Kotaku: infogrames

Infogrames-Controlled Atari Gets 49 Percent Of Publishing Revenues From DBZ

Leigh Alexander — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:00:00 MDT

For fiscal 2008, Atari reported net revenues of $80.1 million, as compared with $122.3 million for the year previous, the company's annual report revealed. This represents a steady year-over-year decline for the publisher since fiscal 2005, when its revenues were $343.8 million.

"We rely on borrowings to meet our operating needs," said Atari, now that it has no more substantially-valued IP to sell. Atari's majority shareholder, Infogrames SA, will preserve Atari through an acquisition and a $20 million loan, while BlueBay High Yield Investments has also loaned Atari $14 million.

Atari also relies heavily on publishing revenues from a single franchise - Dragon Ball Z, which it says generated 49.1 percent of its net publishing revenues in fiscal 2008. Godzilla accounts for 9.2 percent.

Atari now primarily acts as a North American publisher-distributor for Infogrames-licensed titles. In kind, Atari has licensed its Test Driver and Test Driver Unlimited properties for seven years to Infogrames, and the language in the annual report suggests a tense relationship:

"During fiscal 2008, we completely terminated our product development activities and we granted IESA a seven year license to exploit our last remaining valuable game franchise," the company said. "Further, we increasingly focused our efforts on distributing products published by IESA. These steps substantially reduced our revenues."

Atari also warns, when quantifying its risk factors, that Infogrames' control over the company might be "disadvantageous" to its shareholders, although Atari also said it expects Infogrames to approve the pending merger.

"IESA [Infogrames Entertainment SA] controls us and could prevent a transaction favorable to our other stockholders," Atari said. "IESA beneficially owns approximately 51% of our common stock, which gives it sufficient voting power to prevent any transaction that it finds unfavorable, including an acquisition, consolidation or sale of shares or assets that might be desirable to our other stockholders."

"Additionally, IESA could unilaterally approve certain transactions as a result of its majority position. IESA also has sufficient voting power to elect all of the members of our Board of Directors."

Former CEO Of Struggling Atari Got One Hell Of A Golden Parachute

Leigh Alexander — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:00:00 MDT

Atari's fiscal 2008 annual report shows just how dire the publisher's situation has become over the years. Beginning late in 2005, the company began a gradual and aggressive scale-back of its development activities, and by the end of 2007, it had sold away all of its development studios. The company now reveals that it's remained in debt just to sustain its operational costs.

Infogrames SA has long been a majority shareholder in Atari, and announced it would officially acquire the company (and loan it $20 million) in April 2008. One of Infogrames' founders, Bruno Bonnell, was Atari's chairman and CEO until April 2007, presiding over the company's decline.

On April 4, 2007, Bonnell was asked by Infogrames to resign, and the company agreed to pay him to step down. "Golden parachute" scenarios for corporate executives asked to resign during difficult times are not unusual. Yesterday, we reported that Activision chairman and CEO Bobby Kotick earned a $3,079,798 bonus for leading the company through a banner year. So how much did Bonnell receive in departure cash?

Infogrames SA paid Bonnell 3.0 million euros as part of his resignation agreement - that's 4.73 million dollars. In other words, Bonnell earned nearly $2 million more on Atari's poor performance (arguably attributable to his leadership) than Kotick earned in thank-you bonus for his leadership in Activision's record year.

Adding insult to injury, Atari's annual report discloses that Infogrames went over its head to form the agreement with Bonnell:

Neither our Board of Directors nor any member of our management was consulted about the agreement between IESA and Mr. Bonnell and our management was not provided with a copy of the agreement until more than two months after it was signed.

Atari details in its annual report the way that its current activities now largely center on North American publishing and distribution for games developed by Infogrames, though it still holds a library of titles licensed from Infogrames as well, including Dragon Ball Z (FUNimation), Alone in the Dark (IESA),Asteroids, PONG, Missile Command and Centipede (Atari Interactive), Dungeons and Dragons (Hasbro and Atari Interactive), Earthworm Jim (Interplay), RollerCoaster Tycoon (Chris Sawyer and Atari Interactive), and Godzilla (Sony Pictures).

