June 11, 2025, 10:16 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Just buy the iconic brand Commodore? A YouTuber recently received an offer he never expected.
An entire generation witnessed the success story of Commodore firsthand. By the time the C64 was released in 1982, the company was a hot topic in the tech world, and even today, the brand and its machines enjoy a cult following—some units are still in commercial use, such as in a U.S. bakery. However, the manufacturer has long ceased to be relevant. Nevertheless, fans are planning new projects, including YouTuber Christian Simpson. He initially intended to secure a licensing agreement—but instead, he was asked if he wanted to buy Commodore outright.
Buying Commodore Instead of a Licensing Agreement
Simpson runs the channel Retro Recipes, which, as the name suggests, focuses primarily on old technology. Therefore, the creators of the C64 play a significant role in the content. Simpson has taken it upon himself to revive the old brand by releasing new products. This is intended to be done in close collaboration with the fan community, who are to help shape the future of Commodore.
The rights to the brand have changed hands several times over the decades. Since 2021, Commodore Corporation B.V. in the Netherlands has been responsible, primarily engaging in licensing deals. Simpson wanted to finalize a licensing agreement with them to produce new hardware under the name and logo of the former industry giant—from fans for fans.
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Fans Know Best Anyway
For this, Simpson wants to pay 6.4 percent of the revenue as fees to the B.V. However, at the end of his video, where he outlines his plan, he reveals the rights holders’ reaction. In an audio message, they offer him licenses for use. But they also suggest that Simpson could simply buy Commodore as a whole. Apparently, Simpson and his team know more about the brand than the current rights holders.
What happens next is not yet known, as the video ends on this cliffhanger. However, a sequel titled “Live and Let Buy” has already been announced and is expected to answer whether Simpson will buy Commodore and if the brand will change ownership again after four years.
Whether this is even feasible is also unknown. Without professional investors, Simpson and the fan community are unlikely to have the financial means.