Header Surgeon Simulator 2
Image via Atari

Atari continues to buy things, acquires the Surgeon Simulator IP

Shhh... I doctor now.

Atari has announced that they’ve acquired the Surgeon Simulator franchise under its Infogrames label. The press release suggests that this was done through an agreement with publisher TinyBuild rather than the original developer, Bossa Studios. TinyBuild purchased the IP in 2022.

Recommended Videos

The original Surgeon Simulator made a sizeable splash when it was released in 2013. Similar to Octodad or QWOP, it focuses on the humorous mishaps that happen when an over-detailed and inaccurate physics simulation is applied to a concept that requires fine motor skills. It wound up inspiring a wave of similar “simulator” concepts in the indie sphere.

This was followed in 2020 by Surgeon Simulator 2, which doesn’t seem to have been as popular with players. It focuses on multiplayer and has a campaign… I didn’t play it, if it’s not obvious. Having a multiplayer focus is a quick way to get me to skip over a game.

I did, however, play the original back when it was still called Surgeon Simulator 2013. It’s not really surprising to me that a sequel wasn’t as well received. The central concept is a lot of fun, and it’s still for a while, but it’s very one-dimensional. The joke is only funny for so long. I tried replaying it later and found that I was too adept at it for it to actually be entertaining anymore.

On that note, I’m not sure what Atari/Infogrames plans to do with it. It’s rather similar to their purchase of Totally Reliable Delivery Service, which had also been published by TinyBuild. The press release says, “Infogrames will seek to expand distribution, potentially develop new titles or content, and explore brand and merchandising collaborations as part of a long-term plan to preserve and expand the franchise.”

Okay. I guess we’ll potentially see more titles or t-shirts.


Destructoid is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Zoey Handley
Zoey Handley
Staff Writer - Zoey is a gaming gadabout. She got her start blogging with the community in 2018 and hit the front page soon after. Normally found exploring indie experiments and retro libraries, she does her best to remain chronically uncool.