Atari Reports Fourth Quarter Losses; Water Also Wet, Fire Hot

Owen Good — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 09:00:00 MDT

Via Shacknews late Friday, Atari reported $23.6 million net loss in its fiscal year ending March 31, 2008, the last FY on its books before it starts getting a monthly allowance from Infogrames, and a lecture on the value of money.

The $23.6M loss however is one-third the $69.7 fiscal assbeating Atari took in FY07, precipitating the whole Infogrames merger/buyout/$20M loan announced April 30 and taking effect the third quarter of this year. Also, Atari's loss includes about $6.5 million in corporate restructuring charges. rather than regular business. Still, revenue was about $80 million, less than $122 million of a year before. So there wasn't the kind of expenses that go toward publishing ~~crappy games~~ games, but there wasn't anything to sell either.

Some brands, no matter how sickly they become, can just go on forever because they got in the race early, no matter where they dropped out. Just ask United Press International. Or Ovaltine. So if Atari is shifting to social, casual, whatever you want to call it, that's probably going after brand of low-awareness game consumer who thinks Atari's been around forever and will give games under its title a benefit of the doubt that the publisher didn't earn in the past five years.

Atari Reports 23.6M Loss for FY2008[Shacknews]

Poor Kaz Had No Idea Phil Was Going To Atari

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 30 May 2008 05:00:00 MDT

Seeing as the pair were running the show as far as the PlayStation brand was concerned, you'd think Kaz Hirai and Phil Harrison would have at least discussed Phil's move to Infogrames, yes? No. Turns out big Phil's move was as much a surprise to Kaz as it was the rest of us:

At the time, I didn’t know he was going to Atari. It was obviously a surprise when he told me he was going to move on. But, you know, it’s a small industry and he’s obviously remained in it and from his perspective, it was a great thing to move on to a new challenge.

Oh...oh Kaz. There, there. You're still beautiful, OK? It was him, not you. Him.

Kaz Hirai interview…[Three Speech]

Phil Harrison "Would Hope" PS3 Alone In The Dark Gets Trophies

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 29 May 2008 02:00:00 MDT

Before his new gig at Atari/Infogrames, Phil Harrison did tons of cheerleading for Home during his tenure at Sony. But Home keeps getting pushed back, causing PS3 owners to wonder if and when PS3 games will get Achievement-like trophies for Home. Since the PS3 version of Atari's Alone in the Dark isn't out until this fall, it is possible for the game to have trophies? Let's ask new Atari/Infogrames exec Phil Harrison:

If the libraries are available, then yeah, I would hope that the PS3 version can take advantage of that.

"Would hope"? Heck Phil, everyone would hope that.

Harrison Unsure [Multiplayer]

Phil Harrison Talks End of Single Player, Has Friends

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 27 May 2008 05:00:00 MDT

Remember when Infogrames/Atari exec Phil Harrison said the company wouldn't be making another big-budge single player game? Sure ya do! Here, Harrison explains a bit better at what he was getting at: "I think the single-player, disconnected console game is probably in its dotage. Now, that doesn’t mean that those games aren’t relevant going forwards, but they will be enhanced by community features being embedded in them, or downloadable content becoming an inherent part of the experience, or some kind of user-generated content will be part of the experience. All of the things we see in other games, the things that we can point to in compelling games." Fair enough! Speaking of single player, has Phil Harrison made an easy transition to Infogrames from Sony? Says Harrison:

I’ve been here two months now and I’m making a whole new group of friends. It’s like changing schools when you’re a kid.

Sounds like he's not eating lunch alone in the company cafeteria. That'd be sad.

