Retro game publisher Atari is set to release 500 limited-edition physical patch packs via DYLI, a new collectibles marketplace powered by blockchain technology, which is built on the upcoming Abstract Chain, an Ethereum layer-2 scaling network. This drop represents the latest effort by the iconic gaming pioneer to enter the Web3 commerce space. According to the company’s announcement on X, each pack will include one of seven new Atari patches or two vintage designs from the 1980s. Priced at $15 each, some packs will come with bonus items such as stickers and gift cards. Notably, one pack will feature a special item signed by Atari founder Nolan Bushnell. This release is a continuation of Atari's commitment to exploring blockchain initiatives, which have been in the works since at least 2018, as the company seeks to modernize its brand for a contemporary audience. "Partner drops won't just focus on offering cool products or providing creators with the best tools in the industry, " stated Alex Needelman, founder of DYLI, on X. "They aim to onboard the next million users. " Collectors interested in the patch collection, set to launch next week, are encouraged to register in advance. **Why Blockchain?** DYLI (Do You Like It?) seeks to use its feature of physical goods drops to increase user adoption of its Abstract Chain-based marketplace. The platform asserts it utilizes blockchain technology to ensure authenticity, connecting collectors with creators.

In December, Needelman confirmed via X that “every product dropped on DYLI is a tradable redeemable non-fungible token, ” with a secondary market enabling users to trade both physical and digital goods. To support these transactions, DYLI accounts have an integrated wallet, as stated on the company’s website. For blockchain users, the DYLI wallet operates as an externally controlled account powered by Privy. While it supports exports to external wallet managers, it is limited to USDC and in-app ERC-1155 tokens. All transactions are gas-free, as DYLI absorbs the fees through Abstract's native payment system, the company claims. **Atari and Web3** Atari's foray into Web3 showcases an unexpected champion from the gaming industry's history, as the company, a pioneer in home video gaming, positions itself at the crossroads of nostalgia and innovation. Founded in 1972 by Bushnell, Atari came into existence before the term “video game” was widely known; it took over a year for the phrase to be recognized in media such as BusinessWeek. Today, Atari remains at the forefront of innovation with initiatives like Atari X, which launched in 2022, consolidating its crypto and NFT projects under one umbrella. This transformation would have seemed unlikely during the company’s peak arcade years. However, Atari has faced challenges, such as difficulties with its initial ATRI token and regulatory hurdles. Despite these setbacks, the company has maintained its crypto partnerships, collaborating with major players like Coinbase and The Sandbox to revive classic games like Asteroids and Breakout through last year’s Onchain Arcade initiative led by Base. While other legacy gaming companies have approached Web3 with caution, Atari embraces it with the same pioneering ethos that characterized its formative years in Silicon Valley. “Web3 is a clear avenue for pushing boundaries and is expected to be a foundational aspect of the future of technology, not just gaming, ” remarked Tyler Drewitz, a director at Atari, in a previous interview with Decrypt. “We have a significant legacy, we’re a part of pop culture, and we offer an effective onboarding pathway, ” Drewitz added.