In a move designed to mark its 40th anniversary, Atari has partnered with Microsoft to launch a series of classic games from its library on a new HTML5 browser-based platform.

Said releases – which include Asteroids, Pong, Lunar Lander, Missile Command, and Centipede – will be playable on all HTML5-equipped browsers via Atari's new arcade portal.

However, the partnership with Microsoft means devices running Internet Explorer are being pushed as the ideal vehicles, with those who play using IE skipping the platform's in-game ads.

Power of two

Atari's promo video – see below – also depicts a player taking on the arcade titles using an Internet Explorer 10 equipped Windows 8 tablet.

"Atari and Microsoft have had a long and successful history on Xbox Live and in the digital space," said Jim Wilson, CEO of Atari.

"The reimagined Atari Arcade expands this partnership in a new direction, in keeping with our current digital strategy, making it easier than ever for gamers around the world to access our renowned franchises, through the power and flexibility of an HTML5 based platform."

Interestingly, Atari is opening up its new platform to outside developers, with its API granting access to Create.js - a suite of tools designed for "creating cross-browser, cross-device HTML5 gaming and media experiences."

"This new offering will give developers a platform to publish and monetise games with the ability to utilise features like Facebook integration," the company added.