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## Atari’s Strategic Acquisitions Over the Past Year

Over the past year, Atari's mergers and acquisitions team has been working diligently to expand their catalog and enhance their market position as the leading retro gaming publisher. They have successfully acquired a dozen titles from Stern, including beloved games like *Berserk* and *Frenzy*. In addition, Atari secured the rights to the back catalog of Mattel's M Network games and even obtained the iconic Intellivision name alongside much of its games library.

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These strategic acquisitions have not only reinforced Atari’s standing in the gaming community but have also paved the way for a wider access to classic games for fans. However, despite these significant advancements, one notable omission looms large: the classic games from Activision.

## The Legacy of Activision and Atari's Missing Titles

When reminiscing about Atari's rich legacy, many fans inevitably mention the classics they enjoyed, including *River Raid*, *Kaboom*, *Pitfall*, and *Mega Mania*, all published by Activision. This brief overview serves as a reminder that while Atari has made strides in revamping its offerings, it still lacks control over the rights to many fan-favorite games published by third parties like Activision.

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This prompts an intriguing “what if” scenario: What if Atari were to strike a deal with Activision for the rights to their classic games from the 1980s?

## Dream Scenario: Atari's Acquisition of Activision Classics

Imagining a world where Atari manages to secure rights to Activision's treasures generates numerous benefits for both the company and retro gaming enthusiasts. My vision for this scenario does not entail a complete buyout of Activision, which, under Microsoft's ownership, is an expansive and powerful entity. Instead, it focuses on Atari negotiating for specific rights to those treasured early games, like *Starmaster*, *Enduro*, *Chopper Command*, and *Dolphin*.

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If Atari successfully acquired these rights, their library of retro games would receive an impressive boost. Popular console compilations that currently feature staples like *Centipede* and *Missile Command* could expand to include iconic titles from Activision, creating a more compelling offering for consumers.

## The Future of Game Publishing and Reissues

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Integrating Activision’s classics into Atari’s catalog could significantly enhance their publishing strategy. Beyond basic reissues for cartridges, there’s substantial potential for delivering new physical re-releases of fan-favorite titles, which would undoubtedly draw increased demand among gamers. Additionally, the availability of these Activision titles could facilitate splintering into an array of reimagined versions that retain the essence of the originals while adding modernized features.

Imagining beloved games like *Fishing Derby* featuring hundreds of different fish or an updated version of *Mega Mania* with enhanced enemies and power-ups is not only exciting but represents a rich potential for Atari to capitalize on nostalgia while appealing to modern audiences.

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## Exploring New Opportunities with Modern Adaptations

In recent years, Atari has crafted a niche for itself, exploring avenues beyond simple re-releases. By developing new games inspired by original titles, they have demonstrated their openness to innovation within their historical framework.

What if *Pitfall Harry* were placed into an expansive open-world jungle, or *Sea Quest* encountered gigantic sea monsters in an immersive ocean setting? These ideas highlight the vast possibilities for adapting Activision's classic franchises in a modern context.

## The Hidden Potential of an Activision Deal

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Breaking down the potential for an acquisition reveals more than just classic gaming nostalgia. In the late 1980s, Activision gained rights to numerous classic titles from the iMagic library, effectively acquiring beloved games like *Atlantis*, *Dragon Fire*, and *Demon Attack*.

Atari seizing the opportunity to leverage these iMagic titles while negotiating for Activision’s classics could create a powerhouse of retro gaming under one roof. This would not merely enrich Atari’s offerings but would unify vintage gaming culture under an umbrella that has shown passion and skills in revitalizing classic games.

## A Final Thought: Fantasies of Acquisition

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While this is a speculative scenario, it is one filled with potential upside for Atari. The idea of an acquisition deal that brings forth a resurgence of retro gaming under Atari’s care is certainly a topic worth considering. As Atari continues to explore ways to enhance its catalog, it may be worthwhile to entertain the prospect of negotiations with Activision for their invaluable library of classic titles.

What are your thoughts on this fantasized acquisition? Are there specific Activision or iMagic games that you would love to see reimagined? Engage in this conversation and share your thoughts; it’s a dialogue worth having.