Atari acquires rights to first five Wizardry RPGs

May 11, 2026 - 15:50

Atari has announced the acquisition of the rights to the first five games in the legendary Wizardry series, a move that brings some of the earliest computer role-playing games under one roof. The deal covers Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord through Wizardry 5, giving Atari control over the foundational titles that helped define the dungeon-crawling genre in the 1980s.

However, the transaction does not include the entire franchise. Japanese publisher Drecom will continue to hold the global trademark for the Wizardry name and retains full ownership of Wizardry 6, 7, and 8. This split means Atari now controls the classic originals, while Drecom keeps the later, more narrative-driven entries that many fans consider the peak of the series.

Atari has been actively reviving its retro catalog in recent years, and this acquisition fits that strategy. The company has already released a modern remake of the first Wizardry game, and fans can likely expect similar treatment for the other four titles. For longtime RPG enthusiasts, this news signals that the series' earliest adventures will remain accessible and possibly get new life on current platforms.