Atari is the first software publisher to be awarded the coveted FEI license, a seal of quality which speaks directly to the millions of devotees of the equestrian sports across Europe and beyond. Atari will work closely with the FEI to deliver a level of detail and authenticity never before seen in this gaming genre, delivering products which offer the most realistic and enjoyable equestrian video game experience possible.

“Atari is very proud to have won this license, something the FEI have not awarded before and which is testament the high quality games we will be bringing to market,” said Mathias Hautefort, Executive Vice President of publishing and production, Atari. “The FEI is the world’s authority on horsesport and this license gives Atari the opportunity to communicate directly to millions of horse enthusiasts across Europe through the organisation’s network. ”

“We are delighted to have reached this agreement with a company as highly regarded in the games market as Atari but I also believe that this could be one of the most significant marketing moves by the FEI in over a decade. We know that engaging with youth is one of the greatest challenges facing all sport and to have the capacity to take horsesport to the gaming audience gives us the opportunity to talk direct to both the athletes and fans of horsesport in this and future generations of young people,” said FEI President Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein.

Founded in 1921, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) is the international body governing equestrian sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The FEI is the sole controlling authority for all international events in Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting, Reining and Para-Equestrian, responsible for over 2,000 events every year around the world.

Atari will be bringing the highest quality equestrian sport and lifestyle experience to gamers, with a multi-platform launch scheduled for autumn 2007.