Atari acquires Crossy Road maker Hipster Whale for $29.3 million
Atari has officially acquired Hipster Whale, the Australian studio behind the popular game Crossy Road, in a deal valued at $29.3 million. Of this amount, $3.3 million will be paid in shares of Atari. Additionally, there is potential for another $10 million to be added to the total if Hipster Whale meets specific performance targets over the next three years.
In the fiscal year ending January 31, 2026, Hipster Whale is projected to generate $8.28 million in revenue and $4.63 million in profits, as indicated by its EBITDA. Atari anticipates that the acquisition will finalize in the coming days.
Hipster Whale first gained recognition with Crossy Road, which has achieved over 340 million downloads since its launch. The studio has also developed other notable titles, including Pac-Man 256, Disney Crossy Road, the Peggle-inspired Piffle, and the Apple Arcade game Crossy Road Castle.
Following the acquisition, co-founder Matt Hall is expected to spearhead Atari's mobile development initiatives. Atari is currently engaged in mobile projects for platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and AirConsole’s in-car gaming offerings.
Hipster Whale now joins Atari’s roster alongside Digital Eclipse and Nightdive Studios, both of which specialize in retro game remakes. Under the leadership of CEO Wade Rosen, Atari has seen a resurgence in recent years. Rosen stated that the merger aligns well with both companies' strengths, combining Hipster Whale’s mobile gaming expertise with Atari’s legacy in premium gaming to enhance their mobile business.
Why it matters
Matt Hall emphasized Hipster Whale's passion for arcade gaming, noting that their mission has always been to bring arcade spirit to mobile audiences, a strategy that has resonated with players globally. The partnership with Atari is seen as a way to merge their unique mobile development approach with Atari's robust intellectual property and licensing capabilities.
Original source
MobileGamer.biz
