It’s Official: Phil Harrison Joins Atari as President

by Patrick Steen on March 3, 2008 at 7:22 pm

Atari has today confirmed that Phil Harrison, originally of Sony Computer Entertainment, has joined mother-company Infogrames as president. Read what he has to say about the move after the jump.

Phil Harrison resigned from his presidential position at Sony’s Worldwide Studios last week, creating an uproar on the inter-webs as to where he’d possibly go next. Gamesindustry.biz revealed dubious information that Harrison might be moving to Atari to reinvigorate the company’s software business. This is precisely the case.

“This is the perfect time to join Infogrames and help shape the future of Atari - one of the industry’s legendary brands. As the game business moves rapidly online I believe we have an outstanding opportunity to create amazing network game and community experiences for players the world over,” said Harrison.

Harrison will be working alongside new CEO David Gardner, who welcomed Harrison with warm words:

I am pleased to welcome Phil to Infogrames. He has an outstanding reputation in the industry, as one of the key leaders behind the success of PlayStation. We have been seeking an opportunity to work together for some time and I am certain he will be able to make a significant contribution to the publishing strategy of the Group.

Drawing upon Infogrames’ strong financial foundation, Phil will have the means to attract new talent, develop studio and online capabilities, and drive forward our publishing activities. I want to work with people that understand fun for consumers and fun in the company culture. We’re going to have a lot more of both around here with Phil!

Harrison’s online expertise (he’s the brain child of Gamer 3.0 - Home, LittleBigPlanet, Singstar) is sure to help with Atari’s new online direction; this interest is explained by Gardner:

The business and the industry is moving online on a global basis. It’s moving at different speeds in different countries, but it’s pretty clear to me that the whole way that people are going to want to buy their games, play their games, interface with their games is network-centric.

Commenting on this appointment, Michel Combes, Chairman of the Board of Infogrames had this to say:

Having spent their entire careers in the video games industry, David Gardner and Phil Harrison bring their vision, their passion and a proven track-record of success in this arena to Infogrames.

Phil Harrison is a great business developer, with an outstanding ability to innovate great products in the games industry. He brings with him an impressive track record from Sony, one of the leading technology, media and entertainment companies in the world. We are delighted that he has decided to join Infogrames at this transformative moment in its history to spearhead our publishing, game development and studio activities.

Good luck to Harrison, as he’s sure to be missed at Sony Computer Entertainment. If anyone can bring Atari back, Phil can. SEGA next please!

Source: Eurogamer

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