Reviving the Classics: Atari and Jeff Minter Unite for a Modern Take on I, Robotic

Image via Llamasoft/Atari

Game designer Jeff Minter and his team at Llamasoft are set to revisit the past with a revival of Atari’s I, Robot.

For Minter and Llamasoft, I, Robot marks the continuation of a tradition of remakes and retro-inspired reinterpretations, following 2018’s Minotaur Arcade Vol 1. Previously, Minter has participated in reimagining 8-bit classics like Tempest and Defender, alongside his own Atari ST/Amiga game Llamatron.

“Throughout his 45-year tenure, Jeff has kept the essence of a true indie developer,” states a release from Atari’s game VP Ethan Sterns. The remake, expected to launch later this year for PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC, and Atari VCS, is described by Sterns as “the epitome of Minter.”

The forthcoming “reality-bending reimagining” of the 1984 arcade title will challenge players to navigate levels and transform pink tiles to blue to escape. Changes to the original game include reducing the level count from 126 to 55, incorporating modern elements like online leaderboards, and adding procedural music that “evolves as you advance.”

A Brief History of I, Robot

Crafted by Missile Command and Tempest’s Daid Theurer, I, Robot was first launched in June 1984 as an arcade game. At that time, it was famously the first commercially available arcade game rendered entirely in real-time, 3D polygon graphics, and the first to offer camera control options. Moreover, it was one of Atari’s final two arcade titles (alongside Star Wars: Return of the Jedi that same year) before the company was divided and ultimately became its current version.

Related:How the iconic Jeff Minter remains inspired after 43 llama-filled years in game development

Initially, the game was a financial disappointment, with fewer than 1,000 units produced. Few are reported to still exist, and the game is now regarded as a trailblazer for its groundbreaking graphics at the time. When Atari’s 50th-anniversary game pack was released in 2022, I, Robot was included, marking the first-ever re-release of the title for non-arcade gaming systems.

If you’re curious about what a “quintessential Minter” reimagining of a game like I, Robot might look like, this 2024 interview with Minter provides a thorough insight into his game-making philosophy and an honest look at how–and why–he produces such unique games like Gridrunner, Polybius, and others mentioned earlier.

As Minter shared in that 2024 discussion, he isn’t typically focused on designing games that attract a wide audience or as many people as possible. “That’s a different kind of motivation than what drives me, honestly. I’m more excited about exploring my ideas, and I don’t really mind if they’re hugely popular or not.”

“Oh, it’d be great if they were. I’m not implying I would refuse that. But I’m not overly concerned if they’re not,” Minter said. “As long as I can continue doing what I’m doing, I’m content, you know?”

About the Author