Atari Jaguar Press Releases: 1993
ATARI LAUNCHES THE PHENOMENAL JAGUAR; THE FIRST 64-BIT MULTI-MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AND MADE IN THE U.S.A.
SUNNYVALE, Calif. — June 3, 1993 — Atari Corp. , the founder of the video game industry and the creative force behind some of the world's best-known titles, has announced the launch of a revolutionary new multi-media entertainment system, the Atari Jaguar. The launch will be supported by aggressive advertising, promotion and marketing efforts to be centered in the New York market in the fall, with a national roll-out of the product within one year. The Atari Jaguar, housed in a futuristic casing, is an interactive multi-media system based on an Atari-designed proprietary 64-bit RISC processor. The 64-bit system is four times the technology currently seen in the market today. The Atari Jaguar features over 16 million colors in 24-bit true-color graphics and produces shaded 3-D polygons to be manipulated in a "real" world in real time. The Atari Jaguar also has real-time texture mapping and creates spectacular video effects.
The sound system is based on Atari's proprietary, high-speed, Digital Signal Processor dedicated to audio. The audio is 16-bit stereo CD quality and processes simultaneous sources of audio data, allowing for very realistic sounds, as well as human voices, which are essential for future multi-media applications. The Atari Jaguar is truly expandable and will include a 32-bit expansion port which allows for future connection into cable and telephone networks, as well as a digital signal processing port for modem use and connection to digital audio peripherals such as DAT players.
The unit will also have a compact disc peripheral, which will be double-speed and will play regular CD audio, CD + G (Karaoke) and Kodak's new Photo-CD(R).
Currently, there are multiple software titles in development, which will be available on MegaCart(TM). Atari, known for such groundbreaking 3-D titles as "Battlezone 2000(R)" and "Tempest 2000(R)," will issue spectacular new versions for the Atari Jaguar. New 3-D game titles will include "Cybermorph(R)," "Alien vs. Predator(R)," "Jaguar Formula One Racing(TM)" and many more. Atari will license third-party publishers to join the Jaguar family. "The Atari Jaguar system will revolutionize the state of home entertainment as we see it today," said Sam Tramiel, president of Atari. "The idea of a 64-bit system is earth shattering and kids and adults will be amazed at both the imagery and manipulative capabilities. And we are proud that our entry into the multi-media entertainment category will be fully made in America." The Atari Jaguar will retail for approximately $200 and will be available nationwide next year. The Atari Jaguar packaged unit will include one software experience and a Power Pad(R) Controller with a ten-key pad and other special features.
NOTE: Atari Corp. manufactures and markets personal computers and video games for the home, office and educational marketplaces throughout the world. Atari headquarters are located at 1196 Borregas Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94089.
ATARI AND IBM ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC MANUFACTURING CONTRACT FOR MULTIMEDIA ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM
SUNNYVALE, Calif. — June 28, 1993 — Atari Corp. announced today that it has contracted with the IBM Corp.'s Charlotte, N.C., facility to manufacture the Atari Jaguar, Atari's new 64-bit multimedia entertainment system.
IBM's multi-year contract is valued at $500 million.
The Atari Jaguar, to be made in the United States, is an interactive multimedia entertainment system which features over 16 million colors in 24-bit true color graphics and produces shaded 3-D polygons for manipulation in a "real world" in real time. A 32-bit expansion port will allow for future connection into cable and telephone networks, a digital signal processing port for modem usage and connection to digital audio peripherals. The Jaguar will also feature a double-speed compact disc peripheral.
"This system is clearly the wave of the future," said Sam Tramiel, president of Atari. "Because the Jaguar will feature such an array of visual and audio special effects, we wanted to work with a premier company that we are confident can manufacture the quality product we have developed."
The Charlotte-based IBM plant, which for 15 years has manufactured and developed products only for other IBM businesses, just recently began working with outside companies to meet their production needs. The Atari Jaguar project represents one of IBM's first entries into manufacturing for the mass consumer electronics market.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to work with Atari and their new system," said Herbert L. Watkins, director of Application Solutions manufacturing at IBM Charlotte. "Everyone expects IBM to manufacture complex information technology products, and with this, we'll show that we can competitively build a sophisticated consumer product."
