Online games reduce Ataris H1 loss

Atari’s online games division outperformed its console operations in the first half of the year, but were unable to prevent overall losses in revenue.

For the six months ended September 30th, 2010, the publisher’s online games generated revenues of €12.9 million – a significant increase from the €1.8 million achieved in the same period last year. Key drivers were Cryptic Studios’ Champions Online and Star Trek Online.

However, the console division fell from €66.7 million last year to €16.7 million in 2010 – largely due to the lack of major titles such as Ghostbusters, which was released last year.

Overally, the firm reported revenues of €29.6 million – a 60 per cent drop from the €68.5 million posted last year. However, net losses were reduced to €9.2 million –a year-on-year reduction of almost two-thirds from €27 million.

Atari expects its operating income to break even by the end of the fiscal year. The firm’s efforts will be largely focused on online games such as Asteroids Online, Deer Hunter Online and Cryptic’s upcoming Neverwinter title.