Atari has acquired Implicit Conversions, adding another specialist retro studio to a lineup that already includes Digital Eclipse and Nightdive Studios. For players who follow modern ports of older console games, the deal matters because Implicit Conversions has become one of the names behind bringing PlayStation-era titles to current hardware.
Founded in January 2019 by former Sony engineer Jake Stine and ex-Ubisoft and 2K developer Robin Lavallée, Implicit Conversions is known for emulation work across classic game releases. Its credits include many titles added to PS5 and PS4 through PS Plus Premium's classic games catalog, alongside retro projects such as XSEED Games' Milano's Odd Job Collection, Digital Eclipse's Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection and Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition, plus Limited Run Games' Fighting Force Collection, Fear Effect and Fear Effect 2.
Atari adds another emulation toolset
Atari CEO Wade Rosen said the acquisition gives the company a broader technical base for classic game preservation and commercial re-releases, especially beyond the 8-bit and 16-bit eras where Atari and its other studios already have deep experience.
“Implicit Conversions’ ability to work with 32-bit era games using their proprietary Syrup engine complements our existing expertise with 8 and 16-bit era games. Alongside the Bakesale Engine (Digital Eclipse) and the Kex Engine (Nightdive), we now have an enviable suite of proprietary tools, and more engineering talent that will enable us to continue to expand our capabilities across our own catalog as well as the back catalogs of our IP partners.”
That engine mix is the clearest strategic angle here. Digital Eclipse's Bakesale Engine and Nightdive's Kex Engine already support Atari's wider retro business, while Implicit Conversions brings Syrup Engine expertise focused on later console generations. For anyone waiting to see more PS1 and PS2 games treated with care on modern systems, this is the kind of behind-the-scenes acquisition that can shape what gets revived next.
Implicit Conversions said its core mission is not changing. In a statement from CEO Bill Litshauer, the studio said working with Atari through Digital Eclipse had felt like finding its "long-lost cousins," with both companies sharing the "same passion for classic games." Litshauer and Lavallée are also staying with the studio, with Lavallée becoming studio head and Litshauer moving into a head of operations role.
Current projects are still moving forward
The studio also addressed the obvious question for partners and players: whether existing work is affected. In its Q&A, Implicit Conversions said it has "not been given any reason to believe that our current commitments will not be fulfilled" and that it is still "on track" to complete all current projects.
Its primary focus remains porting PS1 and PS2 games, while also looking ahead to commercial PS3 emulation. Atari leadership will be involved in strategic decision-making and will "most likely" be involved in future licensing of the Syrup Engine, though Implicit Conversions said it expects to keep much of its independence in choosing its path forward.
The studio also teased "more titles" to be announced later this year. Atari has not detailed those projects yet, but the acquisition gives the company a clearer pipeline for classic game work across multiple console eras rather than only its own earliest history.