Atari Reveals qomp2, an Artful Reimagining of the Classic Game that Launched the Modern Video Game Industry

qomp2 effectively captures the essence of the original 1972 Pong and its spiritual successor, the 2021 experimental indie title qomp

NEW YORK, Aug. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Atari — one of the world's most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers — is thrilled to announce qomp2, a creative sequel to the seminal classic Pong that asks the question, “what would happen if the pong ball escaped the paddles?” The answer is simple: make a daring break for freedom!

Coming to PC and consoles in 2024, qomp2 captures the simplicity of Pong by giving players only two buttons to navigate a series of labyrinthine levels packed with “harder than they look” challenges. Stepping into the spherical body of the renegade runaway, players will ping-pong their way through the dangerous, minimalistic world of qomp2. With a variety of enemies and bosses helping to mark the journey, the escapee will adventure through 30 challenging levels across four distinct worlds.

Watch the announcement trailer:
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qomp2 builds on the foundations of the 2021 indie game qomp while introducing new game mechanics and a story of identity and self-acceptance. The work of an ad hoc, four-person development team led by the experimental game designer Stuffed Wombat, qomp was praised for its simplicity, brevity, bare aesthetic, and clever game design. For qomp2, Atari partnered with one of the company’s favorite game studios, St. Louis-based Graphite Lab, which also produced notable Atari titles Kombinera, Mr. Run and Jump, and the upcoming Rollercoaster Tycoon Adventures Deluxe.

“It’s been over 50 years and the simple, joyful gameplay of Pong still captivates players and game developers,” said Wade Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Atari. “With qomp2, I am glad we’re able to continue the creative and thoughtful storytelling that qomp introduced.”

qomp2 stays true to its indie roots while adding new types of puzzles and enemies and an innovative new game mechanic — a second button! In addition to the original button that shifts your direction 45 degrees, this additional button propels you forward with a dash. Armed with only these two simple moves, players will put their problem-solving skills to the test as they navigate environmental puzzles while avoiding traps in order to make it to the next level.