Atari Is Launching Its Own Cryptocurrency (Yes, Really)

Atari, it would seem, is a company of many hats these days. The company launched itself back into the spotlight with the reveal of its Linux-based Ataribox, and we can even take the "many hats" idiom literally in this case, as it has also lent its name to the Atari Speakerhat, a baseball cap with speakers built into the brim. Atati isn't stopping there, and now it's made what is perhaps its strangest announcement yet.

Atari, as it turns out, is getting into the world of cryptocurrencies. The same can be said for a lot of companies these days, but Atati seems to be taking an interesting approach. In a French press release issued last week, Atari says that it has partnered with Infinity Networks to create the Atari Token, which will be at the center of a decentralized blockchain-based platform.

In other words, Atari is interested in launching Atari Token as a way for consumers to purchase "any form of digital entertainment," including movies and video games. Atari is also partnering with Pariplay to launch new casino platforms this year, which will use Atari's games and accept most cryptocurrencies, including a second one from Atari called Pong Token.

"Blockchain technology is poised to take a very important place in our environment and to transform, if not revolutionize, the current economic ecosystem, especially in the areas of the video game industry and online transactions," Atari SA CEO Frederic Chesnais said in last week's announcement. "Given our technological strengths with the development studios, and the global reputation of the Atari brand, we have the opportunity to position ourselves attractively in this sector."

As strange as it is, this decision to develop cryptocurrencies of its own seems to be working out well so far for Atari, as Bloomberg reports that its stock has been climbing ever since the announcement. We'll see what ultimately comes from this – and if anything Atari is currently developing will ever be available in United States – soon enough, so stay tuned.