KEY POINTS

  • The first in the new line of gaming-focused hotels will be built in Phoenix, with plans to expand to seven additional cities
  • Planned attractions for the hotels include virtual and augmented reality setups, streaming spaces, and studios to hold esports events
  • Rooms are described as featuring multiple consoles to accomodate parties at the hotel

Atari announced plans Wednesday to venture outside of the world of video games and into the hotel business with a series of gaming-themed hotels across the United States.

“Atari, a trailblazer in the gaming industry, is pioneering an exciting new concept: a unique lodging experience combining the iconic brand with a one-of-a-kind video game-themed destination,” Atari said in a press release.

The first hotel will be developed in Phoenix around alongside real estate developer True North Studio and hotel management company GSD Group. Construction is planned to begin around the fall of 2020 and completed within two years.

“We are thrilled to partner with GSD Group and True North Studio to build the first-ever Atari branded hotels across the United States,” Atari CEO Fred Chesnais said in the press release. “Together we’ll build a space that will be much more than just a place to stay. Atari is an iconic global brand that resonates with people of all ages, countries, cultures and ethnic backgrounds and we cannot wait for our fans and their families to enjoy this new hotel concept.”

Atari is planning for additional hotels in Las Vegas, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, San Jose, Austin and Seattle.

The hotel is described as offering “fully immersive experiences for every age and gaming ability” when the first one opens. Attractions listed include augmented and virtual reality spaces for guests to enjoy and rooms set up to accommodate parties with multiple consoles. Some will also be equipped with full studios to allow for streaming and spaces to hold different esports events.

“Atari Hotels will be the first of their kind in the U.S., offering gamers of all ages the ultimate in immersive entertainment and in every aspect of gaming,” GSD Group’s Shelley Murphy said. “We’re excited to be working on this project with such great partners and to bring a big win to Arizona.”

Murphy will lead the Phoenix hotel’s design and development alongside film producer Napoleon Smith III.

Atari Speakerhat
Atari has announced the Speakerhat, a baseball cap that features built-in speakers and a microphone. Atari
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