Atari’s Breakout Returns with a Blockchain Twist on Ethereum Layer-2 Base

Atari is once again revisiting the charm of retro gaming by giving a modern twist to its beloved 1976 game Breakout. This time the game is making a comeback, on the Ethereum layer 2 network Base as part of Coinbases “OnChain Summer” promotion.

New Life for a Timeless Classic

The revamped version of Breakout is the latest step in Atari’s ambitious plans to merge classic gaming titles with blockchain technology. The news follows the release of the legendary Astroids featuring NFTs.  

This latest version of Breakout stays true to its 2D arcade origins while incorporating Web3 features to elevate gameplay. Players can mint Breakout NFTs granting them ownership and adding a unique twist to traditional gaming.

NFT Integration and Ownership

By integrating NFTs into the Breakout ecosystem players can link their wallets—such as Coinbase, MetaMask, Rainbow or WalletConnect—and mint personalized Breakout NFTs, for themselves. The cost to mint these NFTs is fixed at 0.0015 ETH, $5.25 at the time of writing, making it accessible to a wide player base.

This integration also ensures that developers and artists benefit from it highlighting the transparency and fairness that blockchain technology can offer to the gaming industry.

Tyler Drewitz, Director, at Atari showed excitement about this integration emphasizing how NFTs can change how players engage with games. These NFTs are securely stored on the Ethereum blockchain using Base layer 2 guaranteeing their scarcity and uniqueness.

Competitive Gameplay and Real-Time Leaderboards

Breakout includes a real time leaderboard to monitor players progress and performance. This addition introduces a layer of competition allowing players to compete for positions and win weekly prizes like retro game consoles and gift cards.

The leaderboard is updated in real-time and highlights the transparency achieved through on chain gameplay. Furthermore, special game modes, like Degen, Bitcoin and Higher introduce modes where players can double their points for 10 seconds by hitting special bricks.

A Fusion of Nostalgia and Innovation

Atari’s choice to revamp Breakout using technology embodies a progressive approach that ensures timeless games evolve alongside contemporary trends. By combining the charm of gameplay with the innovation of blockchain a new chapter in entertainment is being ushered in where beloved memories are not just preserved but reimagined and elevated for future generations.

The vision of Ataris founder, Nolan Bushnell is coming to life as the company embraces technology to enhance gaming experiences. As Breakout gains momentum, its leaderboard and weekly rewards are set to drive competition and fuel engagement.

Ataris Breakout on the Ethereum network isn’t a game—it offers a glimpse into the future of gaming where technology merges with nostalgia to craft experiences, for players around the world.

Editor’s note: This article was written with the assistance of AI. Edited and fact-checked by Owen Skelton.