Exclusive: Atari Unveils Breakout Beyond

Atari is making waves again with the announcement of Breakout Beyond, a fresh and vibrant take on the arcade classic Breakout. This new rendition, crafted by Choice Provisions, the creative force behind the Bit.Trip series, promises to breathe new life into this legendary game. Breakout Beyond is set to join Atari’s prestigious lineup of revamped classics, following closely on the heels of 2022’s Breakout: Recharged.

Originally launched in 1976, Breakout took the arcade world by storm, captivating gamers and raking in impressive earnings in both the U.S. and Japan. Its popularity led to a quick adaptation for the Atari 2600, and by 1978, the sequel Super Breakout was making its mark in arcades. Intriguingly, the game’s initial development involved the likes of Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, who would go on to establish Apple Computer Company. Almost five decades later, Atari is shaking up this revered series, offering gamers a chance to enjoy the arcade powerhouse from a whole new angle.

Breakout Beyond, set to hit PC and console platforms in March 2025, isn’t just about demolishing bricks anymore. Players will find themselves crafting strategic combos to break through walls, triggering eye-popping visual and audio effects. Special blocks add another layer of excitement, unlocking perks like defense boosters and mighty laser cannons. This time around, players will navigate through 72 levels with a twist—they’ll move sideways, offering a fresh perspective on gameplay. Breakout Beyond also offers two-player co-op, an endless mode, and a global leaderboard to up the competitive ante. To further enhance their experience, players can engage a new focus mode that slows down time, allowing for precision shots.

While Breakout Beyond was initially intended as an exclusive for the Amico Intellivision, Atari stepped in to acquire and finish this promising title. “We’re ecstatic to present this gem to our audience,” declared Ethan Stearns, Atari’s Senior Director of Games Publishing. “Our team was taken by the inventive twist on Breakout’s core mechanics, and we’re eager to see the creative combos players will devise.” This release marks another chapter in Atari’s ongoing mission to revive its historic franchises, with titles like Centipede: Recharged in 2021 and Yars Rising in late 2024.

In recent years, Atari has embarked on a series of strategic acquisitions, strengthening its footing within the gaming community. The notable 2024 acquisition of Intellivision brought two legendary names together, heralded by many as a win for the preservation of video game history. Additionally, early 2024 saw Atari reenter the arcade realm after a quarter-century, through a partnership with coin-op specialist Alan-1.

Founded in 1972, Atari laid the groundwork as a pioneer in arcade games and home consoles, achieving massive success with hits like Pong and the Atari 2600. However, the 1983 video game crash splintered the company into Atari Games and Atari Corporation after some tough financial times. Despite these challenges, Atari has shown resilience, merging with IESA in 2008 and charting a comeback from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2013. As part of its rejuvenation strategy, Atari has expanded into diverse ventures, including the launch of the Atari VCS console, innovative software, and even themed hotels, solidifying its legacy in the gaming industry.