Interview: Phil Harrison on Alone in the Dark and life after Sony [videogaming247]

Atari, Infogrames To Get Merge On

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:40:43 MDT

Can't say we didn't see this one coming. Infogrames, already the majority shareholder in the struggling Atari—the company recently delisted from the NASDAQ stock exchange—will soon "acquire the remaining outstanding equity interests of Atari." Atari will then become a wholly owned subsidiary of Infogrames, something both parties agree (at least in the press release) is good news for the financially underperforming publisher of Dragon Ball Z, Godzilla and Alone in the Dark games.

Infogrames has also agreed to spot Atari $20 million to keep them operationally afloat. You know what that means, Atari employees? Bagel Mondays are back!

Full release after this.

Infogrames Entertainment S.A. and Atari, Inc. Announce Agreement to Merge
Infogrames to Acquire Outstanding Shares of Atari, Inc. for Cash

LYON, France and NEW YORK, April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ —Infogrames Entertainment S.A. (Euronext - ISIN: FR-0010478248) ("Infogrames" or "the Group") and Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR) ("Atari") today announced that they have reached a definitive agreement to merge.

The agreement:
— brings to a close a period of financial underperformance for Atari;
— strengthens Atari under Infogrames' new management team;
— delivers a platform for future growth in the US; and
— offers Atari shareholders an all cash exit.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Infogrames will acquire the remaining outstanding equity interests of Atari (other than shares of common stock held by Infogrames or its affiliates, which would be cancelled) for US$1.68 per share, equivalent to a cash payment of approximately US$11 million. Infogrames is currently the majority shareholder in Atari holding approximately 51.4%. Following the merger, Atari will be a wholly- owned subsidiary of Infogrames. The merger will be funded by Infogrames from existing cash resources. The transaction is not subject to any financing conditions and is expected to close in the third calendar quarter of 2008.

This agreement is an essential and positive development for Infogrames and its shareholders. It brings Atari fully under the control of Infogrames, delivering a platform for future growth in the US. This step closely follows a series of recent major restructuring actions implemented in an effort to reposition Atari, streamline its corporate structure and reduce its annualized costs, including costs related to being a US public company.

The Board of Infogrames believes that full ownership of a restructured Atari is an important step for the Group, leading to a simplified operating structure that will deliver greater efficiency, provide the Group with greater opportunities to expand its US distribution capabilities and strengthen its platform for its global online initiatives.

Commenting on today's announcement, David Gardner, CEO, Infogrames, said:

"Bringing Atari US and Infogrames businesses together will enable us to create a simplified global structure for our business as we seek to re-build a well-managed, cohesive and financially disciplined company. This is a key strategic event for Infogrames that will benefit all of our shareholders. I believe that this transaction will generate significant benefits for the Group."

The management of Atari, Inc., led by recently appointed President and CEO, Jim Wilson, will join the Group upon the closing of the transaction and remain focused on growing the key North American gaming market.

Mr. Wilson said: "By joining Infogrames, we will have the opportunity to further transform Atari. As part of this newly integrated company, we will be better able to streamline operations and have a stronger platform for growth in North America."

The transaction was negotiated and approved by the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Atari, consisting entirely of directors who are independent of Infogrames. In approving and recommending the merger transaction, the Special Committee considered, among other things, the terms of the merger agreement, which permits the Special Committee to terminate the agreement under certain circumstances, Atari's financial position and results of operations, general market and industry conditions, the risks of implementing Atari's business plan, Atari's limited liquidity and the limited range of options available to Atari. The Special Committee also considered the effects of Infogrames' controlling interest, the risk that the transaction will not be completed, the premium to Atari's share price 30 days prior to the date of Infogrames' offer, and the willingness of Infogrames to extend a loan of up to $20 million to Atari to cover expected capital requirements.

The transaction is subject to a number of customary conditions, including the approval of the holders of a majority of outstanding shares. Atari expects to call a special meeting of shareholders to consider the merger in the third quarter of calendar 2008. Since Infogrames controls a majority of Atari's outstanding shares, Infogrames has the power to approve the transaction without the approval of Atari's other shareholders.

