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Phil Harrison is new president of Infogrames ... wow
The rumors of a "Phil eye for the Atari guy" are true. Former Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Phil Harrison has joined Atari's parent company Infogrames with the title of Directeur Général Délégué (President). Harrison will report directly to Infogrames CEO David Gardner, who plans to announce tomorrow how he's going to turn the beleaguered company around -- and we're guessing Harrison will have a huge role in doing that.Harrison's fancy French title (which we're sure to use every chance we can) isn't going to protect him from the hard road ahead. The plan is apparently for Harrison and Gardner to turn Atari into "a leading online game company." Despite Gardner's belief that Infogrames has a "strong financial foundation," its going to take a lot of "show us" over the next few years before Atari gets off the D-list. But damn, is getting Harrison on the team a good start.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Phil Harrison now officially with Infogrames, Atari
Well, well, well, the rumors turned out to be true. The former president of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Phil Harrison, is now president of French company Infogrames. Harrison will be working alongside newly appointed CEO David Gardner and will be overseeing the studios and content development for the group -- including the Infogrames-owned Atari.As this comes as quite a surprise to many, Phil backs his decision by stating, "This is the perfect time to join Infogrames and help shape the future of Atari." Can the old Sony heavyweight do it? Can he help restore the sinking ship that is Atari? We always want to see success, so we're hoping for the best. Score one for France.
Former EA exec. David Gardner becomes CEO of Infogrames
Former EA executive David Gardner has been appointed the CEO of Atari parent company Infogrames, effective ... now. This means former CEO Patrick Leleu, who just recently outlined plans regarding Infogrames/Atari's recovery, has been given his golden watch parachute and shown the door. Gardner is now captain of a ship sailing through a financial minefield of debt and drama.Gardner was at EA for nearly 25 years and was one of its first employees in 1983. Early on he was in sales and marketing and in '92 became Managing Director of Europe, where he had a strong role in European acquisitions for EA and integrating those companies into the beast. Before leaving EA last August he held the title of COO of Worldwide Studios and helped establish EA in Asia. Best of luck to Gardner, who's got a lot of work ahead of him.
Atari sheds more light on plan to switch focus to casual games
A couple of days ago, Atari told us of their intention to revise their business approach. They planned to shift their support to the casual market, with a strong focus on Nintendo platforms. It sounded like a good business plan to us, as Nintendo is top dog on the block and their ridiculous hardware sales make it a very appealing company to working with.So, how much effort will Atari, and parent company Infogrames, put into projects for Nintendo platforms? There isn't any hard numbers, but Mathias Hautefort, executive vice president of publishing and production at Atari, assures us the company is looking at "mainstream, gamer friendly and fun titles, as well as groundbreaking and trendsetting concepts." He went on to add that the company "will be offering several mass market licences for DS and Wii platforms and, in certain cases, casual online versions."[Via Go Nintendo]
Alone in the Dark bumped up to May now [update]
While conducting an interview with French newspaper Les Echos, new Atari head honcho Patrick Leleu talked about his new role and how he planned on turning things around. But, what's most important to us Wii owners is what he had to say about the latest entry in the Alone in the Dark series.The delay apparently isn't as bad as we thought. Replace September with May as the month of note on your calendar, according to Leleu's interview. Update: It should be noted that Alone in the Dark did find its way onto the long release list Nintendo dished out. However, we made no mention of this and many would find that the original post deserved to at least recognize this fact. So, we apologize for neglecting to mention it.%Gallery-10200%[Via Go Nintendo]
Atari: We want to focus more on Nintendo platforms
Atari's new person in charge, Patrick Leleu (is that pronounced "lee-lou" by any chance?), wants to turn the company around. And, the first order of business is taking care of some of the company's debts and being practical in choosing which games to publish. This is where Nintendo comes in.Patrick said it is the company's "intention to increase our investment in games aimed at the mass market made up of consumers who were introduced to gaming on the DS and Wii." Seems like a no-brainer, considering that the Wii and DS practically are the market. And, while it's nice to say, if they're going to just pile the crap on us with crummy release after crummy release, we would be better off without. [Via Go Nintendo]
Infogrames CEO outlines recovery plans for company and Atari
Infogrames CEO Patrick Leleu plans to turn his beleaguered company (which owns even more beleaguered Atari) around by focusing on mass-market friendly titles, an Atari games portal and getting some now-gen titles out the door. Leleu spoke with French newspaper Les Echos, with the interview being translated by Next-Gen.Leleu said there are three major things the company plans to do to turn its financial fortunes around. The first is a plan to spend big with the company's new loan on established properties like Alone in the Dark (now expected in May, uh huh), Test Drive and Dungeons and Dragons. Next, the company will increase investment in "mass-market titles" for the new demographics drawn to the DS and Wii -- whether that means more shovelware or actual new stuff is anyone's guess. Finally, Infogrames wants to boost Atari's internet presence by making Atari.com a place to play online or download games; this made all the more clear by GameTap's loss of Atari titles. It's time to gussy up the old cow up and make her look good for buying.
