Atari has become the latest company to pivot to cryptocurrency, launching a digital coin in a bid to revive the gaming pioneer's fortunes.

Atari, the creator of some of the most iconic video games consoles of the 1970s and 80s, is to launch "Atari Token", its own cryptocurrency.

The French-listed company, which faded from the gaming industry and filed for bankruptcy in 2013, has now joined the growing list of companies jumping on the blockchain technology trend. Atari's shares have jumped more than 60pc since it announced the launch of its cryptocurrency last week.

While Atari is best known for games like Pong, Pac-Man and Space Invaders, it is now turning to digital currencies. It is working on a blockchain-based digital entertainment platform, the company said in a statement, and online casinos that will accept cryptocurrency.

"Blockchain technology is poised to take a very important place in our environment and to transform, if not revolutionise, the current economic ecosystem, especially in the areas of the video game industry and online transactions,” said Atari CEO Frederic Chesnais, according to Bloomberg.

"Our aim is to take strategic positions with a limited cash risk, in order to best create value with the assets and the Atari brand."