In connection with the transaction, Infogrames has committed to lend Atari US$20 million, subject to the terms and conditions of the credit agreement between Atari and Infogrames. This loan will be used to fund Atari's operational cash requirements during the period between the date of the merger agreement and its closing.

SCi Spurns Infogrames Buyout Bid

Leigh Alexander — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:00:00 MDT

French Atari parent Infogrames wants to purchase Eidos parent SCi, and has already extended it a "financially disciplined" offer, Infogrames revealed today via a regulatory announcement.

However, says Infogrames: "The SCi Board has declined, at this stage, to entertain Infogrames' offer."

Infogrames is still raring to go on the bid, though, saying that it has "sufficient resources" to satisfy the offer, and adding it has also "secured commitments" that will help fund SCi's potential working capital requirements. "Importantly," the statement adds, "Infogrames is in a position to move expeditiously with its proposal."

The regulatory announcement suggests the door's still open on the proposal, though there are no guarantees:

"Whilst Infogrames has been considering a range of options, including but not limited to a potential merger with SCi, there can be no certainty that any offer will be made for SCi," said the statement in part, concluding with, "A further announcement may be made, if and when appropriate."

SCi recently got a shot in the arm in the form of a $120 million bailout from investor Warner Bros.,who increased its stake in the company to 20 percent. In the process, SCi gained access to couple WB licenses (Looney Toons, The OC, the Batman comics) — and, apparently, lost 25 percent of its staff as well as some current projects (flagship titles like Tomb Raider, Hitman, Deus Ex and Championship Manager are safe).

When approached for questions, a rep for SCi said he was unable to comment on the company's current business.

Phil Harrison Talks Teh Future of Atari

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:40:33 MDT

Yes, Phil Harrison really does work for Infogrames/Atari. Like really. Instead, Harrison says this about upcoming Atari title Alone in the Dark and what the future holds for the company:

I'm making is that I think the game is very relevant to the market, and I think will do very, very well. Can we afford as a company to chase that up, to USD 80 million, without downstream revenue? The answer is no.

So can we take that kind of production value and smash it into an online community and social experience? I hope so, but it won't be Alone in the Dark.

Sure sounds like something interesting is brewing at Infogrames/Atari. Honestly, we keep waiting for Harrison to say "Laugh out loud, suckers!" about this whole working at Atari-dealio. But he hasn't.
What's next? [Games Industry] [Pic]

Infogrames Setting Alone In The Dark Up For A Fall

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 03:30:00 MDT

Infogrames boss David Gardner has told Reuters "we want to stop losing money". No shit, Dave! As for how they're going to do that, well...they're hoping to sell a lot of videogames. Like the new Alone In The Dark.

Over the life of the product in this business year across platforms we are expecting between 2 and 3 million units.

I know, it's launching on nearly every platform under the sun, but 2-3 million units? In this business year? It's not that it looks bad, just...I have a little trouble believing that many people are excited for it. OK, I'm having a lot of trouble.
Infogrames sees new game selling 2-3 mln units [Reuters]

Atari Delisted From Nasdaq Stock Exchange

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:00:00 MDT

After what feels like years of threats, Atari have finally been handed a delisting notice from the Nasdaq stock exchange, after the company failed to raise the $15 million in market capitalization it needed to stay the executioners axe. An appeal's already been lodged, citing parent company Infogrames offer of a total buyout, but, yeah. Things don't look good. Guess Misseur Directeur Général Délégué has his work cut out for him. Those with a morbid fascination for death rattles can read Atari's full statement after the jump.

