The first Atari hotel will break ground in Phoenix this spring
Who has not ever played the legendary Pong? Two lines and a point traveling from one side of the screen to the other were enough to emulate a table tennis board in two dimensions and in black and white.
Pong was the first game developed by Atari, one of the largest video game and console producers in the United States , also creator of Asteroids, Pac-man, Galaxian, Enduro or Montezuma.
Currently, Atari develops or distributes games such as Act of War, Alone in the Dark, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai, Driver, Test Drive or RollerCoaster Tycoon , among many others.
However, his latest project is not a video game, but themed hotels inspired by video games!
The brand announced an agreement with GSD Group – a leading innovation and strategy agency – to acquire the rights to build Atari-themed hotels in the United States.
“The first Atari hotel will break ground in downtown Phoenix (Arizona) in the spring of 2020 and we hope to open in April 2021”, they tell from Atari Hotels to Traveler.es
Atari
A HOTEL FOR LOVERS OF VIDEO GAMES
Atari, a pioneer in the video game industry, thus becomes a pioneer in a new and exciting concept: a unique lodging experience that combines the iconic brand with a one-of-a-kind video game themed destination.
The atari hotels will have totally immersive experiences for all ages and gaming abilities, including the latest in VR (virtual reality) and AR (virtual and augmented reality). In addition, they will also have the latest in rooms and studios to host esports events.
The development and design of hotels is being led by the GSD Group of Shelly Murphy and Napoleon Smith III , responsible for the success of the reboot of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie franchise.
True North Studio, a leading Phoenix-based real estate developer – currently working with GSD Group and Steve Wozniak's Woz Innovation Foundation – will develop the first Atari-branded hotel.
“We are delighted to partner with GSD Group and True North Studio to build the first Atari-branded hotels in the United States. Together we will build a space that will be much more than a place to stay" said Fred Chesnais, CEO of Atari, in an official statement.
"Atari is an iconic global brand that resonates with people of all ages, countries, cultures and ethnic backgrounds and we can't wait for our fans and their families to enjoy this new hotel concept."
According to the statement, More than 2.5 billion gamers worldwide spent more than $152.1 billion on games in 2019 alone , with an increase of 9.6% year over year and one of the most distinctive trends being the fact that “gaming is that gamers gravitate towards recognizable intellectual property”.
“Atari Hotels will offer consumers exactly that, bringing together the origins of gaming and the future of the booming industry in a fun and unique travel destination”, they say from Arati.
Shelly Murphy added, “The Atari hotels will be the first of their kind in the United States, offering gamers of all ages the latest in immersive entertainment and all aspects of gaming. We are excited to be working on this project with such great partners and to bring a great win to Arizona."
According to a story from Atari Hotels to Traveler.es, "the initial plans are that eight more hotels will be added to the first hotel in Phoenix, which will be located in Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, Austin, Seattle, San Francisco, and San Jose."
“However, this is only the beginning and we may expand to more cities,” they add.
Although the design plans for the hotels are still being finalized, Atari Hotels tells us that the accommodations will have a gym and swimming pool and that the theme of video games will be incorporated throughout the property, including the rooms, but these details are still being polished.
“The response from individuals and companies around the world who want to become part of Atari Hotels has been tremendous! Everyone is ready for this hotel and so are we!” they conclude.
Gamers –and non gamers– of the world: Ready to sleep –or not– inside a video game?