Chad Burdette
The 40-year-old video game franchise that began in 1982 with the release of Yars’ Revenge for the Atari 2600 home console is returning
Today, Atari® — one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers — is delighted to announce a collaboration with renowned development studio WayForward Technologies (Shantae, River City Girls) to create a decidedly modern chapter in the storyline of Yars’ Revenge, Atari’s best-selling first-party game for the 2600. The new title, Yars Rising, is coming to PC and consoles in late 2024.
In an industry first, Atari paired the game cartridge at retail with a comic book. The comic gave players a view into the expansive backstory behind the 8-bit game and set the stage for their on-screen campaign.
Written by Wayforward Game Director Adam Tierney, Yars Rising acts as a prequel to an entirely new Yars story that unfolds within the video game. The comic follows the lead character, professional hacker Emi Kimura, as she and her friends try to navigate the ramifications of a job gone horribly wrong. As the story progresses, readers are given a taste and perhaps some subtle hints about what awaits them in the game.
In Yars Rising, players take control of the young hacker Emi Kimura, who is hired by a mysterious patron to infiltrate the shadowy Qotech corporation. Run, jump, sneak, and hack your way through challenges to unravel layers of intrigue in this expansive sci-fi mystery. Embark on Emi’s journey to decipher the mystery of the corporation’s closely guarded secret and uncover her inexplicable bond to a far-off alien race.
Wade Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Atari said in a press release:
“Wayforward’s proven story-telling and world-building powers made them a perfect choice for reimagining one of Atari’s most enduring game franchises. I am confident that fans are going to enjoy this new, dynamic chapter in the Yars storyline: Yars Rising.”
Yars Rising also features the creative talents of artists Ele Bruni (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Tea Time, Space Opera), Ashleigh Hetrick (Art Director, WayForward), and Aurora Maeno.
Yars Rising is slated for release on PC and consoles in late 2024.