NEW YORK, March 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR), an interactive entertainment company, announced today that on March 24, 2008 it received a Staff Determination Letter from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Department stating that Atari, Inc. has not gained compliance with the requirements of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4450(b)(3), and that its securities are therefore subject to delisting from The Nasdaq Global Market.
As previously announced, on December 21, 2007, the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Department notified Atari, Inc. that, pursuant to Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4450(e)(1), unless the market value of Atari, Inc.'s publicly held shares (which is calculated by reference to Atari, Inc.'s total shares outstanding, less any shares held by officers, directors or beneficial owners of 10% or more) maintains an aggregate market value of $15.0 million or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days prior to March 20, 2008, Atari, Inc.'s securities would be subject to delisting. The value of Atari, Inc.'s publicly held shares did not reach that level within the required period. Atari, Inc. intends to request a hearing before a Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Panel in order to appeal the Nasdaq Staff's determination in light of, among other things, the pending proposal by Infogrames Entertainment SA (IESA) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock not held by IESA. The hearing request will stay the delisting and, as a result, Atari, Inc.'s securities will remain listed on The Nasdaq Global Market until the Panel issues its decision following the hearing. There can be no assurance that the Panel will grant Atari, Inc.'s request for continued listing on The Nasdaq Global Market.

Infogrames Want To Buy What's Left Of Atari

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 21:40:00 MST

French company Infogrames are Atari's majority shareholder. Looks like they're soon to be their only shareholder. A letter has arrived at Atari HQ from Infogrames, no doubt signed in a beautiful, flowing script by the company's new Directeur Général Délégué, indicating their desire to buy any and all remaining Atari stocks for USD$1.68 per share. Atari don't have to accept, but then again, they don't exactly have the strongest of bargaining positions at the moment.
Infogrames offers to buy Atari Inc. [GI.biz]

See, Hear Phil Harrison Call Atari "The Best Opportunity"

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:00:47 MST

Just in case you don't believe that Phil Harrison actually left Sony to work at Atari (we're still in shock!), there's this clip of Phil Harrison (not in a blue suit!) actually saying:

The Atari opportunity is the best opportunity that exists in the industry today to redefine, re-focus and re-energize an incredible brand, an incredible group of people towards that networked future. Um, and to do it in a fun way.

We watched this clip five times. It's real.

Why Phil Harrison Joined Infogrames? Magnetic Attraction

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 06:40:48 MST

Two words: Phil Harrison. A game exec so wonderful that we stole his chewing gum (above). Now wonder Infogrames wanted him to help the company become unsucky. But what could make Phil ditch Sony, a company that's clearly on the rebound. Company CEO David Gardner says this about new Infogrames prez. Phil Harrison:

In terms of European leaders in the games development industry, I've always wanted to work with Phil... He's going to partner with me to build the future. He'll be the most senior guy responsible for all the content and network-centric material, all the investments that we make in games... I have to say there is a lot of excitement around this mission that we're talking about, the brand and the people we're talking about — there is a bit of a magnet around us.

A giant money magnet, amirite?!
Magnet [Games Industry]

Phil Harrison's New Job

Brian Crecente — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:10:10 MST

Well, it's Monday and, right on cue, here's Phil Harrison's new job: President and "Directeur Général Délégué" of Infogrames. He is also a member of the board of directors. Shoot, I was hoping he'd stay in the video game industry.

We kid, because we love you, Phil... and we're a little worried.

Harrison will be overseeing the studios and content development for the group, which owns the Atari brand.

"This is the perfect time to join Infogrames and help shape the future of Atari - one of the industry's legendary brands. As the game business moves rapidly online I believe we have an outstanding opportunity to create amazing network game and community experiences for players the world over. I am especially excited to be working on this challenge together with David, one of the most respected leaders and successful executives in our industry."

I'd imagine that Infogrames would have had to drop quite a bit of coin to lure Harrison away from Sony, though I bet that fancy new title helped. Heck, I'd be Directeur Général Délégué for Infogrames just for the business cards.

PHIL HARRISON APPOINTED PRESIDENT (DIRECTEUR GENERAL DELEGUE) AT INFOGRAMES AND JOINS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Former President of Worldwide Studios, Sony Computer Entertainment, with World Class Gaming Expertise Joins Infogrames to Lead Group Publishing and Game Development into the Network Era

Lyon - France, March 3, 2008 - Infogrames Entertainment announces today the appointment of Phil Harrison as President and Directeur Général Délégué of Infogrames Entertainment, reporting to David Gardner. Phil Harrison also joins the Board of Directors

With the recent appointment of David Gardner as CEO, Phil and David will together form the basis of a transformational leadership team at Infogrames that will grow the Atari brand into a leading online game company. Phil Harrison will oversee the Studios and content development for the group. Phil will be in charge of boosting the Group's publishing activities, notably through reinforcing its franchise portfolio of products, developing its new packaged and online games, and strengthening its internal and external studio capability through attracting world-class design and development talent to the organisation.

