Atari Secures Acquisition of Chris Sawyer's Transport Tycoon

Atari has revealed its acquisition of the iconic simulation game Transport Tycoon IP from its enigmatic creator, Chris Sawyer.

The game, originally released in 1994, is known for its complex gameplay and detailed pixel graphics, allowing players to manage a transport company during the Great Depression.

In Transport Tycoon, players take control of a transport company in 1930 when the world’s economy is reeling from the Great Depression. From these depths they are charged with building a transport empire using trains, ships, trucks, planes and helicopters. As their empire grows they can leverage technological advances to move more passengers and cargo while they fend off computer-controlled rivals.
a description of the game

Atari plans to expand the game’s distribution, consider developing new titles or content, and explore brand and merchandising collaborations.

The game has received continuous praise for its balanced ease of use and realistic simulation.

We are honored that Chris has entrusted us with Transport Tycoon and our team is committed to both honoring and advancing his groundbreaking creation,
said Atari Chairman and CEO Wade Rosen.

Transport Tycoon was released in 1994 for DOS, with expanded edition ports available for Mac, PlayStation, and SEGA Saturn released later. Additionally, a mobile version was made available for both Android and iOS, but the Android version is no longer accessible.

Atari has also published other titles by Chris Sawyer, including Locomotion, which is considered a spiritual successor to Transport Tycoon, as well as the RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise.

Atari recently increased its purchase of retro brands and IPs with its acquisition of Intellivision (including 200 games) in May, along with indie titles such as Surgeon Simulator and Totally Reliable Delivery Service.