Hipster Whale
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Crossy Road creator Matt Hall named Atari's EVP of Mobile
Atari has appointed Matt Hall, co-founder of Hipster Whale and creator of Crossy Road, as its new Executive Vice-President of Mobile. In this role, Hall will oversee Atari's mobile game expansions, cross-platform compatibility, and infrastructure development.
Changing acquired studios' core identity consistently leads to doom, says Nightdive Studios CEO
Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick believes that acquiring game studios and then forcing them to change their core identity or development practices consistently leads to their eventual downfall. He contrasts this with Atari's approach, which has allowed Nightdive and other acquired studios to continue focusing on their strengths, such as remastering classic games, leading to a more positive outcome.
Mixtape and Bits & Bops dominate the AGDAs 2026 nominated finalists
The Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA) has announced the finalists for the 2026 Australian Game Developer Awards (AGDAs), celebrating Australian games released between July 2025 and October 2026. Mixtape and Bits & Bops lead the nominations across multiple categories, including Game of the Year, Excellence in Visual Art, and Excellence in Sound Design.
FIFA World Cup developer Refactor Games reportedly shuttered by Delphi Interactive
Refactor Games, a studio co-owned by Delphi Interactive, has reportedly been shut down shortly after releasing FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition for Netflix Games. Meanwhile, Atari reported significant revenue growth for its 2025-26 fiscal year, driven by acquisitions, though its consolidated group posted a net loss.
Atari's core business returns to profit, but consolidated group posts $5.5m net loss as Thunderful drags on results
Atari's core business achieved operational profitability for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, with revenue reaching a decade high of $65 million. However, the consolidated group, including the recently acquired Thunderful, posted a net loss of $5.5 million due to Thunderful's significant operating loss. The company's Games and Hardware segments saw substantial growth, and Atari also acquired IP rights to several Ubisoft titles and expanded its stake in Thunderful.
Atari appoints Andreas Deptolla as president of Atari Europe
Atari has appointed Andreas Deptolla as the new president of Atari Europe. Deptolla, formerly the chief technology officer, aims to strengthen Atari's network of publishers, studios, and partners across the region. The company is also focused on expanding existing European studios and is open to strategic acquisitions while continuing to invest in talent and high-quality projects.
Microsoft and Valve sued, PlayStation's first party downturn, and could a UK social media ban impact games? - Patch Notes #55
Microsoft and Valve are facing a lawsuit alleging collusion on PC game pricing and release dates. Separately, PlayStation's first-party game sales have declined since 2020, and Nintendo will comply with EU regulations requiring replaceable batteries in hardware. A potential UK social media ban could also extend to video game platforms.
Business and Finance
Atari has acquired Hipster Whale, the development studio behind the popular mobile game Crossy Road. This acquisition marks a strategic move for Atari to expand its portfolio and leverage Hipster Whale's expertise in the mobile gaming market.
Atari acquires Crossy Road developer Hipster Whale
Atari has acquired Australian studio Hipster Whale, the developer behind the mobile hit Crossy Road, for an initial sum of $29.3 million, with potential earn-outs reaching $40 million. This acquisition aims to bolster Atari's mobile development and publishing capabilities, with Hipster Whale co-founder Matt Hall set to lead the expansion. Atari CEO Wade Rosen highlighted the shared vision for classic retro-style gaming and the potential to expand Atari's mobile business by combining Hipster Whale's expertise with Atari's intellectual property.
Crossy Road developer Hipster Whale acquired by Atari
Atari has acquired Australian mobile game developer Hipster Whale, known for the hit title Crossy Road, for nearly $30 million. This move aims to significantly expand Atari's presence in the mobile gaming market by leveraging Hipster Whale's expertise. The acquisition is a key part of Atari's growth strategy, as stated by Chairman and CEO Wade Rosen.
Bluey and Crossy Road Castle Team Up in Special Apple Arcade In-Game Event
Hipster Whale has partnered with BBC Studios and Ludo Studio to launch a limited-time Bluey update in Crossy Road Castle, available exclusively on Apple Arcade. This crossover event brings Bluey and Bingo characters into the game, featuring a new obstacle course, collectible items, and new challenges released bi-weekly until July 22. The update also highlights the game's multiplayer capabilities and accessible controls for families.