David Gardner, the CEO of Infogrames, declared: "I am pleased to welcome Phil to Infogrames. He has an outstanding reputation in the industry, as one of the key leaders behind the success of PlayStation. We have been seeking an opportunity to work together for some time and I am certain he will be able to make a significant contribution to the publishing strategy of the Group. Drawing upon Infogrames' strong financial foundation, Phil will have the means to attract new talent, develop studio and online capabilities, and drive forward our publishing activities. I want to work with people that understand fun for consumers and fun in the company culture. We're going to have a lot more of both around here with Phil!"

Regarding his appointment, Phil stated, "This is the perfect time to join Infogrames and help shape the future of Atari - one of the industry's legendary brands. As the game business moves rapidly online I believe we have an outstanding opportunity to create amazing network game and community experiences for players the world over. I am especially excited to be working on this challenge together with David, one of the most respected leaders and successful executives in our industry."

An International Game Development Pioneer Joins Infogrames

Phil Harrison is a leading executive in the field of interactive entertainment software and hardware with a career that spans over 20 years in this industry. He joins Infogrames from Sony Computer Entertainment, where he most recently was the President of Worldwide Studios and headed the PlayStation video games software development business unit. In this position, working closely with the talented game development studios in Japan, Europe, North America and Polyphony Digital, Inc., Phil Harrison was responsible for setting the global product strategy and leading the management team of 16 development studios in 5 countries, with over 2500 employees. Under his leadership, Sony created more than 10 original software franchises that have each generated over $100M in revenue.

Phil spent over 15 years at Sony, where he was a key contributor and innovator in building the PlayStation family of products and developing it into of the most successful brands in interactive entertainment globally. Since launching in December 1994, over 250 million units of PlayStation-branded hardware and more than 2 billion units of software from Sony Computer Entertainment and licensed publishing partners have been sold, making it one of the world's leading entertainment and technology brands.

Phil Harrison started his career in 1989, as head of development for Mindscape International and prior to that as a consultant game designer and graphic artist in the UK. Since joining Sony in 1992, Phil has held executive management positions in Europe and North America, where he served as Vice President, Third Party Relations and Research and Development for Sony Computer Entertainment from 1996 to 2000.

Commenting on this appointment, Michel Combes, Chairman of the Board of Infogrames stated " Having spent their entire careers in the video games industry, David Gardner and Phil Harrison bring their vision, their passion and a proven track-record of success in this arena to Infogrames. Phil Harrison is a great business developer, with an outstanding ability to innovate great products in the games industry. He brings with him an impressive track record from Sony, one of the leading technology, media and entertainment companies in the world. We are delighted that he has decided to join Infogrames at this transformative moment in its history to spearhead our publishing, game development and studio activities".

Atari's Future Is Online

Mike Fahey — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:40:46 MST

In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, new Infogrames CEO David Garner ands more fuel to the server-centric fire, discussing the importance of server-based and free-to-play games to the future of Atari - one of gaming's oldest brands.

"The business and the industry is moving online on a global basis. It's moving at different speeds in different countries, but it's pretty clear to me that the whole way that people are going to want to buy their games, play their games, interface with their games is network centric"

Drat. I was hoping they were going to go back to cartridges. While not that drastic of a backstep, Garner is placing emphasis on the amazing library of properties Atari has accrued over the years to pull them through.

"The good news is that we have a massive catalogue of properties. We have the DNA of every major company through gaming history - the Ocean, GT Interactive, Gremlin, Accolade factory of products, it's a long genetic history.

