News
Harrison appointed Atari president
Michael French Mar 3 2008, 10:55pm
Comments (8)
Former SCE Worldwide Studios president to 'lead group publishing and game development into the network era'
Atari brand-owner Infogrames has confirmed that former Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Phil Harrison is joining the company as president, looking after group publishing and game development.
Harrison, whose departure from Sony was announced a week ago, will report to recently appointed CEO David Gardner, working with him to help turn Atari into 'a leading online game company'. He will oversee Atari's studios and content development and help attract new internal and external development talent.
Commented Harrison: "This is the perfect time to join Infogrames and help shape the future of Atari - one of the industry's legendary brands. As the game business moves rapidly online I believe we have an outstanding opportunity to create amazing network game and community experiences for players the world over. I am especially excited to be working on this challenge together with David, one of the most respected leaders and successful executives in our industry."
Publisher Atari is in the midst of a revamp - it recently signed up other top-tier industry exec and former EA worldwide studios head Gardner to see the struggling firm through what he called a 'reboot'.
Gardner stated when he joined Atari a month ago that he wanted to assemble a 'world-class management team' - a promise now made good on via the hiring of Harrison - and 'build an online platform for distribution and gaming' which would help restore Atari to profitability.
At Sony, Harrison most-recently led the platform-holder's still-in-the-works efforts behind shifting online play towards community and user-made content via upcoming virtual world Home and PS3 title Little Big Planet.
Gardner commented: "I am pleased to welcome Phil to Infogrames. He has an outstanding reputation in the industry, as one of the key leaders behind the success of PlayStation. We have been seeking an opportunity to work together for some time and I am certain he will be able to make a significant contribution to the publishing strategy of the Group.
"Drawing upon Infogrames' strong financial foundation, Phil will have the means to attract new talent, develop studio and online capabilities, and drive forward our publishing activities. I want to work with people that understand fun for consumers and fun in the company culture. We're going to have a lot more of both around here with Phil."
Comments
“Harrison Joined INFOGRAMES, not ATARI”
Posted by: Mike - Mar 3, 11:11pm
When are you guys going to get things straight.
David Gardner joined INFOGRAMES, not ATARI.
Harrison joined INFOGRAMES, not ATARI.
Atari, Inc is headed by Curtis Slovik in the US.
Infogrames (IFG.PA) on the Paris Exchange is one separate company.
Atari, Inc (ATAR on the Nadaq) is another company.
You guys need to get yout your story titles straight.
Harrisson joined INFOGRAMES!
“Re: Harrison Joined INFOGRAMES, not ATARI”
Posted by: TORC - Mar 3, 11:29pm
At last we may get a multi-player ET game! I 've spent too long digging in sand to no avail.Go Harrison!(Can't wait for your flick you busy bee you.)
“Re: Harrison Joined INFOGRAMES, not ATARI”
Posted by: JJ - Mar 4, 1:05am
Infogrames is Atari Interactive; a world wide organization. Atari Inc., the U.S. Company, is in fact owned by Infogrames (controlling intrests).
“Re: Harrison Joined INFOGRAMES, not ATARI”
Posted by: Agreed - Mar 4, 1:12am
JJ's right - the Infogrames/Atari difference is splitting hairs. There was a picture of David Gardner ('Infogrames' CEO and Harrison's new boss) wearing an Atari t-shirt in MCV just a few weeks back - they clearly want the Atari brand to be the key here, not the name of an old French publisher that doesn't have much sway with consumers or the industry.
“Re: Harrison Joined INFOGRAMES, not ATARI”
Posted: Mar 4, 8:45am
Hats of to Atari/ Infogrames for assembling quite a team up there. Things have looked rocky for them for such a long team, but if anyone can turn things round, I'd say this team has the best chance of pulling it off.
Seems like the guy who wrote into MCV last week was right about Harrison's online focus.
“Re: Harrison Good luck your need it...”
Posted by: Dan - Mar 4, 9:11am
Good luck Harrison!!!
Will be a very hard job and like ppl say if anyone can do it you can.
Did not see this coming was thinking more own company of online downloads.
I hope the new games are better than the last load of dribble. I think the days ppl see Atari and think wow buy it are long gone. They need 98% not 62% Test Drive Dummy! I cant see any AAA game they could buy that dont already have big names?
Some times money cant buy you love...
“Don't believe everything you read on the net...”
Posted by: Chuck Norris - Mar 4, 9:19am
And look at this...Err Phil will never change...
“Re: Don't believe everything you read on the net...”
Posted by: _-MrT-_ - Mar 4, 10:38am
@1
Ridiculous splitting hairs. If you're talking Infogrames you by definition also talking Atari. And Atari is the name they will be pushing - not Atari. Now climb off your high horse and calm down.
As for the news - two big appointments that show a real statement of intent from Atari. Will be very interesting to watch them over the next 12 months.