Atari partners with casual game portal Mousebreaker to create a branded mini-game

Atari, SA has partnered with leading flash-based free casual games portal Mousebreaker to create a branded online mini-game in support of the launch of Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers

[[external:http://www.mousebreaker.com/games/backyardsports/playgame Backyard Sports]

The game, which launches this week in North America for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and Windows PC Download, offers hours of entertainment with laugh-out-loud comedic commentary and exaggerated animations for a one-of-a-kind gaming experience. The game is packed with loads of surprises and stars a neighbourhood full of fun and diverse kids.

To support the game release, Mousebreaker has created an original promotional online mini-game incorporating all the key attributes of the popular Backyard Sports franchise, which Atari will use as part of its integrated marketing campaign to support the launch.

The Sandlot Sluggers mini-game is browser-based and allows players to get ready for the family-friendly full version of the baseball game which is now available in stores across North America. Players have a range of challenges to complete – from scoring a homerun to avoiding striking out – all allowing players to unlock bigger challenges and different fields.

Mousebreaker deputy editor Alan Martin adds: “It's a testament to the skills of our developers that we've managed to capture the spirit of the full version of the game in a browser window, so everyone can try before they buy. I'm really pleased with the result, and it's fair to say I've personally done more ‘testing’ than was strictly necessary! In fact, I may go for just one more ‘test’ right now...”

The game will also be seeded through a number of other casual games sites, optimising opportunities for baseball fans of all ages to get their first taste of Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers.

Mousebreaker publisher James Thrower adds: “We've used our expertise in developing great, quality, fun and addictive flash games to produce a lite, flash version of Sandlot Sluggers, incorporating Atari’s branding, characters, fields and power ups. The end result is a perfect taste of the game, and – through our expert marketing – seeded in a highly targeted manner to find exactly the right audience.”