Atari, a pioneering name in the world of consumer electronics and interactive entertainment, announced today its acquisition of the Intellivision brand and a selection of games from Intellivision Entertainment LLC. This strategic move will allow Intellivision Entertainment to continue developing and distributing the Amico game console under a licensing agreement with Atari, which includes the right to release new versions of Intellivision games for the Amico platform.
As part of its long-term strategy, Atari aims to enhance the digital and physical distribution of classic Intellivision games, potentially develop new titles, and explore various branding and licensing opportunities to maximize the value of the Intellivision properties.
“Bringing Atari and Intellivision together after 45 years concludes the longest-running console rivalry in history,” remarked Mike Mika, Studio Head at Digital Eclipse, a game development studio owned by Atari.
The Intellivision home video game console was first introduced by Mattel Electronics in 1979 and achieved sales of approximately 5 million units by 1990. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Atari and Intellivision were at the forefront of the first major console war. This competition was famously highlighted by actor George Plimpton, who starred in a series of ads comparing the two systems, as well as an eight-minute video presented at the Gamescom trade show.
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“This acquisition is a unique opportunity to bring together former competitors and unite fans of both Atari and Intellivision from the golden age of gaming,” said Wade Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Atari.
The acquisition grants Atari the rights to over 200 titles from the Intellivision catalog and the Intellivision trademarks.
“Atari has been an invaluable partner, and we trust they will uphold the legacy of the Intellivision brand,” stated Phil Adam, CEO of Intellivision Entertainment. “We anticipate a fruitful collaboration, delivering a wide range of new Atari and Intellivision titles to the Amico and Amico Home gaming platforms.”
In celebration of this historic merger, new Intellivision-themed t-shirts are now available on Atari’s website, with additional Intellivision apparel and collectibles expected soon.