Atari has joined forces with Coinbase to bring its classic games, Asteroids and Breakout, to the blockchain through a new venture called the Onchain Arcade. This collaboration, launched as part of the Onchain Summer initiative, represents a significant step in integrating traditional gaming experiences with modern blockchain technology.

By leveraging this partnership, Atari and Coinbase aim to create a platform where players can compete for rewards and where creators receive fair compensation directly from game sales. This move reflects Atari’s continued commitment to exploring new technologies and enhancing player and creator engagement in the evolving digital landscape.

Onchian Summer and Onchain Arcade

About Onchain Arcade

The Onchain Arcade will feature Atari's web2 games Asteroids and Breakout as key components. Players will have the opportunity to mint (buy) these games and compete for positions on leaderboards. Rewards for top performers include the Atari 2600+, merchandise, and game codes. This initiative aims to engage players while also ensuring that creators receive fair compensation directly from the proceeds of game sales. Tyler Drewitz, director of Atari Club and Atari X, commented:

"We’ve found that blockchain technology helps us engage with our community in a myriad of ways, from collaborating on new products and social activations to building competitive leaderboards and rewarding members for participating."

Onchain Arcade x Atari

Atari’s Interest in Blockchain Technology

Atari has been exploring blockchain technology for some time, while the company had previously paused its blockchain game efforts after the departure of former CEO Fred Chesnais, it has re-engaged with the space through projects with The Sandbox and Polycade. The current partnership with Coinbase represents a significant step forward in Atari's web3 strategy.

“For more than 50 years, Atari has been known for innovation in the gaming space, and our early adoption of web3 technology is no different. This is our second year participating in Onchain Summer, and we’re excited to delight both new and longtime fans with Atari classics Asteroids and Breakout as part of the Onchain Arcade.”

Onchain Summer Partners

Details on Participation and Role of Base

Players can start participating by visiting the Onchain Summer page, where they can mint (buy) Asteroids for $5 and compete for leaderboard positions. The game Breakout will be available soon, with ongoing rewards through August 30th.

Coinbase's Base platform plays a key role in this initiative, providing a user-friendly approach to blockchain gaming and simplifying the onboarding process. Drewitz highlighted that this effort is part of a larger trend toward making blockchain technology more accessible and integrated with everyday digital experiences.

“That’s what Coinbase is really pioneering, especially with all this Onchain Summer that they’re doing. And that’s what we’ve seen the last few years. That’s why we wanted to be a part of it last year. And that’s what we’re seeing this year. They’re really making it accessible and enjoyable. And so that’s the next step. And then once people understand that it’s not all bad, and it’s fun, and it’s easy, then they can continue to do more on it.”

Onchain Summer by Base

Final Thoughts

The collaboration between Atari and Coinbase signifies a notable development in merging classic gaming with blockchain technology. The Onchain Arcade enables players to engage with classic games such as Asteroids and Breakout in a contemporary digital setting. 

This partnership aims to enhance both player experience and creator compensation, addressing long-standing issues in the digital content industry. As the Onchain Arcade progresses, it offers a practical example of how traditional gaming can adapt to new technological frameworks, providing a balanced approach to integrating nostalgia with modern advancements.

Source: venturebeat.com