French publisher seem to be taking a leaf out of various books, announcing their own ambitious plans to embrace what might call 'Game 3.0' - namely the empowering of user-generated content and customisable gaming experiences. With this evolution in mind, Atari told site Eurogamer.net late last week of their plans to build a new international gaming community.

This new Atari-controlled 'hub' has already been in the works for a year, and will allow gamers to 'generate and share' games. "We are seeing a new generation of game experiences emerging that leverages community, user generated content and casual or short session games," Chris Bergstresser, senior VP of entertainment at Atari, informed the UK website in an interview. "Atari Online is centrally positioned in this evolution."

The Veepee added that the new Atari offering is far from inspired by the PS3's and LittleBigPlanet, Simple tools for various platforms, alongside a community to nurture, assist and play these games with is Atari's ultimate ambition. Specifics however remain scarce.

The service will launch in North America first, and we will of course keep you posted on this development.

By Luke Guttridge