In addition to assembling the Jaguar, IBM will be responsible for the component sourcing, quality testing, packaging and distribution. The Jaguar, announced on June 3, is based on an Atari-designed proprietary 64-bit RISC processor that features four times the technology currently seen in the marketplace today. The sound system is based on Atari's proprietary, high-speed, Digital Signal Processor dedicated to audio which can produce CD-quality sound. The Atari Jaguar will be available on a limited basis in the fall, focusing on the New York market. A national roll-out is expected next year, and the Jaguar will retail for approximately $200.
NOTE: Atari Corp. manufactures and markets personal computers and video games for the home, office and educational marketplaces throughout the world. Atari headquarters are located at 1196 Borregas Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94089.
The IBM Corp.'s Charlotte facility manufactures and develops for IBM and other companies a wide variety of products, such as banking systems, automotive diagnostic systems and electronic circuit boards. The site includes 2.3 million square feet of work space on a 1,200-acre site. Its address is 1001 W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28257. Telephone: 704-594-1000.
TIME WARNER VIDEO LIBRARY AVAILABLE TO ATARI JAGUAR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS
SUNNYVALE, Calif. — July 6, 1993 — Atari Corp. has just announced that a library of video clips owned and licensed by Time Warner Inc., the world's largest media and entertainment company, is being made available to Atari or their third-party licensed publishers set to develop titles for the new multimedia Atari Jaguar. The long-anticipated Atari Jaguar, to be introduced in the New York market later this fall, is a 64-bit interactive multimedia entertainment system with high-performance, true color and CD-quality sound.
"Having access to this Time Warner library will be truly beneficial," said Sam Tramiel, president of Atari. "With 64-bit technology, the Jaguar will allow for new heights in software experiences, and the association with Time Warner will add to the reality of the software." The Atari Jaguar's high-level technology includes a 32-bit expansion port allowing for future connection into cable and telephone networks, as well as digital signal processing for modem use and connection to digital audio peripherals. The video output is far superior to video games available today and will allow for more realistic simulations of moving vehicles such as spaceships, cars, planes and figures.
"Our emphasis now is not only the product's affordability and the fact that the Jaguar is made in America, but also that our software titles will be a fun experience on a truly next level," Tramiel said. The Atari Jaguar will retail for approximately $200. A national roll-out is expected sometime next year.
Atari Corp. manufactures and markets personal computers and video games for the home, office and educational marketplaces throughout the world. Atari headquarters are located at 1196 Borregas Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94089.
ATARI CORPORATION REVEALS PLANS FOR JAGUAR RELEASE
SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Aug. 19, 1993 — The Atari Jaguar, Atari Corp.'s 64-bit interactive multimedia entertainment system was unveiled at its headquarters yesterday to rave reactions and applause from the press. Atari's goal is to establish the Jaguar as the industry standard for interactive multimedia performance, made in the United States at an affordable price.
Open to targeted gaming publications, as well as national and local media, the news conference served to show the press actual working Jaguars. A prototype of the CD peripheral, to be introduced next year, was also shown. The press had an opportunity to view several games in development, which included titles such as "Trevor McFur in the Crescent Galaxy," a spectacular true color, three dimensional multi-faceted game, "Alien vs. Predator," based on the blockbuster motion pictures from 20th Century Fox, and "Cybermorph," showcasing the Jaguar's ability to manipulate 3D shapes in a 3D world in real time.
In addition, Atari President Sam Tramiel announced plans to distribute 50,000 Jaguars in the New York and San Francisco markets this year, with a national roll-out next year. "We plan an aggressive advertising and marketing campaign for the fall," said Tramiel. "And by next year, we plan to sell more than 500,000 units."
The news conference also served to bring to light technical aspects of the Jaguar which had not been made public until now. Presentations were made giving an overview of the Jaguar's 64-bit system architecture and actual proprietary chips which took Atari three years to develop.
