Atari Signs Empire Interactive Distribution Deal

U.S. publisher Atari, Inc. has signed a multi-year deal to distribute UK publisher Empire Interactive’s titles in North America, with the games being jointly marketed by the two companies. Currently announced titles due for release this year and next includes the September launch of Animal Paradise on DS; Pipe Mania on PS2, DS and PSP; and Unsolved Crimes on DS. Hello Kitty: Big City Dreams on DS is due for release later this autumn. "Empire’s strong product line-up is a great addition to Atari’s distribution portfolio, allowing both companies the opportunity to extend their reach to the growing mass market gaming audience," says Atari president and CEO Jim Wilson. "This new partnership will allow Empire to reach the widest consumer audience during this upcoming holiday season,” says Empire sales VP Karim Farghaly, vice president of sales for Empire Interactive. Parent company Infogrames has in recent months been angling Atari toward a focus on distribution rather than development. Atari recently reported a $3.5 million profit in its first fiscal quarter, after struggling for some time against sustained disappointing results and numerous delisting warnings.