Atari signs 10-game deal with Universal for movies based on Pong, Breakout, Centipede, and yes, really, Pong

Universal and Atari have entered into a licensing deal to adapt 10 classic video game properties into feature films, according to reporting by PC Gamer. The multi-picture agreement marks an effort to translate some of the earliest foundational arcade titles into cinematic projects.

Initial Confirmed Adaptations

While the agreement encompasses 10 total properties, only three games have been publicly confirmed as part of the deal so far:

• Pong
• Breakout
• Centipede

The remaining seven Atari game properties included under the 10-movie arrangement have not been disclosed.

Unannounced Production Details

Specific production details for the adaptations remain unannounced. No directors, writers, or actors are currently attached to the projects, and neither Universal nor Atari has released a production schedule or estimated release windows for any of the titles.

How these abstract, early arcade concepts will be adapted for the screen has not been outlined. The original games featured minimal visual narrative, leaving the narrative direction for feature-length film adaptations completely unconfirmed.

A Long Corporate History

This movie deal represents the latest chapter in a long history for the Atari brand. Originally founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, Atari pioneered the early arcade and home video game console industries according to historical records summarized by GamesIndustry.biz.

Over the following decades, the Atari brand underwent numerous corporate restructurings, splits, and ownership transfers. Previous parent companies and owners included Warner Communications, Hasbro, and Infogrames before the brand eventually evolved into its current modern entity.

---

• PC Gamer Hero image: https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4jXqRyZhaKCQQZ8q4GPQbm-1280-80.jpg