Atari is bringing its virtual experience to life with video game-themed hotels, and the first location will open in Phoenix.

The first Atari Hotel is slated to break ground this year and open at an undetermined date. Atari Hotels also are planned for Las Vegas; Denver; Chicago; Seattle; San Francisco; Austin, Texas; and San Jose, California.

The gaming pioneer, known for classic arcade games such as Asteroids and Pong as well as the Atari 2600 console, plans to build near Roosevelt Street and Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix, according to Shelly Murphy of GSD Group.

Phoenix is ideal because it's close to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco, and it's where the hotels' developers, GSD Group and Truth North Studio, are located, Murphy said.

Fans of gaming can sign up online to become Atari Hotel members and get discounts on hotel stays, apparel and events.

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What we know about the Atari Hotel

The hotel is still in its initial development stages, but the announcement holds a few hints as to what guests can expect.

The hotel will offer "the ultimate in immersive entertainment and in every aspect of gaming," Murphy said in a press release. The Atari Hotel will have a "nostalgic and retro meets modern" feel, according to her partner Napoleon Smith III.

It's not clear which games will be featured at the hotels, but developers say they will cater to gamers of all ages by offering virtual and augmented reality and esports experiences alongside retro games.

The hotel will host national esports competitions and local tournaments and offer spaces for private parties.

Local visitors won't need to have a hotel reservation to play games there, Murphy said.

She added that guest rooms will have individual themes. One might evoke "Ready Player One," while another might draw from games of decades past.

As for dining, there are plans for multiple eateries ranging from fine dining to bistro-style restaurants.

Reach the reporter at kimi.robinson@gannett.com or at 602-444-4968. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin.

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