Summary
Atarihas bought the publishing rights toRollercoaster Tycoon 3, and all major titles in the franchise, from Frontier Developments. The sale closed at $7 million and includes the rights to eight series titles.Atariand franchise creator Chris Sawyer’s deal includes a long-term licensing agreement for the games as well.
TheRollercoaster Tycoonfranchise is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Upon its release in 1999,Rollercoaster Tycoonpopularized the theme park genrein a way that is echoed in some of today’s amusement park construction and management simulators. Released in 2004,Rollercoaster Tycoon 3remains the most current series title on PC and Switch. Some titles are available to play on mobile as well.
Announced on theAtari blog, the company is now the sole publisher of all major titles in theRollercoaster Tycoonfranchise. These include the series titlesRollercoaster Tycoon Classic, Rollercoaster Tycoon 2, Rollercoaster Tycoon 3,and spin-offs likeRollercoaster Tycoon Deluxe, Rollercoaster Tycoon Joyride, Rollercoaster Tycoon World, Rollercoaster Tycoon PuzzleandRollercoaster Tycoon Touch. Frontier Developments will maintain its sole ownership ofPlanet Coaster, the veritable successor toTycoon.
Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 Publishing Rights Sold To Atari
The game, as published by Atari, promises to maintain all its original modes and features. The primary update toRollercoaster Tycoon 3that set it apart from its predecessors in 2004 was the viewpoint - from an isometric frame to fully immersed 3D graphics. Players can also take a first-person perspective on their own rides, set up musical fireworks performances, and create a wider variety of peeps, the NPCs who frequent the park. And with thereplay value of games likeRollercoaster Tycoon, nostalgia plays a role in the popularity of this title as well.
The acquisition of the publishing rights to all majorRollercoaster Tycoontitles by Atari comes with a promise to expand the franchise further. With brand and merchandising collaborations as part of the agreement, new designs and promotions are bound to show up. Without having to worry about publishing, Frontier Developments have continued to expand their horizons with itsown titles, hinting thatPlanet Zoocould soon be on consoles.
Though 20 years old, the franchise has maintained its popularity, withthe complete edition ofRollercoaster Tycoon 3released in 2020on Switch. The games will continue to be made with the publishing rights to all major titles now in control ofAtari.
