Gamers know about Atari. It is the company that is often credited as creating the home console market. It is also the company often credited with the death of the home console market as well. Through all these years, Atari has found a way to hold on and continue. Through mergers, buyouts, sell-offs, etc., the company has continued. They are currently attempting to return to the home console market with the Atari VCS console. On another front, a cryptocurrency related one, they have made major leaps forward. Atari has found a partner to help with creation and adoption of the Atari Token.
Atari Token and a name
What is in a name? Atari Token was probably chosen because of the nostalgia feel. In the old days of the 80’s and 90’s, we had these huge rooms full of video games. Each company would produce their own style – large screen, bigger speakers, different button layouts, etc. We called these places arcades. Many of you reading this probably experienced them in your younger days. Others may have never set foot in one and only seen them on YouTube or in pictures.
Many arcades, such as Aladdin’s Castle, would produce their own custom coins. Often referred to as “tokens”, these were the only way to play the games. Some of these tokens go for high dollar on eBay now.
This may be why Atari chose to call their new cryptocurrency Atari Token. A nod to the history they are attempting to rekindle.
That partner is an interesting one
The Atari Token is being issued by Atari Chain, Ltd (Gibralter). This company is equally owned by Atari and the ICICB Group. I have never heard of the ICICB Group personally.
Here is the interesting part.
Arkane is a blockchain platform for game developers to monetize digital assets. This company has chosen to integrate, or at least offer, Atari Token as an option for game developers.
“Our partnership with Arkane is another significant step toward broad adoption of blockchain initiatives across interactive entertainment, and specifically our Atari Token cryptocurrency as a secure means to buy, sell, and trade digital assets,” added Fred Chesnais, CEO of Atari Inc.
This means games that use the Arkane framework for monetizing will be able to make use of the Atari Token. Like an arcade like Aladdin’s Castle, gamers should be able to purchase X number of Atari Tokens and then use those tokens in various games. No more having to walk around the arcade to find a machine you want to play; you will be able to select one on your phone.
Will you be supporting Atari Token in the future?
Because I'm a sucker for Atari, I pre-ordered the new VCS long ago. I'll probably pick up a bit of Atari Token too...just in case.
I gave up on pre-ordering anything years ago - I was one of those in on the Duke Nukem Forever pre-orders from the last century. Sadly, I did not keep my receipt (it was like a $5 down payment) so I was out of luck when the game actually released.
I am not saying the VCS will fail, or I want it to (more platforms means more games and we all win then) but it is concerning how they are handling the situation so far.
I am like you though, I am a fan of Atari and will definitely go through whatever hoops I have to in order to secure some Atari Token. You never know.
As much as I love old Atari judging by how they've been the last several years I don't expect this to end well.
I agree, based on their track record it is not something I would put too much into. I will put in $10 or so just for shits and giggles though.