*By Christian Smith*
Classic video game maker Atari is leaving its retro console past behind and embracing esports with a new plan to make head-to-head editions of its most iconic franchises, said the CEO, Frédéric Chesnais.
"You're going to have games where you can play Pong against somebody else just on the phone," Chesnais said Wednesday in an interview on Cheddar.
In April, Atari ($ATAR.PA) announced a partnership with Bayside Games, granting the company exclusive rights to develop "player-versus-player" and "physical skill"-based Atari titles.
The company's push to expand its mobile gaming options comes just five years after its American arm filed for bankruptcy, at which point Chesnais ー who departed the company in 2007 ー returned to the helm to "right the ship."
Now, the French firm is reclaiming its territory in the U.S.
The company announced Wednesday it would be listed on the Nasdaq International's U.S. OTC market, which Chesnais said will make it easier for U.S. investors to buy shares in the company. Atari stock will still trade on the Euronext Paris market.
Atari first rose to prominence in the late 70s and 80s, thanks to games and franchises like "Pong," "Asteroids," and "Centipede."
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/atari-ceo-on-the-companys-growth-strategy-just-a-few-years-after-filing-for-bankruptcy).
Skift airline reporter Meghna Maharishi breaks down how the government shutdown is hitting air traffic control—and what it means for travelers and flight safety
Aya Kantorovich, Co-CEO of August Digital, breaks down Bitcoin’s surge, crypto ETFs, institutional investment trends, and the future of safer crypto access.
Most members of the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate setting committee supported further reductions to its key interest rate this year, minutes from last month’s meeting showed.
Sinead O’Sullivan breaks down Taylor Swift’s genius marketing for The Life of a Showgirl, which just set the record for most albums sold in a single week.
Markets are emerging from a turbulent Q3. Horizon’s Mike Dickson shares insights on interest rates, small caps, and where investors should look in Q4 and beyond
Bambu Ventures's Kyle Pretsch dives into Lemonaid’s $10M buyout, down from 23andMe’s $400M price tag, and what’s next after Chrome Co.’s dramatic pivot.