Atari parent Infogrames scrapes by with proceeds from bond issue
Just what is an infograme? Chaucer sometimes used the word 'grame' to describe grief or misery, a fitting description of Infogrames, the woeful parent company of Atari. Bruised and broken, but determined, the resourceful holding company has rebounded from Atari's collapse with the launch of a €150 million convertible bond issue, underwritten by chief shareholder BlueBay Asset Management. After using roughly €40 million of the bond proceeds to repay loans from Banc of America, Infogrames is expected to be left with more than €100 million (after insurance fees) to relaunch publishing activities and sustain operating costs. And when that money runs out, Infogrames it still entitled to a €54.7 million credit line with Banc of America until Feb. 28, 2009. But this isn't simply free money; the convertible bond will further reduce the dismal value of shareholders' equity once the bonds are converted into new shares. The alternative? Carry dear Infogrames out back and put one between its eyes.
Atari expecting layoffs and IP sales
Atari continues its death throes by announcing the cessation of work on current projects, the laying off of more staff and the sales of the remainder of its IPs. This is like the business equivalent of hitting the reset button instead of just quitting. Following the departure of the Atari CEO last week, the company also posted an $8 million Q2 loss -- this follows the recent and strategically delayed announcement of a $12 million Q1 loss.Atari's parent company Infogrames has already made clear the intention of leaving its child on the side of the road, hoping it'll figure out the way home by its lonesome. What's even worse is that Atari's essentially admitting the fixes it has planned may not be able to turn the ship around, stating in a report, "We cannot guarantee the completion of these actions or that such actions will generate sufficient resources to fully address the uncertainties of our financial position." Translation: We ain't gots a clue what be happenin'. There's no word really on what games Atari is going to kill to save money, but at this point you'd think that Alone in the Dark would be the last development hurrah -- but we'll see.
Infogrames: Atari collapse will not affect our development program
Although Atari has waved goodbye to game development, parent company Infogrames wants you to know that it isn't following in its child's footsteps. In a statement released today (via GameDaily), Infogrames said Atari's decisions "do not undermine the Infogrames Group's ability to carry out its video game development program and to continue selling products under the Atari brand name." The clarification seems oddly unnecessary, given that Atari is just a subsidiary of Infogrames. The holding company also owns Eden Games (Test Drive Unlimited) and Shiny Entertainment (Earthworm Jim, MDK); development will presumably continue as usual.
Atari CEO resigns as company exits game development
Amidst spiraling profits, Atari Games has announced its intent to fully depart from the game development business. The company's rapidly-depleting assets will instead be focused primarily on the acquisition, distribution and publishing of parent company Infogrames' titles.In the wake of the restructuring, David Pierce, Atari's chief executive officer, has also announced his resignation. Curtis G. Solsvig III, the company's chief restructuring officer, will temporarily take over Pierce's duties as the company searches for new blood. Solsvig himself was only hired last month, following Infogrames' decision to eject the majority of Atari's board of directors.Atari's original IPs have been slowly disintegrating over the last two years, as the company sold the Driver series to Ubisoft, and the Stuntman franchise to THQ. The Test Drive series has now been licensed to Infogrames, who own 51% of Atari's stock. Sorry, Atari, but do you know what we like to do when the chips are down? Sing! Check out the video after the break to help cheer yourselves up.
Atari borrows $10 mil, agony prolonged
Who even knows what Atari is these days? In name, it's the industry's aging celebrity, revered in memory as an icon, but presently transformed, made grotesque by a series of desperate facelifts. It's a facade now, a listless publishing subsidiary of Infogrames.The latest stirring, following the recent board makeover, is a small business transaction -- a $10 million loan from Infogrames shareholder Bluebay Asset Management. The credit won't be enough to get Atari through the costly holiday season, but it's a start. Further resources are currently be sought on the corner of 38th and 5th.
Infogrames company anthem -- grrrrrl, you have no idea
GayGamer.net deserves every iota of traffic they get from dragging Infogrames' high-production value diva anthem out of the company closet. Just to give an idea of reactions on our own staff, we had uncomfortable school-girl giggles with some words of shock afterward. A few couldn't make it to the end -- but we highly recommend it, especially for the masochists!The song starts with an electronic piano and the diva rattling off a bunch of games to the music, then something like the Fifth Element's Opera bass line kicks in. The backup singers chant, "Infogrames is innovation, the power of imagination. Infogrames is entertainment that rocks my world!"We have no idea who sings the song, who wrote it, or anything else. But we're sure the internets can provide answers if somebody starts digging -- and please let us know what you find in the comments. And make sure to listen to the whole song, the belting finale is something not to miss. If you're looking for something utterly cringe inducing today, you won't be disappointed!
