Deliver Your News to the World

Atari Partners with Casual Game Portal Mousebreaker to Create a Branded Mini-Game for the Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers Launch!


WEBWIRE

Atari, SA, one of the world’s most recognized videogame publishers has partnered with leading flash-based free casual games portal Mousebreaker to create a branded online mini-game in support of the launch of Atari’s new action-packed arcade style baseball themed videogame – Backyard Sports(TM): Sandlot Sluggers.

The game, which launches this week in North America for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and Windows PC Download, offers hours of entertainment with laugh-out-loud comedic commentary and exaggerated animations for a one-of-a-kind gaming experience. The game is packed with loads of surprises and stars a neighbourhood full of fun and diverse kids.

To support the game release, Mousebreaker has created an original promotional online mini-game incorporating all the key attributes of the popular Backyard Sports franchise, which Atari will use as part of its integrated marketing campaign to support the launch. The Sandlot Sluggers mini-game is browser-based and allows players to get ready for the family-friendly full version of the baseball game which is now available in stores across North America. Players have a range of challenges to complete – from scoring a homerun to avoiding striking out – all allowing players to unlock bigger challenges and different fields.

Mousebreaker deputy editor Alan Martin adds: “It’s a testament to the skills of our developers that we’ve managed to capture the spirit of the full version of the game in a browser window, so everyone can try before they buy. I’m really pleased with the result, and it’s fair to say I’ve personally done more ‘testing’ than was strictly necessary! In fact, I may go for just one more ’test’ right now...”

The game will also be seeded through a number of other casual games sites, optimising opportunities for baseball fans of all ages to get their first taste of Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers.

Mousebreaker publisher James Thrower adds: “We’ve used our expertise in developing great, quality, fun and addictive flash games to produce a lite, flash version of Sandlot Sluggers, incorporating Atari’s branding, characters, fields and power ups. The end result is a perfect taste of the game, and – through our expert marketing – seeded in a highly targeted manner to find exactly the right audience.”

About Atari, SA
Atari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment for interactive game platforms that include PC, online, consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone). Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Eden Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc.

Atari benefits from its global brand and an extensive catalogue of popular games based on classic game franchises (Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Lunar Lander®), original owned franchises (Test Drive®, Rollercoaster Tycoon®, Backyard Sports™, Deer Hunter®), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek Online, Champions Online) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters®, Project Runway™, Dungeons and Dragons®).

For more information please visit www.atari.com
© 2010 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.
Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

About Mousebreaker
With 4.5m unique users a month Mousebreaker is the largest UK-based casual games site for young men. Launched in 2001, it joined IPC Media’s popular male brands including NME, Nuts and Loaded in 2008. The website is best known for its popular sports games, topical satirical games and cheeky British sense of humour present throughout its game catalogue. Its most popular games have been recognised by games enthusiasts as been among the best on the web, while The Guardian has recognised its status as publisher of some of the internet’s most addictive sports games. No news item is safe from the satirical bite of Mousebreaker’s game designers, with swine flu, Jedward, Fred Goodwin, Emmanuel Adebayor and even Gordon Brown feeling the effects in recent years. In addition to the site’s regular games output, Mousebreaker produces games for global blue chip brands including Sony Pictures, Foster’s, Disney and ESPN.

Mousebreaker has been at the forefront in introducing innovative advertising formats including full page takeovers and the revolutionary InSkin game wrapper.

Recently Mousebreaker has launched on a dedicated Facebook site and has launched one of its most successful franchises, Blast Billiards onto the iPhone becoming a Top Ten Paid Games Bestseller and leapfrogging games such as Grand Theft Auto, Rock Band and Tetris. Blast Billiards also made the number one position in paid-for sports games on the iPhone.



WebWireID118094





This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.