Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
Yes, you are awake; no, you haven’t drunk too much, Commodore has been bought by members of the retro community.
July 14th 2025 UPDATE: Now you can buy a new Commodore 64! The Commodore 64 Ultimate range has been announced.
After previously revealing an offer had been made to him to buy Commodore while inquiring into licensing, Perifractic has published an update video.
Perifractic explains the Commodore purchase
In the video, Perifractic (Christian Simpson) stated, “as of a few weeks ago I am the acting CEO of Commodore Corporation… we have completed the acquisition of Commodore.” He clarified that they have “signed a share purchase agreement with the previous owners of Commodore” and that “we do now own Commodore.”
But how much has it cost, and who is “we”?
Who is involved in buying Commodore?
As stated, various investors have backed this. In addition, a collection of significant personnel have been involved.
- Bill Herd, father of the Commodore 128 and Plus/4, as technical adviser and shareholder.
- Michael Tomczyk, product manager for the Vic 20, as senior adviser, described as bringing “unparalleled and invaluable authenticity.”
- James Harrison, former tech support, now the technical support manager.
- David Pleasance, former joint managing director of Commodore UK, as heritage and legacy adviser. Perifractic highlighted that Pleasance “was the guy trying to save us from all that” during Commodore’s struggles in the 1990s.
- Jerry Ellsworth, creator of the C64DTV, as a technical adviser and advisory shareholder.
Also involved is Thomas Middleditch from HBO’s “Silicon Valley” announced his involvement as an investor and Chief Creative Officer. Middleditch, who grew up with an Amiga, expressed his enthusiasm: “Perry came to me with a vision… what he laid out for what’s to come basically as a launching pad for future products was super exciting.” He emphasized giving Commodore “a second chance in the spotlight.”
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Buying Commodore for the retro community
“I negotiated really hard for all of you,” Perifractic says in the video, “and we agreed on a price in the low seven figures.” He considers this “a steal” given the brand’s historical valuations, which ranged from $17 million in the ’90s to $79.8 million in 2008.
You’ve got to say, it does seem like a good deal, especially as Atari was said to be worth around $70 million around the same time.
While “our wonderful angel investors have got us partway there,” they are still seeking additional funds. Apparently there are some difficulties in opening fundraising to the public due to “international investing laws,” which limit investment opportunities unless you are an accredited angel investor.
So, what happens next?
As explained in the first video, the vision for the revived Commodore is focused on “digital minimalism” and offering “the future we were promised.”
This involves creating products that are “not just retro but also the future,” honoring classics like the Commodore 64 and Amiga while also innovating. Can Commodore produce tech that escapes the “toxicity, distraction, addiction, and harm” of modern social media-driven technology?
Well, I hope so. Who wouldn’t?
Christian Simpson explains in the video that the plan is to streamline the usage of the Commodore brand and logo, release new products, and open up an official way for community projects to apply for Commodore licenses.
Games and hardware are planned, but full details are still to be confirmed. I’ll let you know when that information is available.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
Go Peri! Let’s get people out of toxic tech and back into wholesome creativity!
It is beyond amazing, I can’t wait to see what happens next!
10 PRINT” HELLO WORLD ! IM BACK AGAIN ! COMMODORE”
20 GOTO 10
RUN
Peri’s too in love with the Commodore 64. I want Amiga stuff.