Here's hoping Atari doesn't fade back into retro t-shirt obscurity again any time soon.
Online gaming is central to Atari rebirth - Gardner [GamesIndustry.biz]

Infogrames Rocks My World

Mike Fahey — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:00:52 MDT

Infogrames was once the world's leading company with an aardvark as its mascot until one day they purchased and eventually became Atari, but I will always remember them fondly...or at least I thought I would. That was before I stumbled upon an mp3 posted at GayGamer of a theme song the company had commissioned to help promote, and I am only guessing here, company-wide seppuku. Just look at the opening lines:

"There's Nascar Heat, Tonka Town...Stuntman makes my head spin round. Beachhead, TransWorld, Freddie 5...Unreal Tournament, Test Drive..."

You pretty much get the idea. The song starts out deep and soulful and soon degenerates into a synth-smeared R&B tune, the chorus of which does a terrible job of convincing anyone that "Infogrames rocks!" I am so not embedding this MP3 here. Hit the jump and prepare to be embarrassed on the behalf of an entire company.

Infogrames Company Anthem < Paris Hilton's Singing [GayGamer.net]

Ten More Years Of Atari D&D

Mike Fahey — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 08:40:13 MDT

Neverwinter Nights fans rejoice! Atari parent company Infogrames and Hasbro signed a new agreement that extends property rights for the Dungeons & Dragons universe for ten more years, up until the year 2017. Atari has been doing a lovely job with Neverwinter Nights as well as the Baldur's Gate series, crafting some of the best D&D video games since the glory days of the SSI gold box titles. The agreement also sees Hasbro buying back the rights to several of their popular board games, including Scrabble, Risk, Battleship, Boggle, and Simon...perhaps fearing Atari would pull a Jenga on them.

The rights to said games were originally transferred back in 2001 when Infogrames purchased Hasbro Interactive, which gave them MicroProse, Games.com, and the Atari name in the first place. So basically Hasbro is buying back rights they sold in a package deal six years ago.

I am wondering if this means the Hasbro buyback titles will all be disappearing from Games.com now and possibly moved over to the new Gleemax strategy gaming site recently launched by the Hasbro-owned Wizards of the Coast. Would certainly be a sound strategy for raising awareness of the fledgling gaming portal. We'll just have to wait and see.

New Strategic Agreement With Hasbro Concerning The Dungeons & Dragons Franchise

DIGITAL GAMING RIGHTS TO BE SOLD BACK TO HASBRO FOR 19.5 MILLION US DOLLARS

Lyon, France, July 18, 2007 - As part of the relaunch strategy announced by the Group on June 21 and the Group's plan to focus its investment on major franchises with significant potential, Infogrames Entertainment SA (Euronext 5257) today announced the signing of a new agreement with Hasbro concerning:

- the extension until 2017 of the exploitation of the intellectual property rights to the Dungeons & Dragons universe, under an exclusive license covering all interactive formats, including online and wireless.

The agreement covers all current and future products that are part of this universe, including NeverWinter Nights, Baldur's Gate, etc.

Two new games have already been announced for fiscal 2007-2008: NeverWinter Nights 2 Expansion Pack for PC and Dungeons & Dragons Tactics for PSP.

- the purchase by Hasbro of digital gaming rights (online and wireless) to nine franchises (Monopoly, Scrabble, Risk, Game of Life, Clue, Yahtzee, Battleship, Boggle and Simon), for 19.5 million dollars (*). This sale will have no significant impact on revenue for the current fiscal year.

"This agreement represents a reaffirmation of our partnership with Hasbro. It is an important step in our business strategy that will allow us to keep and strengthen a franchise with significant potential, while giving the Group additional resources to invest in the relaunch of its publishing business. Dungeons & Dragons is one of the Group's historic intellectual properties on which we plan to expand our business, relying on one of the largest and most active gamer communities in the world of video games," commented Patrick Leleu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

(*) of which, 4 million dollars shall be paid to Atari Inc