Atari chief, Bruno Bonnell, says 'au revoir'
Bruno Bonnell -- 25-year games industry veteran and Infogrames founder -- has stepped down from his plethora of positions at Atari, the company announced today. Bonnell was holding down the jobs of Chairman of the Board, Chief Creative Officer, Acting Chief Financial Officer, and a director of Atari. (To be clear, the company is still Infogrames, they've just taken to using the name Atari, the Dread Pirate Roberts of the gaming industry.) Notably absent from the list of jobs is the role of CEO, which Bonnell was forced out of in 2003 by stockholders in the face of financial troubles that, well, still aren't cleared up. But Bruno, why leave now, just when things were sort of starting to maybe get better?
Infogrames shows fewer losses [update 1]
Infogrames, which more frequently goes by its subsidiary Atari, is moving closer to being profitable again. The once popular company has spent many a year in the red and is hoping some new strategies will get them back in black (and allow them to play the AC/DC song at their shareholder meeting). Infogrames' recent mid-year report shows an operating loss of $43.9 million, which is a step in the right direction; Infogrames lost $59.8 million by this time last year. Infogrames cited selling off its various studios, such as Shiny, as the reason for the decreased loss. Hopefully Infogrames can keep the trend moving, more healthy game companies means more competition and better stuff for us. However, Infogrames' methods of profitability are questionable. Much of the $16 million difference comes from major, one-time income sources. No company can sustain itself if a major source of income is cannibalizing themselves. Infogrames will need to utilize continuing operations if they wish to become profitable again, and selling off studios may not be the best course of action. [Update: It was actually an operating loss, the total loss was higher]
France vies to give artful tax break for game industry
France's Culture Minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres is hoping to classify gaming as art. In doing so, the French gaming industry including Ubisoft, Vivendi and Infogrames would receive a 20 percent tax break. France already considers cinema a form of art.Ignoring the debate on whether or not gaming is an art, the classification has major opposition from the games industry in and around France. The primary concern, as explained by Patrice Chazerand of Interactive Software Federation of Europe, is government interference with the game design process. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot supports the tax break, though its no surprise since Ubisoft could only benefit from savings when their developer studios are too global for French interference.In March, French decreed the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres to game designers Michel Ancel, Frédérick Raynal and Shigeru Miyamoto.
More Atari trouble: Infogrames shares suspended
Newly appointed Atari CEO, David Pierce, must have been dangerously close to spilling his herbal tea this morning after reading a BBC news report regarding the suspension of Infogrames shares. If you recall, Infogrames is the French company that purchased the seemingly cursed Atari name back in 2001 -- bad news for them means bad news for Atari. Of course, Mr. Pierce's described reaction to the news is entirely fabricated. It seems ludicrous to suggest that he learned of the share woes through a website, much less that he accessed it through the sole computer which hadn't been repossessed yet. Though we jest, Atari's continuing string of financial pitfalls is no laughing matter (especially not for them). The company and its owner are clearly in strong need of some bankable intellectual property that goes beyond Dragon Ball Z and repackaged classics. Will the next generation of consoles give them a big break and the hit they need? In this industry, anything is possible. [Thanks, Jose.]
Infogrames prepares for Atari disposal
Last week, a developer from the Neverwinter Nights community discussed some of the financial difficulties Atari is currently experiencing. MSNBC is now confirming that French publisher Infogrames, who has a controlling interest in Atari, is attempting to restructure its failing business, which could have a substantial impact on some of the year's most anticipated games.Atari had recently cut prices on all current gen games, but more drastic actions are in store. Infogrames may sell the publishing rights to upcoming titles Neverwinter Nights 2 and Timeshift (both due in September), and is also considering potential buy-outs of its other subsidiary studios, including Shiny Entertainment (Matrix: Path of Neo, Earthworm Jim). A potential merger with rival French games maker Ubisoft has even been speculated, although Infogrames founder and executive chairman Bruno Bonnell has dismissed this rumor as premature.Bonnell's recent discussions with Elevation Partners have lead some industry analysts to believe that Atari's Dungeons & Dragons license might find its way back to BioWare, but this could just be wishful thinking. Let us know if you think the Atari brand should be put out to pasture at this point, or if it just needs more capable management.
Infogrames sells Civilization franchise
In the "Hmm..." department, Infogrames has sold it's rights to the Civilization franchise. The video game behemoth seems to have a few financial problems at the moment and sold off the rights. See? This is what happens when you anger the ghost of Atari. The news is early in the article. The rest is all tedious financial stuff. Well worth reading if you can't sleep. You'll be out like a light. So, with the Civilization franchise having split in recent years, and now this, I guess we'll be seeing yet another company put out a Civilization game. If this goes on much longer, every company in the business will have put one out by the year 2020.
