While Ubisoft is widely recognized for its major franchises like Assassin`s Creed and Rainbow Six Siege, the company has also published a variety of acclaimed smaller-scale games across PC, console, and mobile platforms. Many of these intellectual properties have remained dormant for years. Now, Atari has announced a new deal to acquire five of these classic Ubisoft titles, with plans to reintroduce them to modern gaming systems.
As part of this agreement, Atari has purchased the intellectual property rights for Cold Fear, I Am Alive, Grow Home, Grow Up, and Child of Eden. With the exception of the “Grow” series, these were largely standalone releases. For console players, most of these games were initially exclusive to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 generations, in addition to their PC releases.
Deborah Papiernik, Ubisoft`s VP of New Business, expressed enthusiasm about the deal in a press statement. She noted that “Millions of players have experienced these worlds over the years, and this will open the door for longtime players to revisit those memories while inviting new audiences to discover them for the first time.” Papiernik added that Atari, with its rich gaming legacy and deep appreciation for classic titles, is ideally positioned to evolve these games and connect with players in fresh, meaningful ways.
Atari has curated a solid collection of games. I Am Alive offered a tense survival experience set in a post-apocalyptic world, while Cold Fear was a horror title that combined elements of “The Thing” with “Resident Evil.” The Grow Home and Grow Up games are celebrated for their charming platforming gameplay. However, Child of Eden, a 2011 music-powered rail-shooter from Tetsuya Mizuguchi (known for his work on Tetris Effect, Rez, and Lumines), stands out as a particular highlight for fans of the developer`s distinctive style.
This move is consistent with Atari`s recent strategic initiatives and acquisitions. The company recently became the majority owner of Thunderful Group, responsible for the SteamWorld games. Over the past couple of years, Atari has also intensified its focus on retro gaming by acquiring Nightdive Studios and Digital Eclipse, both of which specialize in remasters of classic titles. Furthermore, Atari has secured the rights to the Transport Tycoon IP and even its former rival, Intellivision.
Atari isn`t the only legacy gaming brand experiencing a resurgence. Last year witnessed the revival of Acclaim, a company that has pledged to support indie developers and “reignite” classic franchises. Acclaim is scheduled to unveil its current projects at a dedicated showcase event on September 10.
Meanwhile, Ubisoft itself is undergoing a restructuring of some of its operations. It has established a new subsidiary, partly funded by Tencent, which will be overseen by Ubisoft Montreal veteran Christophe Derennes and Charlie Guillemot, the son of Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot.