Editorial: Atari Pulls Out of E3: Sony Pulling Strings?

GameStooge takes a look at Atari's choice to pull out of E3 2009, and notices Sony's hands all over the decision.

Excerpt: "It's a pretty bizarre decision for a company that has just been crawling out of oblivion, with its first strong lineup in probably over a decade. Why would it suddenly bury its games? It's a pretty strong indicator that Sony has a lot to do with the decision, after Atari sold EU publishing rights to them.

Let's examine this game by game..."

[pwnsause]

worst site ever, what a coincidence huh?

[Pennywise]

Wow... he was talking about champions online, tekken... wtf is wrong with this site. What does this have to do with Sony? LOL It really sounds like one of the posters here wrote the article. Ridiculous.

[fishd]

I blame Sony not only for this but also for Swine flu,Aids,Cancer,etc etc...

[Chris399]

The article is pure speculation. We should really have a "creative writing" section here on N4G for pieces like this.

P.S. MS beat-up my mom while Sony watched. I have proof. I wrote an article. On my blog. It must be true.

[fishd]

HOLY GREAT MOTHER OF GOD!

The 'author' of this pos is the very definition of delusional!!!!

[SL1M DADDY]

Games were not as good looking ont he PS3, even after Peter Moore moved over to the joint... Yeah, there is about as much conspiracy there as there is here. None.

[evrfighter]

switch the words Sony with Microsoft and this would have been taken as gospel.

[Wizeguy21]

I think this article gave me cancer :-(

[RememberThe357]

Your probably right, but it doesn't change the fact that this is bullshit.

EDIT: Wait, do you see that? It let be post "bullshit". It must be Sony pulling strings here at N4G...

[Nihilism]

"what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."

[prunchess]

I've seen some lazy fan-boy sh!t posted on N4G but that article is an embarrassment. The snide remarks about Phil Harrison made me sorry I ever clicked the link.

I wont make that mistake again, gamestooge.

[heroicjanitor]

But when he tried to write an article about it was stuck and yeah he is a retard.

[sonarus]

Stupid blogs for the fukin loss

[InfectedDK]

Fail

[The Lazy One]

Roswell NM, July 7, 1947. An alien space craft rumored to land. Over the next 62 years a remarkable explosion in technological discoveries occur, including visual screens as thin as notebooks. Sony Electronics is one of the largest manufacturers of these screens. Coincidence?

[gameplayer]

Sony's CEO started helping an old lady across the street when he suddenly pushed her into trafic and she died.

True story.

[Microsoft Xbox 360]

LOL @ that Billy Madison quote.

[morganfell]

Ready 2 Rumble Revolution, a major sports title for the Wii? If that is your major sports title then Sony did you a favor.

[BrianC6234]

"Wow... he was talking about champions online, tekken... wtf is wrong with this site. What does this have to do with Sony? LOL It really sounds like one of the posters here wrote the article. Ridiculous."

What I really want to know is what do Sony and Atari have to do with Tekken 6. I sure don't get that one. Is Atari publishing Namco games now?

[pixelsword]

Atari has announced it would pull out of E3 2009, stating:

Atari has made the proactive decision to attend but not exhibit at this year’s E3 event. Although we feel E3 benefits the entire games business, we are very focused around other selling and marketing initiatives for our upcoming Ghostbusters, Champions Online and other to be announced titles.

It’s a pretty bizarre decision for a company that has just been crawling out of oblivion, with its first strong lineup in probably over a decade. Why would it suddenly bury its games? It’s a pretty strong indicator that Sony has a lot to do with the decision, after Atari sold EU publishing rights to them.

Let’s examine this game by game:

* Ghostbusters: The Video Game: The game is coming out in North America the same day of E3, so E3 won’t really help the title. But Sony would benefit from less publicity for the title in North America, since it’s getting limited time exclusivity in Europe. Why publicize a Wii/Xbox 360/Nintendo DS game that’s being released the same time as the PlayStation 3/Playstation 2 and future PlayStation Portable game? What a coincidence, huh?
* Champions Online: Let’s see: Champions Online is coming out for the PC and Xbox 360, while DC Universe Online will be shown off at E3, which is for the PC and PlayStation 3. What a coincidence, huh?
* Tekken 6: For the first time, Tekken will be on a non-Sony console on same release day. What a coincidence, huh?
* Ready 2 Rumble Revolution: A major exclusive sports title for the Wii. What a coincidence, huh?

One last “coincidence”:

* Phil Harrison is now at the head of Atari; he used to be the PlayStation 3 boss at Sony.

On the other hand, Harrison ruined Sony, ruined Infogrames, and now is ruining running Atari. What a coincidence, huh?

[FAT MAN GO BOOM]

The writer of the article has now clue none what so ever...

what a dumb ass... it is sad that I clicked on this and gave his site a hit...

[Naucious]

ok and who on this site gives a sh@t? hmmmm i for one dont? I cant remember the last atari game i played? lol cant knock the journalist hustle on trying to get hits....

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

and so it begins. The only think i blame Sony for is my unnaturally strong thumbs.

[Narutone66]

for making poorer by releasing a lot of great games I like to play on the PS3.

[DJ]

Sounds like Atari just made a smart decision and saved a ton of money. If they don't have a lot to show off, there's no reason to show up.

[RememberThe357]

Maybe they decided to reallocate the resources they were going to put into E3.

[JonahFalcon]

You know, some might consider it shrewd business by Sony... though it's funny how the PS3 started to rebound AFTER Harrison left.

[fishd]

Wow,you Dreamcast fanboys won't give up hating Sony,never ever

Just sad.

[Dragun619]

Iono about but I recall that Atari agreed to give SCEE publishing rights for Ghostbusters for a limited time in Europe and not being sold to SCEE.

And why would Sony have anything to do with Atari pulling out? If anything they would support them! I mean come on! Phil Harrison!
And Shrewd Business? The only business Sonys been doing is producing Quality games unlike buying Exclusive DLC and doing Deals under the table, MS and Square Enix. Seriously 3 xbox360 games and FF13 on XBox360 along with Front Mission, yet nothing released on PS3. Wtf.

[cayal]

"You know, some might consider it shrewd business by Sony... though it's funny how the PS3 started to rebound AFTER Harrison left."

You know, some might think you are a completely clueless moron who is not only writing a baseless article but acting like a complete fanboy in the process. What a coincidence, huh?

[ultimolu]

Your article is horrible. Please, you give real journalists a terrible name.

[No Way]

Ya know.. I never thought that I'd agree with you..
but, ahhh, I just did.. Haha. :)

This is a stupid article.. =/

[jack_burt0n]

shoot him in the face.

[StanLee]

While Atari's decision to not exhibit at E3 is surprising, the reasons in the article are almost asinine. While the decision may coincidentally be beneficial to Sony, it doesn't serve Atari's business interests in anyway. While Ghostbusters will be released the day of E3, it's an IP that has had considerable exposure. My suspicions are the other IPs mentioned just aren't ready to be shown/demoed.

[LONEWOLF231]

lol wow i wonder if this report would of had the same reaction if it would of said MS pulling the strings? Would you guys have called him a 13yr old or would you have been agreeing with him.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

Come on! You already know the answer to that one.

I do find the points the article brings up interesting and have a funny coincidence about them. It's just a conspiracy theory and really has no solid grounds to stand on but if true..

haha Atari! Sony has you buy the balls now, the "good 'ol Sony boy" Phil Harrison at the wheel stearing you right into Sony's lap. Hope the $$$ was worth it.

[No Way]

Not like I really care..

But, it's quite obvious that if had said MS,
The above people would be singing a different tune..

[redsquad]

Your point?
The EXACT same things would be being said (including your response) but it would be different people saying them.
Don't try to adopt the moral high ground when none exists.

[pixelsword]

When I posted how G4 is owned by Microsoft with a direct money trail, you said:

"Yes, you see everytime Microsoft or Xbox 360 get praise it's always paid for.

While $ony it's always well earned and probably under appreciated.

So true Socomnick, so sad but true."

http://www.n4g.com/up/24668...

But this way-off wacky crap with no direct monetary connections you find plausable?

[Elven6]

I wouldn't go that far, since the apparent success of Alone in the Dark Atari has been back on track to returning. They were obviously compensated for the European Ghostbusters issue, a company that needs money to grow makes a smart business move, not much wrong with that? Of course it sucks for gamers, but a company has to think of themselves before the consumer.

[Bill Gates]

Go SONY, go Atari, and flush all the BABOONS.....AAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HA

[-MD-]

You used baboons as an insult twice.

[Bnet343]

I have to pull out when I phuck my girlfriend cause she doesn't want any kids. No condoms needed.

[No Way]

Geez.. You're still here? -.-
And, baboons? What the hell?
You need a new insult.. baboon.

@Kigmal - Uhm.. Okay? Lol.

[ps92117]

Ghostbusters: The Video Game: The game is coming out in North America the same day of E3, so E3 won’t really help the title. But Sony would benefit from less publicity for the title in North America, since it’s getting limited time exclusivity in Europe. Why publicize a Wii/Xbox 360/Nintendo DS game that’s being released the same time as the PlayStation 3/Playstation 2 and future PlayStation Portable game? What a coincidence, huh? Champions Online: Let’s see: Champions Onlineis coming out for the PC and Xbox 360, while DC Universe Online willbe shown off at E3, which is for the PC and PlayStation 3. What a coincidence, huh? Tekken 6: For the first time, Tekkenwill be on a non-Sony console on same release day. What a coincidence, huh? Ready 2 Rumble Revolution: A major exclusive sports title for the Wii. What a coincidence, huh? One last “coincidence”: Phil Harrison is now at the head of Atari; he used to be the PlayStation 3 boss at Sony. On the other hand, Harrison ruined Sony, ruined Infogrames, and now is

[ps92117]

atari. What a coincidence huh?"

lol the kid has issues.

