Atari Acquires Game Development Studio

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—revived after its 2003 rebranding into Atari and subsequent bankruptcy—to expand its game portfolio. Infogrames, described as a label for titles outside Atari's core lineup, will oversee the publishing and future development of the Surgeon Simulator franchise.

Infogrames' stated goals include broadening digital and physical distribution, and creating new Surgeon Simulator installments. The label boasts a history dating back to the 1990s, known for titles like Alone in the Dark, the Backyard Baseball series, the Putt-Putt series, and Sonic Advance.

The Surgeon Simulator franchise, a quirky and darkly humorous surgery simulator, has enjoyed considerable success since its 2013 PC and Mac debut. Its popularity has spanned various platforms, including iOS, Android, PS4, and Nintendo Switch, with the release of Surgeon Simulator CPR in 2018, and Surgeon Simulator 2 for PC and Xbox in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Atari's acquisition of the franchise comes after a period of inactivity following Bossa Studios' 2023 staff reduction and the 2022 sale of several of its IP's to tinyBuild.

Geoffroy Châteauvieux, Infogrames Manager, highlighted the franchise's enduring appeal and the opportunity to further expand its reach. This acquisition, following the April 2024 acquisition of Totally Reliable Delivery Service, significantly contributes to Infogrames' and Atari's broader strategy of rebuilding its presence in the gaming industry through strategic acquisitions.