Atari Breathes New Life Into EVE Online
November 10th, 2008, 3:05 pm by David Chapman (No Comments)
(+2 rating, 2 votes) 
Earlier today, Atari and developer CCP Games announced they’ve entered into a partnership which will see Atari exclusively distribute boxed versions of CCP’s MMO, EVE Online. The game, which has been around since 2003, will begin popping up in retail outlets in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions starting March 2009. In addition, Atari will provide trade marketing services to augment CCP’s consumer marketing initiatives for the game.
According to Atari’s announcement, the new retail distribution deal for EVE Online comes at a time of rapid subscriber growth and technical advancements in the game. EVE Online has attracted nearly 250,000 active subscribers and it has progressed on a technical level which can support massive battles of over 1000 players with minimal lag. In addition, CCP plans to enhance gameplay by rolling out a series of free expansions in 2009.
“Intrepid pioneering is the very foundation upon which EVE Online was built and our digital publishing strategy is an example of how innovation has been a key factor in our success. With Atari, we have found a like-minded partner and a premiere brand that is not only strong globally but also shares our vision in how retail and online services can reinforce each other,” said Hilmar Veigar Petursson, CEO of CCP. “This partnership comes at a great time in the history of EVE where, through a series of technical breakthroughs, we are able to support a vast increase in the number of concurrent players in our single shard persistent world.”
“At Atari we’re working to grow our relationships with the world’s leading online gaming companies and to use our distribution strength to help grow the category for both consumers and retailers. This relationship with CCP is an example of how we can work commercially and creatively to expand the market,” said David Gardner, CEO of Atari. “I have spent time with the creative and commercial leaders of CCP in Iceland and they have built a world class group of dedicated internet game visionaries. I’m honoured that Atari is entrusted with the mission of expanding the CCP universe on earth.”
The boxed version of EVE Online will include the game client, 60 days of subscription time and exclusive extras. It will also include all nine previously released EVE Online expansions. All new expansions will be free of charge to all subscribers, continuing CCP’s release policies.
