July 29, 2026, 2:41 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Simple pixel classics are set to become major cinematic adventures: Universal Pictures has acquired the rights to ten legendary Atari games. Planned adaptations include brands such as “Pong,” “Asteroids,” and “Missile Command.”
Universal Bets on Retro Gaming
Following films and series based on well-known game brands, Universal Pictures is now tackling some of the oldest video games ever. The studio has acquired the film rights to ten Atari classics, including “Pong,” “Asteroids,” “Breakout,” “Centipede,” “Adventure,” and “Missile Command.”
The production company Entertainment 360 is acting as a partner. According to a report from “Deadline,” an initial feature-length film is set to be produced first. Atari CEO Wade Rosen describes it as an opportunity to bring the well-known brand into a new medium. The company’s games have been part of pop culture for decades and have influenced generations of players.
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It’s Still Unclear How the Games Will Be Adapted
Which of the Atari brands will be adapted first is currently unknown. It also remains unclear whether the first film will focus solely on a single game or combine elements from several classics. The source material presents a unique challenge: Many of the games in question come from a time when stories played little role, and players’ imaginations replaced the narrative.
Therefore, an approach similar to films that unite multiple game worlds in a single story is possible. It’s also conceivable that Universal will develop a completely new storyline merely inspired by the well-known Atari brands. There is no official information on this yet.
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Matt Reilly and Carl Hampe are responsible for the script and production. They are supported by producer Guymon Cassady from Entertainment 360. According to Cassady, the minimalist nature of the old Atari games holds potential for a modern adaptation.
Titles like “Pong” or “Asteroids” may not tell their own stories, but they offer filmmakers great creative freedom. Universal apparently aims to develop standalone science fiction and action adventures from these iconic brands. Whether this results in a single film or even an entire cinematic universe will become clear in the coming months.