Cryptic Studios props up Atari figures
Encourages publisher to move focus online.
A bumper year for Cryptic Studios – the MMO specialists behind Star Trek Online and Champions Online – has encouraged owner Atari to shift its focus to the online market.
As reported by IndustryGamer, Atari's half year financial report has revealed a worrying slump for the publisher. Revenues are down 60 per cent to €29.6 million compared to €68.5 million over the same period last year.
The only good news was a strong showing for its online division with revenues soaring to €12.9 million from €1.8 million in 2009, largely thanks to Cryptic Studios' efforts.
Duly, Atari has announced it's planning to invest heavily in online gaming to address the decline. It has Asteroids Online, Deer Hunter Online and a new Neverwinter title from Cryptic all lined up, as well as Atari Games Online – a new initiative set up to develop online casual and social games.
A new free-to-play strategy for Champions Online also goes live next year, with similar plans being considered for Star Trek Online.
Among more traditional titles slated for release from Atari over the next 12 months are Test Drive Unlimited 2 and Star Raiders for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and The Witcher 2 for PC.