Atari CEO Wade Rosen Explains the Strategic Acquisition of Thunderful Group

Atari's recent acquisition of Thunderful Group has raised questions about the company's strategy and plans for the future. In an interview, CEO Wade Rosen explained that the purchase is part of Atari's efforts to expand its footprint in Europe and tap into the region's gaming market. Rosen also highlighted the strength of Thunderful's development and publishing capabilities, particularly in the indie gaming sector. He noted that the acquisition will allow Atari to focus on its core retro gaming business while exploring new opportunities through its Infogrames publishing label. Rosen emphasized the importance of having a strong presence in Europe, where Atari can work closely with distribution partners and tap into the region's gaming talent. He also expressed his enthusiasm for Thunderful's game development capabilities, citing the success of the SteamWorld franchise. When asked about the future of Thunderful, Rosen stated that Atari will focus on supporting the company's existing projects while being selective about new opportunities. He emphasized the need for the gaming industry to be more sustainable, with a focus on shorter development cycles and more efficient use of resources. Rosen also expressed his desire for games that are more concise and accessible, rather than lengthy and complex. Overall, the acquisition of Thunderful Group is seen as a strategic move by Atari to expand its reach and capabilities in the gaming industry.