Atari picks up Ghostbusters
Beleaguered title finds new publisher for 2009 release
Atari has announced that it has picked up the former Vivendi title Ghostbusters: The Video Game and added it to its 2009 release schedule.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Activision dropped the title following its merger with Vivendi, along with 50 Cent, World in Conflict and Brutal Legend.
"Ghostbusters: The Video Game is a fantastic addition to Atari’s global line-up in 2009," said Phil Harrison, president of Infogrames Entertainment.
"The title has built considerable anticipation and excitement among game fans for its high quality action and all-out mayhem," Harrison added. "There's no more thrilling Ghostbusting experience to be had, short of building your own proton pack."
This news confirms rumours that Atari has picked up the title alongside Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, possibly paying a flat fee to Activision-Blizzard for both games to cover a portion of the development costs.
Atari has said it will work closely with Sony Pictures to publish the title, written Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd and featuring the original cast of the popular film franchise.
"We're thrilled to partner with Atari on Ghostbusters: The Video Game," said Mark Caplan, vice president of Licensing-Hardlines for Sony Pictures Consumer Products.
"As one of our studios' most valued film franchises, we wanted to develop a video game that would be exciting for both new and old fans and with Atari we have a publisher that fully understands Ghostbusters, and is committed to producing engaging entertainment that fans will thoroughly enjoy."