Round-Up: Activision Flashback, PR Serendipity, Sony/Nvidia Strength

Today's round-up includes news of Atari licensing games from other companies for its Flashback 2 'TV game', a merger between two PR companies working in the video game space, and hints that Sony and Nvidia's collaboration on graphics only starts with the PlayStation 3, as well as a new Letter To The Editor and fresh job postings. - In addition to confirming that the Atari Flashback 2 will contain the homebrew winner of the Retro Redux competition, Atari has announced a licensing agreement with Activision to include the Atari 2600 versions of Pitfall! and River Raid in the new standalone unit. The Flashback 2 will be available in August for under $30, and Atari has already indicated its desire to explore other partnerships. "Moving forward, we hope to license additional best-selling classics from other publishers for inclusion on future Atari Flashback products," said Wim Stocks of Atari. - Zeitgeist Communications and Pacific Media Partners have announced a merger between the two PR firms, both of which specialize in interactive entertainment and gaming. The new company will be led by founding members from both companies: Alex Josef from Zeitgeist and Richard Sherman and James Little from Pacific Media. "A strategic partnership like this is long overdue in this industry," said Josef, "It's really time for more companies like ours to ally and try to offer their clients the most creative and progressive service possible." - In comments made to technology website Bit-tech.net, Nvidia Chief Scientist David Kirk spoke about Nvidia's relationship with Sony in working with the PlayStation 3, and indicated that the partnership was even healthier than many had imagined. "Our commonality with Sony has led to a number of product areas that go beyond PlayStation 3," said Kirk. "The business deal is structured so that both companies benefit." Kirk also hinted that "The deal goes beyond PS3. The future is looking good," which could mean Sony adopting Nvidia graphics chipsets as standard in further parts of its consumer electronics line. - Also updated today: a new Letter To The Editor discussing Rafael Chandler's recent Soapbox about storytelling in games, as well as the latest job postings, including positions from companies such as Activision/Infinity Ward, Electronic Arts Montreal, High Moon Studios, iBase Game Studios, The Art Institute of CA, The Collective, THQ, THQ Studio Australia, USC/ Institute for Creative Technologies, and Yahoo!