Atari Bolsters Portfolio with Strategic Acquisition

Atari's Infogrames label acquires the Surgeon Simulator franchise from tinyBuild. This acquisition marks a significant step in Atari's ongoing revitalization efforts, leveraging the Infogrames brand, known for its 80s and 90s game development and distribution success. Infogrames plans to expand the franchise through new digital and physical distribution channels, along with developing new installments and collections.

The Infogrames label, relaunched by Atari, will oversee publishing titles outside Atari's core portfolio. Its history includes developing titles such as Alone in the Dark (1992) and publishing popular series like Backyard Baseball, Putt-Putt, and Sonic Advance. After rebranding under Atari in 2003 and subsequent bankruptcy in 2013, Infogrames was ultimately reintegrated into the modern Atari corporation.

Atari's acquisition of Surgeon Simulator, a quirky and enduringly popular title, is the latest in a series of acquisitions aimed at solidifying Atari's position in the gaming industry. Infogrames Manager Geoffroy Châteauvieux highlighted the franchise's "timeless appeal" as a key factor in the acquisition. This follows Atari's April 2024 acquisition of Totally Reliable Delivery Service, further bolstering Infogrames' resurgence.

Atari Acquires Surgeon Simulator

Surgeon Simulator, originally released in 2013, features the hilariously inept surgeon Nigel Burke and his patient, "Bob." The game's blend of dark humor and unusual gameplay has proven a lasting hit. Bossa Studios, the original developer, ported the game to various platforms including iOS, Android, PS4, and Nintendo Switch (with Surgeon Simulator CPR). A VR version was also released for PS4 and Windows. Surgeon Simulator 2 followed in 2020 (PC) and 2021 (Xbox). The future of the franchise, however, was uncertain following Bossa Studios' staff layoffs in late 2023, and the subsequent acquisition of its IP by tinyBuild in 2022. Atari hopes to build upon the franchise's existing success.