Commodore Set to Emerge as a Major Force?

The Commodore brand is set to do one of two things in the coming months. It’s either going to rise to the forefront of mobile gaming, creating a platform from which to launch a major new publishing force in Europe after cannily exploiting its back catalogue. Or it will be an annoying boom and bust mobile phone games firm that cynically tries - and fails - to make Gorf seem worth playing again.

First up, the firm will be releasing a variety of TV games as have proven popular with various other retro firms including Atari, Namco, Sega and Sensible. Next will be offerings for mobile phone, portable devices and handheld platforms. Should this push prove successful, Commodore will then look at deploying software for PC and home consoles.

The news comes following a deal between Commodore IP owner Yeahronimo Media Ventures and Content Factory which sees the latter invest €18 million into the joint venture.

"The business will be developed in three phases," said Yeahronimo CEO and President Ben van Wijhe. "Initially, the focus will be on exploiting the numerous existing C64 retro game licenses through plug-and-play, mobile and handheld devices. The second phase will be to create a range of specialised gaming hardware products and accessories. The third phase will be to work with Commodore's existing partners to issue new game licenses under the Commodore brand name, focusing primarily on the mobile and handheld market in addition to the PC and console market, which have its stronger licenses."

We’ll bring you updates on anything interesting and Commodore-branded as we get them.