Atari acquires Implicit Conversions to power retro game revival across PS1 and beyond

Atari is making significant strides to establish a stronghold in a resurgent retro video game industry. The company recently acquired Implicit Conversions (via GamesBeat), a Delaware-based studio that specializes in emulation and reviving 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit-era titles on modern hardware and consoles. 

Implicit Conversions is particularly well known for its proprietary Syrup engine, an advanced emulation system that enables the studio to port retro titles without access to the games’ original source code.

The studio has already supported seven classic systems, including the original PlayStation, and PlayStation 2 support is currently in the early stages of development. However, that is just the beginning of the story, as the studio has even bigger goals ahead.

In recent years, Implicit Conversions has revived more than 100 classic games, including Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, Tomb Raider: Legend, Fear Effect, and more for the PS5, PS4, Switch, and PC.

Implicit Conversions has already announced that it is working with Atari subsidiary Digital Eclipse on new projects. Digital Eclipse has been in the spotlight in recent months for its work on three original PlayStation titles in the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection, as well as on the Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition.

A resurgent, leaner juggernaut

Atari has come a long way from its major downfall in 1984, caused by the North American video game crash. The company lost more than $536 million in 1983, leading to its split and sale in July 1984. Now, in 2026, the company is back in action, focusing once again on retro titles.

Earlier in 2023, the company acquired Digital Eclipse for $20 million for its expertise in emulating 8-bit and 16-bit games, as well as for Nightdive Studios' work in the same space.

Atari CEO Wade Rosen elaborated on his strategy, saying:

“Implicit Conversions’ ability to work with 32-bit-era games using their proprietary Syrup engine complements our existing expertise with 8-bit and 16-bit-era games. Alongside the Bakesale Engine and the Kex Engine, we now have an enviable suite of proprietary tools and more engineering talent that will enable us to continue expanding our capabilities across our own catalog, as well as the back catalogs of our IP partners.”

Atari has recently been aggressively licensing its game library and its brand name, leveraging its well-received branding to various ventures, including portable game consoles that often carry its name as their primary selling point.