Atari Acquires New Property, Expanding Its Gaming Empire

Atari's Infogrames Label Acquires Surgeon Simulator Franchise

Atari, through its revived Infogrames label, has announced the acquisition of the Surgeon Simulator franchise from tinyBuild Inc., the game's publisher. Infogrames, described by Atari as a label for titles outside its core brand, is experiencing a resurgence, leveraging its history as a prominent game developer and distributor in the 80s and 90s. This acquisition marks a significant step in Infogrames' plan to expand its digital and physical distribution channels, develop new installments, and create fresh collections.

The Infogrames brand holds a nostalgic place in gaming history, known for titles like 1992's Alone in the Dark (recently reimagined), the Backyard Baseball and Putt-Putt series, and Sonic Advance and its sequel. After rebranding under Atari in 2003 and subsequent bankruptcy in 2013, Infogrames, along with other Atari entities, reformed into the current Atari corporation. This latest acquisition follows Atari's recent purchase of Totally Reliable Delivery Service, further bolstering Infogrames' portfolio.

Infogrames Manager Geoffroy Châteauvieux highlighted the enduring popularity and unique nature of Surgeon Simulator, calling the acquisition a valuable opportunity. The franchise, featuring the hilariously inept surgeon Nigel Burke and his patient "Bob," has captivated players since its 2013 PC and Mac debut. Its quirky blend of dark humor and unconventional gameplay has led to ports across various platforms, including iOS, Android, PS4, and Nintendo Switch, with the addition of VR capabilities and cooperative modes. The most recent installment, Surgeon Simulator 2, launched on PC and Xbox in 2020 and 2021, respectively. While a sequel hasn't been announced, the acquisition by Atari suggests a potential future for the franchise. The deal also includes the intellectual property for Surgeon Simulator and I Am Bread, previously acquired by tinyBuild in 2022 from Bossa Studios.