[Gamer_Politics]

Atari is just one big waste of time anyway...they prob dont have anything to show so thats why they pulled out why waste gamers time

[SSCOOLCHEA]

get Phil to head atari and shlt all over the xbots ....Why are people still arguing over the shltbox ? when theres games like killzone 2 , infamous , uncharted , MAG , MLB the show , gran turismo all coming out for the ps3 uncompressed . So I say lets these bots play with crap , they enjoy it

[Bnet343]

Why so serious?

[Snake Raiser]

Wait, where is the motive? The only thing that I can see is that maybe sony wants a takeover of atari, but that is about as likely as mart leaving this site. Which is to say very likely, but not anytime soon. It would be a good idea for sony, but it ain't gonna happen this decade. Especially because atari is already giving up the publishing rights to some games....why would sony want to drop a few gazillion dollars on an old company at this point, even atari.

[Lumbo]

Fact1: Atari is in a dire financial situation
Fact2: E3 attendance is an EXPENSIVE business

Combination of Fact1 and Fact2: Atari decided to safe a shiatload of money by not attending the E3, especially as E3 is not nearly as important marketing wise as it was years ago.

limes{blogauthor having a clue} = 0

[PotNoodle]

Sony announces purchase of Atari..

Atari's games are now shown under sony's name.

GO GO GO!

[dogmeat eater]

Atari is the poor bum you see on the sidewalk. They don't make good games nor do they have any money to afford being at E3!

[Elven6]

Atari might not but parent company Infogrames who fund Atari has money, regardless this is basically Atari trying to save money, nothing more nothing less. The thousands possibly millions they spend at E3 could probably be used to advertise their 09 lineup which so far is looking good.

[Smacktard]

I don't understand how this has anything to do with Sony at all.

Also I lol'd when the guy that wrote the article called Ready 2 Rumble Revolution a "major exclusive sports title." Hahaha, what? It's about as much of a major exclusive title as Rocky and Bullwinkle was for the Xbox 360.

[No Way]

"Rocky and Bullwinkle was for the Xbox 360."

I loved that game!! =P

[Elven6]

Rocky and Bullwinkle was ok, just too expensive!

[Lfmesquite]

They should have them release all their games exclusively to the PS3.

[Timesplitter14]

Editorial : this article is balls

[Rifle-Man]

LMAO!

[Lumbo]

On a different note, why was this crappage not filtered out by the source filter? Wasn't that kind of "news" the whole reason behind the filter to begin with?

[deshon09]

gusse it dose not work

[No Way]

What was the filter for? o.O

[Lumbo]

I am starting to wonder about that, too, no way ...

[mirroredderorrim]

The filter works. It's just the person who posted the "article" has it under 'news' instead of under 'blog'.

[Lumbo]

ahhh ... that nifty scoundrel !!!

[FReeDoM4ALL]

Ouch just got a paper cut! Damn you Sony!

[beavis4play]

have a bubble.

[Unicron]

Sony kicked my puppy and poured grape juice on my white rug too!

[Bathyj]

Sony gave me papercuts and rubbed thinners in them.

[Timesplitter14]

Sony invented death and illness

[KwietStorm_BLM]

I cannot believe this nonsensical excrement was approved. Did you fools even read the "article?" You can't stand on proof, put together by toothpicks and elmer's glue. Nothing he even said makes sense. It has to be a sarcasm article.

[xg-ei8ht]

No aids was caused by the USA, Testing new infections on african people.

9/11 was done by the CIA.

Bush and his arsehole father brought USA to it's biggest low ever. And now you've exchanged a muppet for a puppet.

In other news, SONY buys more shares in KFC. Sells shares in Walls.

[air1]

old news...

[beavis4play]

sony is responsible for cancer, world hunger, and war?

can this story be reported for stupidity?

[ultimolu]

Lmfao, what?

The hatred of Sony is just...wow. I don't even know where to begin.

[deshon09]

just took a huge dump danm you sony lol

[Bathyj]

This actually falls in line with what I said before.

Atari likely cant afford to Publish the game in Europe on other consoles. Sony said, sure well do our machines, but they didn't neccessarily stipulate any exclusive deals, they're just taking care of their own business. Whats stopping M$ from doing the same?

Everyone just wants to jump on Sonys back, never even considering that it might just be Ataris money problems stopping the game getting out.

