Universal Pictures Is Turning 10 Iconic Atari Games Into Movies in a New Studio Partnership

Summary

Universal Pictures is teaming up with Atari and Entertainment 360 to create movies based on 10 beloved classic video games. The agreement covers iconic titles like Pong, Asteroids, Centipede, and Missile Command. Producer Guymon Casady, along with writers Matt Reilly and Carl Hampe, will be heading up the creative process for these large-scale action films.

Hollywood is increasingly turning to video games for big movie ideas. Universal Pictures has just made a deal with Atari to create films based on ten of their classic games. They’re working with Entertainment 360 to adapt these early, pixelated game worlds for the big screen.

The deal includes a collection of beloved classic arcade and console games. Titles like Asteroids, Adventure, Berzerk, Breakout, Centipede, Crystal Castles, Millipede, Missile Command, Pong, and Yars’ Revenge are being considered for new movies. These influential games were key to the start of video gaming and now provide a fresh starting point for big-screen adaptations. The studio attempted an *Asteroidsbased movie back in 2009, but it was ultimately cancelled.

The project is starting with an already-written script that the studio has purchased. Written by Matt Reilly, a former studio executive, and Carl Hampe, the script is based on one of ten well-known game titles, though the exact game is being kept secret. Both Reilly and Hampe will also be producers on the movie. Hampe has experience with big-budget action films, which he’ll bring to this project.

Guymon Casady, a producer at Entertainment 360, is heading up the creative development of this exciting project. He explained they’re building an expansive action adventure game inspired by the creativity of classic games. Wade Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Atari, also shared his excitement about reimagining their iconic library for a new audience. He pointed out that Atari’s worlds continue to resonate with people even fifty years after they were first created.

This major agreement highlights a growing trend: turning classic video game franchises into large-scale movie universes. With recent video game movies proving hugely successful at the box office, studios are now hoping to attract similar audiences with more adaptations. The first film in this new series is planned to start production late next year and is currently expected to be released in theaters in 2028.

2026-07-24 11:56