The New York-based Atari, Inc.'s been the recipient of some tough luck recently - delisting threats from the Stock Exchange, abysmal quarterly numbers and a general outlook that's far from rosy. Parent company Infogrames noticed, took Atari, Inc. in its arms and promised them everything would be alright. And then they consumed them in one bite.

Infogrames announced an agreement between itself and Atari, Inc. to enter into a merger. According to the terms of the agreement, Atari would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Infogrames after the acquisition of approximately $11 million (U.S.) worth of stock by the Parisian publisher. The merger looks to take effect by the end of the third quarter, and includes the offer of a $20 million loan by Infogrames to cover Atari's expenses until the merger is complete.

For Infogrames, they gain full control of the Atari name and a firm base to increase their influence in U.S. market share. Even though it's been, for lack of a better term, dragged through the dirt in recent years, the Atari name still holds core value to a world of gamers and game investors alike. For Atari, the merger gives the company a degree of stability as well as the strength of the Infogrames staff in future projects and developments.

The next major release for Atari is Eden's survial-horror reboot Alone In The Dark in July, a game that holds considerable promise for Atari's return to profitability. For the sake of a once-proud name in gaming, I hope for the best - both for this release and all other future Atari, Inc. endeavors.