op business when Midway bought Atari Games, changed their name to Midway Games West, subsequently leaving the arcade business themselves. Since then, a few Atari licensed arcade games have popped up here and there, but otherwise the company has remained as a home content publisher – until now.
Atari & Alan-1 Announce Partnership
You’ll find the press release at the bottom but let me summarize it first and add some background so it’s more than just copy/paste.
Alan-1 is a company based out of my home state of Utah, where they have been working on a game called Avian Knights for some time. That game first appeared at Amusement Expo last year; due to some manufacturing issues (not with materials but finding a company that could fit the bill) it was delayed but is currently set to launch this Spring/early Summer. The people behind the company are huge Atari fans, with the CEO also operating his own retrocade here in Utah called Flynn’s Retrocade.
As per the press release, they are partnering with Atari to bring ten of the Atari Recharged games to the coin-op space. The Recharged series are modern reboots of various classic Atari IP, although up to this point, they have only been designed for consoles. As such, they do not play like the originals do, although they still are focused on quick action. I particularly do like the missions & achievements that tend to be a part of these titles, but sometimes there are little details which are missing or changed. Recharged titles include arcade classics such as Asteroids, Berzerk, Missile Command, Centipede, and more.
While the list of what those games will be hasn’t been released yet, I spoke with James Anderson (Alan-1 CEO) and he reiterated that those games will NOT be the same as the home versions, receiving significant changes to gameplay and functionality so that they not only work for the arcade space, but that they also will retain the original title’s heart.
It is also worth noting that the very first of these Recharged games will make its first appearance at Amusement Expo 2024 next week in Las Vegas (along with a near-final build of Avian Knights). We will have a preview and first look at these games, so stay tuned. Alan-1’s base of operations is about 45 minutes away from where I live; I am working on being able to go and check it out by the end of this week.
Again, according to the release below, the games will also have ticket redemption capabilities; just be sure to note that’s optional and not the primary focus behind them, as it can be with certain videmption titles. I also may have the opportunity to put both Avian Knights and the first Atari Recharged arcade game on test in my facility here very soon.
Worth adding too: when Atari was split into two, Atari Corporation under the Tramiels was not allowed to do anything in the coin-op space, which was restricted to Atari Games. While I don’t know the technicalities about that contract, I believe they ceased being enforceable in the early 2000s – either after Atari had been sold to Hasbro or Atari Games sold to Midway and Midway shuttered AG down. Just throwing that in there as some have wondered if that agreement is still in force.
What do you think about all this? Which Atari games do you think would work best for a return to the arcade scene?
Atari & Alan-1 Press Release
ATARI® PARTNERS WITH ALAN-1 TO BRING NEW ATARI RECHARGED GAMES TO ARCADES NATIONWIDE
First Video Game Arcade Cabinet to be Released in Q3 of 2024
Tooele, UTAH – March 12, 2024 – Alan-1, Inc., a video game studio and manufacturer of coin-operated arcade game cabinets, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the iconic game publisher Atari. Alan-1 has been selected by Atari to create new arcade games cabinets for their Recharged games. These cabinets will be designed for Family Fun Centers, Barcades, and other location-based entertainment (LBE) venues. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in enriching the location-based arcade experience by the company that created the most endearing coin-operated video games in the world.
“Our games will be new and fresh while providing nostalgic experiences. We have also created fun, innovative classic game mechanics combined with modern interactive mechanical effects that will delight players of all generations, “ said Luke Anderson, Chief Game Designer (CGD) at Alan-1. “We look forward to releasing several games in collaboration with Atari over the years and bringing them to many locations nationwide. It is our hope that a new generation will experience the thrill and excitement of competitive location based hyper-casual arcade fun.”
“The Recharged Series has reintroduced some of Atari’s most recognized and celebrated titles to new generations of players,” said Ethan Zoubek, President of Atari. “We are excited to be working with a leader in the arcade space to bring these games to an even wider audience.”
The collaboration between Atari and Alan-1 will include the release of at least ten full-sized Recharged arcade game cabinets over the next three years. Alan-1’s Video Arcade Systemtm (VAS) will power Atari’s Recharged game cabinets. It features modern interactive mechanical effects inspired by virtual pinball technology–including pinball knockers, shaker motors, blower fans, etc. These additional features will interact with the player’s in-game experiences.
The VAS will also include a ticket redemption system based on scores as well as a robust high score tournament league system– Major League eSportstm (MLeS). This technology will include iPhone/Android notifications, which will invite players to periodically return to the location where the Atari/Alan-1 game was played and beat the high score. The combination of modern day LBE ticket redemption expectations, along with eSports League innovations, is an industry first. Alan-1’s Major League eSportstm and Video Arcade Systemtm technology helps arcade operators drive more revenue, increase profitability, and makes playing games on a dedicated game cabinet more fun!
Each new Atari/ Alan-1 video game cabinet released will resonate with older and younger generations, while upholding the legacy of the Atari brand. Both companies are committed to creating and producing products that meet the highest standards of artistic quality and authenticity, and at the same time, delivering happiness.
Contacts
Alan-1 – Media and Investor Relations
Tel + 1-844-44-ALAN-1 – dev@alan-1.com | http://www.alan-1.com
47 S 50 W
Tooele, UT 84074-2057
About Alan-1, Inc.
Founded in 2021, Alan-1 is based in Tooele, Utah. Alan-1, Inc. is committed to creating innovative gaming experiences and fostering a wholesome and fun gaming community. The company’s overall purpose is to create happiness. The company is comprised of three divisions which include game development/publishing, coin-op/arcade, and eSports. The company strives to revive classic arcade competition with modern gameplay, graphics, and features. Avian Knights, the company’s flagship title, won the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) of Utah’s ““Pushing Boundaries” award in 2023. The cabinet was unveiled at the 2023 Amusement Expo International trade show and will be available through commercial coin-op distributors in the second quarter of 2024. Visit Alan-1 online at https://alan-1.com.
About Atari, Inc.
Atari is an interactive entertainment company and an iconic gaming industry brand that transcends generations and audiences. The company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment, and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages
a portfolio of more than 200 unique games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Pong®, and RollerCoaster Tycoon®. Atari has offices in New York and Paris. Visit Atari online at http://www.Atari.com.
Atari shares are listed in France on Euronext Growth Paris (ISIN Code FR0010478248, Ticker ALATA) and OTC Pink Current (Ticker PONGF). ©2024 Atari Interactive, Inc. Atari wordmark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.
DISCLAIMER
This press release includes speculative elements, such as statements regarding anticipated future outcomes and events, which are based on the current perspectives and assumptions of Alan-1’s leadership team. These statements encompass various known and unknown uncertainties and risks that could lead to significant deviations from expected results, profitability, and events. Additionally, neither Alan-1 nor its shareholders, affiliates, directors, executives, advisors, or employees have verified the accuracy of, nor do they provide any assurances regarding, the statistical or forward-looking information sourced from third-party outlets or industry publications contained within this release. Any statistical data and forward-looking information presented herein are solely for informational purposes if applicable.
I send a e mail to atari about making a new game and i think they listen to me. I wish that atari coul be made arcade games for more time. Walking in the arcade just to find one from atari coul be cool i will seaech for srcsde flyers because i think atari belongs in the arcade.