Atari nabs Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 rights for up to $7 million

Atari has purchased the rights to Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 from Frontier Developments in a deal worth up to $7 million.

The company currently manages the Rollercoaster Tycoon franchise under a “long-term licensing agreement” with series creator Chris Sawyer and is currently working to develop new titles, expand digital and physical distribution, and explore brand and merchandising collaborations.

As part of that agreement, Atari publishes other key entries in the series including Rollercoaster Tycoon, Rollercoaster Tycoon 2, Rollercoaster Tycoon Classic, and Rollercoaster Tycoon Puzzle.

Atari will now step in to publish Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 as a result of the deal, which will see it hand over an initial consideration of $4 million before paying a “potential deferred cash consideration” worth $3 million.

“As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rollercoaster Tycoon with Chris Sawyer, I am really pleased that we can unite this important and successful title in the series with the rest of the franchise,” said Wade Rosen, chairman and CEO of Atari, in a press release.

“This is going to create new opportunities for Atari as we continue the great work done by Frontier, and bring benefits to the fans of games across the Rollercoaster Tycoon franchise.”

Atari has made a number of notable acquisitions and investments of late. Last year, the company bought System Shock remake developer Nightdive for up to $19.5 million, made a minor investment into retro console maker Playmaji, and purchased preservation and restoration studio Digital Eclipse in a deal worth up to $20 million.

The company is currently attempting to regroup under the leadership of CEO Wade Rosen after reporting significant losses in 2022. It has made commercialising and reviving retro IP the cornerstone of its business and last year snapped up 100 vintage franchises including Bubsy and Hardball.