Atari Acquires Vintage Game Restoration Studio Digital Eclipse for $20 Million

Atari aims to support its growth strategy focused on retro games by leveraging the digital restoration expertise of Digital Eclipse; acquisition marks Atari's second significant purchase in the retro gaming space this year after acquiring Night Dive Studios.

Atari has bought restoration and preservation studio Digital Eclipse for an initial $6.5 million in cash and shares, with a potential earn-out of up to $13.5 million based on the studio's future performance over the next decade. This expands Atari's development capabilities and enables it to utilize Digital Eclipse's industry-leading experience in digitally restoring and preserving retro games.
Founded in 1992, Digital Eclipse has produced over 250 games and has garnered a reputation as an emulation specialist working on notable compilations like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Disney Classic Games Collection. The studio has been focused on retro-focused games and has been crucial in preserving gaming heritage.
This is Atari's second prominent acquisition in the retro gaming space this year, following its purchase of Nightdive Studios. It aligns with Atari's retro-focused growth strategy and allows it to further leverage its renowned brands like Pong and Breakout.
Despite now being owned by Atari, Digital Eclipse stated it will maintain the freedom to work on non-Atari projects. Several unannounced projects involving non-Atari intellectual property are in the works and will continue as planned.
The two companies have previously worked together on projects like the acclaimed Atari 50: The Anniversary Collection, which has been labeled the 'new gold standard' for games compilations and ranked among the highest rated titles of 2022.