Atari Secures Rights to Classic Simulation Game Transport Tycoon for Future Expansion

Atari Acquires Rights to Chris Sawyer's Iconic Simulation Game Transport Tycoon Atari has officially announced the acquisition of the rights to Chris Sawyer's renowned simulation classic, Transport Tycoon.

Originally developed by Chris Sawyer and first published in 1994 by MicroProse for MS-DOS, Transport Tycoon quickly established itself as a staple in the simulation genre, offering players the chance to create and manage a thriving transport empire. Background and Enduring Legacy Transport Tycoon immerses players in the role of a transport company manager during the 1930s, challenging them to build a logistics network using trucks, trains, ships, planes, and helicopters to transport cargo and passengers across expansive maps.

Upon its release, the game garnered significant critical acclaim.

Next Generation magazine praised it as "the best economic sim since Civilization," while Computer & Video Games highlighted its excellence as “the ultimate sim on wheels.” Its success led to an enhanced version, Transport Tycoon Deluxe, in 1995, as well as ports to platforms including Macintosh, PlayStation 1, Sega Saturn, iOS, and Android. In recent years, the enduring popularity of Transport Tycoon has been further buoyed by the community-driven OpenTTD project.

This open-source remake, available for free on platforms like Steam and GOG, updates the deluxe edition for modern operating systems and introduces expanded features, modding capabilities, and improved gameplay. Atari’s Commitment to the Franchise Addressing the acquisition, Atari Chairman and CEO Wade Rosen stated in an official press release that the company is "honored that Chris Sawyer has entrusted us with Transport Tycoon, and our team is dedicated to both honoring and advancing his landmark creation." The press statement also revealed that Atari intends to expand both digital and physical distribution of the game, with potential plans for new titles and content.

Additionally, efforts are underway to explore brand and merchandising collaborations as part of a broader initiative to preserve and grow the iconic simulation franchise. Atari’s Portfolio of Classic Simulation Games The acquisition places Transport Tycoon alongside other Chris Sawyer classics in Atari’s growing portfolio.

Atari already holds the exclusive publishing rights to the RollerCoaster Tycoon theme park simulation series, as well as Locomotion, which is regarded as a spiritual successor to Transport Tycoon.

This strategic move underscores Atari’s ongoing commitment to the simulation genre and its legacy franchises. With Atari now at the helm, fans can anticipate renewed interest and ongoing development for Transport Tycoon, ensuring its place as a foundational title in simulation gaming history.

Atari Chris Sawyer Transport Tycoon MicroProse OpenTTD Transport Tycoon Deluxe RollerCoaster Tycoon Locomotion