"The system's 64-bits are true 64-bits," said Tramiel. "There is over 100 times more power in this compact unit than both the SNES and the Genesis."
ATARI ANNOUNCES JAGUAR DEVELOPERS
SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Sept. 24, 1993 — Atari Corp. Friday announced its initial list of developers for the Atari Jaguar 64-bit Interactive Multimedia system.
Since July, 20 developers have signed license agreements to publish game titles for Jaguar. Additional high-profile developers and publishers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
"Developer response to Jaguar has been overwhelming — we've accomplished what we set out to do by attracting the industry's top developers," said Sam Tramiel, president of Atari. "The tremendous power of Jaguar removes the programming barriers that exist on all other gaming platforms, allowing developers to focus their energy and imagination on creating truly revolutionary video games. The technological prowess of our developers coupled with Atari's aggressive marketing and comprehensive developer support programs will create a new industry standard for multimedia performance."
The developer list includes:
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The strength of the Jaguar platform has attracted the industry's premier developers, allowing them to immediately begin programming the industry's first 64-bit video games. Comments include:
"We're excited about the reality of an advanced video game system retailing for approximately $200 and delivering technology comparable or superior to announced systems costing over three times as much. Atari pioneered the video game industry — it's good to see them at the forefront of innovation once again." — Kelly Flock, executive vice president of Trimark Interactive
"Kids, don't waste your Christmas money on something else, this Cat is the new king of the video game jungle." — Terry Grantham, president of Telegames Inc. (Telegames will release "Ultimate Brain Games" and "European Soccer Challenge" for Jaguar in the spring and summer of 1994. "The 64-bit power of the Atari Jaguar allows us to move light years beyond today's game standards." — Kris N. Johnson, president of Beyond Games Inc. (Beyond will release "Battlewheels" for Jaguar in the second quarter of 1994.)
The power of the Jaguar development environment allows programmers to:
— Create the industry's first 64-bit video games
— Deliver unprecedented true-color graphics, stereo CD-quality sound and animation speed
— Enjoy unsurpassed ease in creating real-time 3-D virtual worlds
— Unleash programming creativity previously hampered by the restrictions of all other gaming platforms
Atari Corp. manufactures and markets video games and personal computers for the home, office, and educational marketplaces. The Sunnyvale-based company manufactures Jaguar products in the United States and is publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol ATC.
ATARI'S JAGUAR GRABS FIVE HOT ACCOLADE TITLES; 64-BIT INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM ATTRACTS LEADING PUBLISHER
SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Nov. 11, 1993 — Atari Corp. together with Accolade Inc. of San Jose, Calif., a notable publisher and developer of Sega and Nintendo video games, Thursday jointly announced a licensing agreement that will enable Atari to bring five proven, hot titles from Accolade to consumers on the new 64-bit Jaguar Interactive Multimedia System by Fall 1994.
The new approach with the Jaguar by Atari brings faster, smoother animation and enhanced sound and graphics to these hit titles.
Commenting on the company's decision to work with Atari, Accolade's chairman, Alan R. Miller stated, "That Atari Jaguar is definitely cool, new technology that is being introduced at a price point attractive to consumers. We think Atari has a real shot at establishing Jaguar as a successful system, and we want be part of that effort."
The Accolade titles for Jaguar include:
— Al Michaels Announces HardBall III — Built on the reputation of the best selling HardBall series of computer and video games, Al Michaels Announces HardBall III features a full 162 game season, 26 accurately rendered stadiums and the Emmy award winning commentary of Al Michaels.
— Brett Hull Hockey — This action-packed simulation features input from and the digitized skating of the NHL's most popular All-Star player, Brett Hull. Several modes of play are offered including exhibition game, 11 game short season, 42 game half season and an 84 game full season offered by no other hockey simulation game.
— Bubsy in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind — The world's supply of yarnballs is seriously threatened in one of the year's most popular video games, and it is up to Bubsy Bobcat, "a hero for cryin' out loud!" to put a stop to the yarnball plundering Woolies.