[mastiffchild]

Which, as a few of us said at the time, is seemingly what happened in a nutshell over the EU Ghostbusters releases. Atari Eirope are being bought by Namco and Sony didn't want the game going down the pan when it coibcides with their BR release of the films. Simple as.

Obviously, however, the whole of this article is right and Sony are just being petty and cruel to the millions of Wii gamers waiting on E3 for news of Ready to Rumble, no? And in no way to do with Atari reallocating funds to advertising rather than expensive E3 displays.

[BlackIceJoe]

What is this crap Phil was and still is great. He did so many great things for the Playstation brands that I can't believe I read this and wasted my time.

[Ellessdee]

he sure does have a tick against sony if he can spot that many coincidences. but he does an excellent job in not explaining a single way in which sony would of actually managed to talk Atari out of E3. a list of coincidences means nothing.

[HackMaxx]

http://www.gamersreports.co...
Just to avoid the coincidence huh repeats.

He had some good points such a shame it was ruined by such bias.

[360isgreat]

Big mistake imo.

[ForROME]

Lame, Article Fail

[mcgrawgamer]

Harrison ruined Sony???? the author of this article must be 9.

[Kleptic]

Phil Harrison to MS and Nintendo: "pwned"...

[cardgenius]

Garbage website and a garbage article. Look how he goes into the comments so he can defend him self. lol

[FFXI101]

How about they just change their mind and save it for TGS?

[Jeff257]

What an idiot. Thats nothing but pure speculation and flamebait. Id like to see one shred of proof for any of his claims. of course he wont have them. He even tried to say Sony is responsible for Atari not showing Tekken 6. Of course they wont show it because guess what they arent making it. This article should get pulled and the guy should never be allowed to contribute any of his crap here again.

[Agrahim]

I'm never gonna click on a link for Gamestooge.com again. What a coincidence, huh?

Seriously, that article sucked.

[andron]

N4G will be at Defcon Red Alert when E3 finally hits...

[Microsoft Xbox 360]

That's one less multiplatform game to lookout for at E3.

[JJFNIGHTS80]

I think SONY have every right to have Ghostbusters game TIME EXCLUSIVE ON THEIR SYSTEMS FIRST. Look at what M$ did to SONY IN THE PASS HAVING EXCLUSIVE AFTER EXCLUSIVE. But i still say Atari should be at E3 to show off their game Ghostbusters on the PS3 System. And everyone knows SONY PICTURES OWNS COLOMBIA PICTURES, which is the truth. But I say this time exclusive will help them sell the PS3 Hardware. ONLY MY OPINION.

[Johnny Rotten]

this was written by stooges for stooges.

[AngryTypingGuy]

Wait, so Ghostbusters WILL be available in June for Xbox 360 in North America? I may be late to the table on this, but it looks like Sony's timed exclusivity deal is only for EU. On Wikipedia, it says

Release date(s)
NA June 16, 2009
EU June 19, 2009 (PS2, PS3), Late 2009 (Xbox 360, Wii, DS, PSP)

So it looks like 360 gamers will indeed get to play Ghostbusters in June if you live in North America. Awesome! And if you live in EU, it's not a true Sony exclusive, only timed!

[GamerPS360]

I agree with article :D

[Morgue]

This site is lame. News 4 Trolls

[Captain Tuttle]

Atari is broke. It's just that simple.

2Old2Play doesn't need to fish for hits like this.

[maspi]

this guy has no informations regarding atari. this could be instead one of the real reasons:

namco-bandai is expected to acquire the entire Atari Europe division and Atari will become US-only brand

http://www.edge-online.com/...

[irish-leprecaun]

he doesnt want to be a product of his wana be a product of his enviroment,
he wants his environment to be a product of him!! best phil quote ever!!

[Azures]

It's great how editorial usually means an idiot's opinion these days.

[danielle007]

Srsly, on a very related yet unrelated point, those comments people left that Jonah Falcon kid on his website are ridic harsh and mean. I mean, I understand that there a bajillion sony fanboys out there who when they see someone diss sony at all, they just go FANBOY SMASH. but, honestly, the Falcon fella obviously tried to write a good article, and he had some pretty ohkay points, but wasn't it just an editorial, so it's an opinion piece, correct me if i'm wrong.
Regardless, people need to calm down, having an opinion is one thing, but no reason to just degrade someone soo terribly, regardless of the anonymity. Jebus rice.

[Azures]

Actually their is no anonimity, his name is actually Jonah Falcon. He's a known asshole, former wannabe porn star, and fulltime loser. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm...

The reason I believe its him is because I've heard his xbox fanboy public access show in new york.

http://www.youtube.com/watc... Jonah getting goofed on by Howard Stern's crank callers.

[danielle007]

I meant anonymity as in the .. well, lame effin phrase here, but keyboard bullies. haha.

[sak500]

So baldylocks going to screw over atari as well as he did ps3rd.