Reset Atari

[TrekMD]

I received this as an update from the folks making the GCW Portable today.  Figured it was worth posting here.  They are looking to get the Atari brand.  Here is what they posted:

We're Taking Atari Back to its Roots.
We are raising funds to buy the iconic Atari brand, re-launch it, and give it back to you on the GCW Zero portable gaming console.
 
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Atari is the Godfather of gaming.  It is an icon that represents more than just a gaming company: it is one of the most recognizable names in gaming history.  The company recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and its assets are going up for sale.
We believe a new entity could be launched using smart, lean development teams and next generation hardware fit for today's gaming environment.
GCW Zero is an open-sourced, handheld gaming platform that is creating the next wave of gaming:  powerful enough to run classic PC games, emulate the game consoles we grew up with, and run homebrewed games seamlessly at high frame rates.
 
We want to combine the classic gaming experience of Atari with the awesome power of today's handhelds - like the GCW.
 
We need your support and feedback to make this happen.

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More details can be found at the Reset Atari Crowfunding Page.

[Shadowrunner]

I was reading about this earlier. Cool idea, have to keep an eye on this and see what happens.

[TrekMD]

I hope they are able to pull it off.  It would be great!

[dot.fyre]

If it was Atari branded I might think about it but there's already a selection of handheld devices that can be used for this.
And pre-loading it with 20 of Atari's greatest games..... including Pitfall! Really? 

[nakamura]

So they want to sell you a portable emulator device?

[TL]

Considering I had never heard of GCW before they released this handheld I doubt they would ever have the money to buy Atari.

Although I will say that the Zero is a really sexy looking handheld so an Atari logo would not be out of place on it!

[TrekMD]

So they want to sell you a portable emulator device?

The GCW was funded on Kickstarter as a retro emulating device to begin with.  I think what they are trying to do is give it an official Atari spin with this.

[zapiy]

How much is the Atari name going for?

[TrekMD]

How much is the Atari name going for?

They are trying to raise $250,000, so I guess about that much.

[TL]

How much is the Atari name going for?

They are trying to raise $250,000, so I guess about that much.

It's going to cost a lot more than that I can you now. We are talking millions.

[nakamura]

Just for the name? Atari is not even that big anymore. Most people who aren't long term gamers just think Atari is a trendy t-shirt!

Nice little handheld though. It doesn't really need a logo but an Atari one would be kinda cool on it.

[zapiy]

I can't see it being worth millions unless the get IP ownership. If its just to use the trading name going forward its possible its worth as little as that.

[TL]

Just for the name? Atari is not even that big anymore. Most people who aren't long term gamers just think Atari is a trendy t-shirt!

Nice little handheld though. It doesn't really need a logo but an Atari one would be kinda cool on it.

The whole company is up for sale, that is the name and the I.P.

You can't sell one without the other, that is the company.

[nakamura]

Ah that's a different story then.

[TL]

Here is a quote from Curt Vendel who co-wrote the recent Atari book and designed the Flashback consoles for Atari:

Totally clueless attempt... $250K is not going to get anyone to pick up the phone and talk with them never mind them actually buying the brand. I know personally it's going to take $50million to be a serious contender and to be on the short list to even be involved in the auction, so this is a waste of time.