Atari's CEO Reveals Plans for Newly Acquired Thunderful Group

Atari's recent acquisition of an 82% stake in Thunderful Group has raised questions about the company's plans for the Swedish game developer and publisher. In an interview, Atari CEO Wade Rosen explained that the acquisition is part of the company's strategy to expand its footprint in Europe and tap into the region's gaming market. Rosen also highlighted the importance of having a base in Europe, citing the need to be closer to European distribution partners. The acquisition of Thunderful Group is seen as a key step in this expansion, with Rosen noting that the company's location in Sweden will likely become one of Atari's major hubs in Europe. Rosen also expressed his admiration for Thunderful's games, particularly the SteamWorld franchise, and noted that the company's development studio is the right size for Atari's needs. However, the acquisition has also raised concerns about the potential dilution of Atari's retro-focused strategy. Rosen acknowledged these concerns but emphasized that the company will continue to prioritize its retro gaming business while also exploring new opportunities through its Infogrames publishing label. Regarding Thunderful's future, Rosen stated that the company will focus on its core strengths and prioritize projects that have the highest potential for returns. He also noted that there may be opportunities for collaboration between Thunderful and Atari's other subsidiaries, such as Digital Eclipse and Nightdive Studios. Rosen's vision for the future of gaming involves a shift towards more concise and accessible games, with a focus on shorter development cycles and smaller teams. He believes that this approach will allow developers to take more risks and create more innovative games, rather than being constrained by the need to produce lengthy, complex experiences.