— Charles Barkley Basketball — With a jump start, court-time integrates Barkley's fast-breaking, intimidating, whatever-it-takes-to-win playing style into an intense basketball game.
— Jack Nicklaus' Power Challenge Golf — The Golfer of the Century is just one of four fully-digitized golfers in this award winning game that features two Nicklaus designed golf courses, English Turn Golf Club in New Orleans and Sherwood Country Club in California.
"Accolade's list of titles adds significantly to the Jaguar product line," said Sam Tramiel, president and chief executive officer of Atari.
"Accolade's proven titles enhanced by the 64-bit power of Jaguar will enrich the Jaguar player's library of video games with life-like sports adventures and real-time 3D animated characters that speak. The Accolade titles help us to attain our goal of delivering a high quality selection of Jaguar titles that will entertain all age groups."
Accolade is a leading worldwide publisher, developer and distributor of entertainment software for PC compatible computers and leading video game machines, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo, Gameboy and Sega Genesis.
Atari Corp. manufactures and markets video games and personal computers for the home, office and educational marketplaces. The Sunnyvale-based company manufactures Jaguar in the United States under contract with IBM.
ATARI SIGNS 15 MORE NEW SOFTWARE COMPANIES; JAGUAR MOMENTUM ACCELERATES; TOTAL OF 35 AGREEMENTS SIGNED
SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Nov. 29, 1993 — Atari Corp. has announced that 15 additional leading software companies have signed agreements with Atari for Jaguar — the world's first 64-bit interactive multimedia home entertainment system. Jaguar is available this month in the New York and San Francisco markets at a suggested retail price of $249.95.
Bringing the total number of Jaguar licensees to 35, the following new companies have inked agreements with Atari:
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"We're pleased to add more of the top software companies to the Jaguar family," said Sam Tramiel, president of Atari. "With Jaguar, developers enjoy unsurpassed ease in creating real-time, 3D virtual worlds. They are not bound by the technological limitations of antiquated systems or stringent programming requirements. Jaguar gives developers the freedom to spend more t on the creative process, producing games for Jaguar players that are rich in color, animation, texture and sound."
Some of the hot, new titles for Jaguar include:
— Activision's current IBM PC hit, "Return to Zork" will soon become available to Jaguar game players. "Return to Zork" challenges players to solve numerous puzzles as they try to save humanity from the evil spirit, Morphius. Motion picture quality production values and technological innovations make "Return to Zork" a challenging interactive entertainment experience.
— Accolade's titles promise fast, hard-hitting sports action with "Al Michaels Announces Hardball," "Brett Hull Hockey," "Charles Barkley Basketball" and "Jack Nicklaus Power Challenge Golf." Also available will be "Bubsy, in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind."
— id Software, well known for the hit "Wolfenstein 3D," is developing a Jaguar version of the much awaited first-person perspective 3D game, "Doom: Evil Unleashed." In "Doom," the player is a space marine that has been suddenly flung into hell and the safest place is behind the pistol. Atari will be the publisher and distributor of the Jaguar version of this title.
— Known for "Wing Commander" and "Tank Platoon," Microprose, a leading simulation company, has teamed with Atari to develop superior military games for Jaguar. Most immediately, Microprose plans to create a Jaguar version of its simulation helicopter game, "3D Gunship 2000."
— Gremlin, one of the top publishers in the United Kingdom, will develop a number of its proven titles for Jaguar including, "Zool 2," based on the exploits of the Ninja for the Nth Dimension.
— UBI Soft International plans a number of games for Jaguar, including the famous "Jimmy Connors Pro Tennis." UBI Soft represents more than 80 percent of the entertainment software publishers in the French market, with distribution rights to more than 30 labels worldwide, including LucasArts.
Jaguar is the only video game system manufactured in the United States. Atari has contracted with IBM Corp. to manufacture the Jaguar in its Charlotte, N.C., facility.
Atari manufactures and markets video games and personal computers for the home and educational marketplaces.