Atari announces revenue decline

Atari's revenues for the the nine month period ending December 31, 2009 have shown a 1.2 per cent year-on-year decline, totalling €92.5 million ($126.2m / £80.5m).

It was a result the company called "stable", however Q3 revenues for the 2009/2010 fiscal year declined by a larger 38.7 per cent to €24m ($32.7m / £20.8m).

The third quarter drop was attributed to a lower number of game releases, although the ones that were released over the 2009 holiday period were more profitable than last year, said the company.

US operation revenues grew by 22 per cent for the nine month period, but this performance was offset by declined revenue in Europe, which dropped by 52.5 per cent.

"Nine month revenues were stable versus last year with a higher share of high margin sales." said CEO Jeff Lapin. "Also, with the additional cash raised recently, the Company has now strengthened its equity and is in a position to work on an expanded publishing plan.

"In early February, Atari launched Star Trek Online, supported by a strong marketing plan. This is a promising MMO game, and I am very enthusiastic about the launch."

Xbox 360 sales made up the largest slice of sales, accounting for 27 per cent of revenues, while PlayStation 3 accounted for 17 per cent, Wii 12 per cent and PC 15 per cent.

DS and PSP accounted for nine per cent and one per cent respectively.

Atari also announced the appointment of a new CFO of the Atari Group, Phil Veneziano. Veneziano joined Atari in August 2009 as CFO of Atari Inc, having previously served in numerous financial management positions at News Corp.

He succeeds Fabrice Hamaide, who left in the light of shifted business operations to the US and the completion of the restructuring.