Atari acquires copyright for five games previously owned by Ubisoft
This move is intended to revive these titles on modern platforms and explore IP development through new content and broader distribution channels.
According to the official statement, Atari will re-release these games under its publishing label while reviewing various opportunities to expand the reach of each franchise through updated versions, additional content, or new distribution strategies.
The five titles changing hands are:
- Cold Fear (2005)
- Child of Eden (2011)
- I Am Alive (2012)
- Grow Home (2015)
- Grow Up (2016)
A brief overview of each title:
Cold Fear: a survival horror game (2005) released on PS2, Xbox, and PC set on a fishing vessel containing terrifying threats, following the character Tom Hansen.
Child of Eden: a rhythm-based shooter directed by Tetsuya Mizuguchi (creator of Rez and Tetris Effect) released in 2011 for Xbox 360 and PS3, known for its focus on motion controls but also playable with a regular controller.
I Am Alive: a post-apocalyptic adventure (2012) about a father returning to find his family, available on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.
Grow Home & Grow Up: a duo of adventure platformers (2015 & 2016) featuring the robot B.U.D. who climbs and grows a giant stalk called the Star Plant to save his home planet.
Wade Rosen, CEO and chairman of Atari, emphasized the shared heritage between the two publishers: “Ubisoft and Atari both have a legacy of creating worlds that make players fall in love with games that resonate not only because of gameplay but also because of how they make us feel. We are very excited to reintroduce these titles while exploring ways to expand and develop these franchises.”
Atari’s move shows a trend in the gaming industry where publishers seek value from older catalogs by bringing back classic experiences with a modern touch or developing them into larger IPs.