Hasbro Buys Atari Games From JTS

Hasbro Inc. expanded its offerings of video games, acquiring more than 75 Atari properties--including the classics Centipede, Missile Command, Pong, Breakout and Tempest--from San Jose-based JTS Corp.

The purchase price was not disclosed.

The toy maker’s Hasbro Interactive unit said it will produce the games for use on personal computers and the Sony PlayStation video game console.

Atari gained fame for introducing Pong in the early 1970s and gained greater prominence in the home video game market in the 1980s with the Atari 2600 home video game console.

Beverly, Mass.-based Hasbro Interactive said it plans to release its first Atari title this fall with Centipede for both the PC and PlayStation.

“These groundbreaking games helped pioneer the video game industry,” said Tom Dusenberry, president of Hasbro Interactive. “We intend to bring these classics back to life by updating them with the latest technology and interactive game design while preserving their heart and spirit.”

Hasbro is looking at all viable platforms to produce the games, including Nintendo 64 and possibly hand-held electronic versions.

JTS acquired Atari in July 1996.

Pawtucket, R.I.-based Hasbro shares were unchanged at $36.50, and JTS shares rose 3 cents to close at 50 cents. Both trade on the American Stock Exchange.