Atari acquires Implicit Conversions to boost retro gaming
▼ Summary
– Atari has acquired emulation studio Implicit Conversions for an undisclosed amount.
– Implicit Conversions uses proprietary technology to port classic games to modern consoles, even without source code.
– The studio previously worked with Atari on titles like Mortal Kombat: Legacy Collection and Rayman.
– Co-founders Bill Litshauer and Robin Lavallée have taken new roles as head of operations and studio head, respectively.
– The acquisition adds the Syrup engine to Atari’s tools, complementing its existing engines from Digital Eclipse and Nightdive Studios.
Atari has officially added emulation specialist Implicit Conversions to its roster, acquiring the studio for an undisclosed sum. The move strengthens Atari’s ability to bring classic games to modern hardware.
Implicit Conversions focuses on porting vintage titles to contemporary consoles through its proprietary emulation technology. This approach allows games to be revived even when original source code is unavailable, a common hurdle in retro game preservation.
In a blog post, the studio confirmed it has collaborated with Atari over the past year via preservation firm Digital Eclipse. That partnership yielded releases like Mortal Kombat: Legacy Collection, Rayman, and additional titles that have yet to be announced.
As part of the acquisition, Implicit Conversions co-founders Bill Litshauer and Robin Lavallée will take on new leadership roles. Litshauer becomes head of operations, while Lavallée assumes the position of studio head. The agreement also stipulates that Implicit Conversions will provide broader support to Atari “in various capacities.”
Atari CEO Wade Rosen highlighted the strategic value of the deal. “Implicit Conversions’ ability to work with 32-bit era games using their proprietary Syrup engine complements our existing expertise with 8 and 16-bit era games,” Rosen said. “Alongside the Bakesale Engine (Digital Eclipse) and the Kex Engine (Nightdive), we now have an enviable source of proprietary tools, and more engineering talent that will enable us to continue to expand our capabilities across our own catalogue as well as the back catalogue of our IP partners.”
Lavallée echoed that sentiment, emphasizing a shared mission. “Implicit Conversions, Atari and their amazing studios have a shared passion for retro games, and a shared belief that accessibility is the cornerstone of preservation,” he said. “When you combine our large portfolio of owned-IP and our strong relationships with major IP holders, we have a lot of opportunity in front of us. We look forward to working with even more owners of classic-IP to fully take advantage of these exciting technologies.”
This acquisition follows two major purchases by Atari in recent years. In March 2023, the company acquired Nightdive Studios, the team behind the Quake remaster, for $10 million. Then, in October 2023, Atari bought Digital Eclipse for $20 million. Digital Eclipse is widely recognized for remastering retro collections such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection.
(Source: GamesIndustry.biz)
