Atari Game History

  • Founded by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney

    Atari was one of the earliest and most influential video game companies.
  • "Pong"

    An arcade version of an electronic bat and ball game originally created by Magnavox. The game was successful worldwide.
  • Atari VCS

    The console promoted Time Warner to invest heavily in the company
  • Time Warner takes Ownership

    Bushnell departed.
  • Atari 2600

    The new owner saw immense success in the sells of Ataris VCS but renamed it to the Atari 2600. It was over one thirs of Time Warner's profits and helped Atari become the fastest growing company in American history.
  • Video Game Market Crashed

  • New Owner Jack Tramiel

    Because the video game market crashed Atari and Time Warner both suffered badly and sold the company for $50 cash.
  • Atari 7800

    Atari began developement of a new generation of powerful, affordable personal computers.
  • Atari, Inc changes its name Atari Game, Inc

  • Ataric Games becomes a divsion of Namco

    Namco America,Inc had purchased the tangible assest and the intangible prperty rights associated with the Atari Coin-Operated Games division of Atari Games, Inc for as little as 10 million USD.
  • Layoffs

    Announced 30 layoffs, 5-20% pay cuts for management. The company now employed about 180 people.
  • Atari ST home computer

  • Atari Lynx Handheld Game Console

    It was the first handheld to be in color however it had poor battery life and the overall size prevented it ceom achieving commercial success.
  • A divsion of WMS Industries

  • A division of Midway Games

  • Period: to

    Intellectual properties of Warner Bros. Entertainment