Atari Partners with B3 to Bring Classic Games to Blockchain
Atari has announced a collaboration with B3 to introduce a selection of its iconic games onto the blockchain for the very first time, starting with the legendary title, Pong. This game not only set the benchmark for the gaming industry many years ago but also holds a cherished place in the hearts of gamers across various generations. By leveraging B3’s platform, Atari is merging nostalgic gaming experiences with innovative blockchain technology.
B3, founded by former Coinbase employees, is recognized as the first Layer 3 open gaming ecosystem aimed at revolutionizing gaming experiences and reintroducing enjoyment into gameplay. The platform provides game developers and studios of all sizes with the tools necessary to launch customized game chains, participate in ecosystem revenue, and seamlessly expand their games across different blockchains and networks, as per the announcements from both companies. Other notable studios and games included in the B3 ecosystem are Heli Attack, Parallel, Mighty Action Heroes, GOAT Gaming, and SuperGaming.
Since its inception, B3 has made significant strides in establishing its ecosystem, successfully onboarding over six million wallets and facilitating upwards of 200 million transactions. Players can conveniently access a variety of games across multiple blockchains with a single login, effectively eliminating the cumbersome barriers often associated with blockchain gaming. The platform’s impressive growth, boasting over 140,000 daily active users, highlights the demand for engaging and accessible gaming experiences focused on enjoyment.
Tyler Drewitz, the head of special projects and director at Atari X, expressed in a statement to GamesBeat that Atari has consistently been at the forefront of gaming innovation. “Transitioning our classic titles to the blockchain signifies a new frontier for us, as it not only aligns with current trends but also acknowledges the unique opportunities blockchain technology provides for ownership and community involvement, which aligns with our vision for the future of gaming,” Drewitz remarked. He emphasized that Atari’s games have always been community-centric, and blockchain offers players a tangible sense of ownership by allowing them to enhance and expand upon the experiences originally created by Atari.
Drewitz highlighted B3’s exceptional grasp of both gaming history and the potential of blockchain technology as a key reason for choosing to partner with them. “B3 has a vision that honors our classic titles while enhancing them through their open gaming ecosystem. Their dedication to creating real value, rather than merely tokenizing assets, helped us realize that on-chain gaming is not solely about speculation; it’s about unlocking new opportunities for play, creativity, and community engagement. B3’s platform allows us to respect our heritage while welcoming innovation, achieving the balance we sought,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Drewitz shared Atari’s perspective on the gaming industry’s future, noting that while nostalgia is significant, it won’t sustain games indefinitely. “We envision a future of gaming that is increasingly driven by community involvement and open access. By transitioning Atari classics to the blockchain, we are encouraging a new generation of creators to make these iconic games open-source and remixable, as we believe this will enhance them through community contributions. It’s a process of preservation through evolution, which is incredibly thrilling,” he stated.
He further added, “One of the most remarkable outcomes of bringing Atari’s games onto the blockchain is the dissolution of traditional barriers between developers and players. By making titles like Pong and Asteroids available on-chain, we are not only safeguarding gaming history but also inviting everyone to partake in its evolution. Imagine the possibilities when countless creative individuals build upon these foundational games, introducing new layers while retaining the essential elements that made them iconic.”
