Atari CEO Wade Rosen Discusses Dream Remasters and Retro Game Preservation

Atari CEO Wade Rosen Reveals His Retro Game Remaster Wishlist and Passion for Preserving Classics Atari, a legendary name in gaming history, has made significant strides in retro game preservation through its recent hardware launches and partnerships with acclaimed studios like Digital Eclipse and Nightdive Studios.

Under the leadership of CEO Wade Rosen, Atari continues its commitment not only to honoring its past but also reviving classic titles for new audiences on modern platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and digital storefronts like the eShop. Rosen has been actively promoting Atari’s ongoing initiatives, highlighted by the company's acquisition of a controlling stake in Thunderful and the launch of updated hardware such as the Atari 2600+ and Atari 7800+, which celebrate and make accessible the company’s iconic library.

In discussions with Video Games Chronicle (VGC), Rosen spoke about the titles he would most like to see remastered as part of Atari's preservation efforts—games that hold a revered status among retro collectors and enthusiasts. Reflecting on his personal aspirations, Rosen explained that while there must be a commercial rationale to any remaster project, passion for gaming heritage is equally important.

In his words, “If we ever had the opportunity to work on classics like Panzer Dragoon Saga, Ogre Battle, or Snatcher, I would absolutely advocate for it—not for guaranteed success, but simply because working on one of those titles would be a dream come true for me.

However, it's crucial to strike a balance, as making decisions purely based on personal favorites wouldn’t be sustainable for the company.” The games Rosen mentions are cult favorites: 'Snatcher,' crafted by Hideo Kojima, is a renowned visual novel initially released in Japan and later, in limited quantities, in Western markets via the Sega CD.

The Saturn-exclusive 'Panzer Dragoon Saga' is another rare gem, acclaimed for its depth and storytelling yet difficult to find today.

'Ogre Battle,' meanwhile, remains a cherished title for tactical RPG lovers—a series Rosen has previously spotlighted in interviews. Atari’s approach to remastering is exemplified in recent projects like 'Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection,' where, as Rosen puts it, "enduring passion and strong commercial appeal come together." According to Rosen, these projects attract top talent to studios like Digital Eclipse specifically for the opportunity to work on legendary franchises.

On the flip side, remastering more niche titles, such as LucasArts' 'Outlaws' via Nightdive Studios, reflects a willingness to prioritize passion for gaming history even when mass market appeal may be limited. Rosen underscores that successful game preservation requires balance: “If a business leans excessively on numbers alone, it risks losing its creative spirit.

But being driven solely by passion can endanger long-term viability.

It’s about finding that equilibrium.” He adds that the entire team collaborates to select projects, ensuring that both commercial sense and genuine enthusiasm guide Atari’s mission. As Atari continues to revive and remaster beloved classics for modern hardware like the Nintendo Switch and through platforms such as the eShop, Rosen’s leadership aims to honor both the business realities and the deep legacy of video game history.

With studios like Digital Eclipse and Nightdive on board, retro game fans can look forward to a future where iconic titles are not only preserved, but also accessible to new generations.

Atari Panzer Dragoon Panzer Dragoon Saga Wade Rosen Ogre Ogre Battle Digital Eclipse Nightdive Studios Thunderful VGC Snatcher Hideo Kojima Sega LucasArts Outlaws Atari 2600+ Atari 7800+ Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection Nintendo Switch