Atari buys MobyGames database for $1.5 million

Atari has purchased long-standing video game database MobyGames for $1.5 million.

The company secured the option to purchase MobyGames at that price in November 2021 and had until March 2022 to complete the deal.

Explaining why it finally pulled the trigger, Atari said it wants to "give back" to the community by helping MobyGames continue its goal of documenting, celebrating, and preserving video games.

"Supporting MobyGames allows us to give back to the community, and contribute to its growth and success,” said Atari CEO Wade Rosen. "It’s important to Atari that MobyGames retains every bit of its integrity, and we’re committed to supporting the site in ways that improve the experience for both contributors and users."

MobyGames general manager Jeremiah Freyholtz said Atari is a partner that will "provide the investment and support we need to complete long-planned site improvements."

Freyholtz, who will continue as general manager, added the move will allow MobyGames to continue as an important community-driven project, and claimed the deal puts the database in the "best position" for long-term stability.