Retro gaming has been making a big comeback in recent years. Now, Atari, one of the most iconic retro brands has announced that it has purchased the Intellivision brand and certain games from Intellivision Entertainment LLC. These two brands were major competitors in the 70s and 80s.
According to the company’s announcement, “Intellivision Entertainment LLC will rebrand and continue its business of developing and distributing the Amico brand game console with a license from Atari to continue to distribute new versions of the Intellivision games on the Amico console.
Atari said that it is seeking to expand the digital and physical distribution of legacy Intellivision games. As part of the company’s long-term plan, this includes the potential to create new games and explore other licensing deals.
“Uniting Atari and Intellivision after 45 years ends the longest-running console war in history,” said Mike Mika, Studio Head at Digital Eclipse, an Atari-owned game studio.
Mattel Electronics released the first Intellividison video game console in 1979, and it sold around 5 million units over the next twenty years.
The first major console wars were fought between Atari and Intellivision, and now these two iconic brands will share a collective goal: to dominate the market yet again. The acquisition includes the rights to over 200 game titles spanning the Intellivision portfolio and the Intellivision trademarks.
“This was a very rare opportunity to unite former competitors and bring together fans of Atari, Intellivision and the golden age of gaming,” said Wade Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Atari.
“Atari has been a valuable partner and we have every confidence they will be a responsible steward of the storied Intellivision brand,” said Phil Adam, CEO of Intellivision Entertainment. “We look forward to our expanded collaboration and the prospect of bringing a broad array of new titles to the Amico family gaming platform.”