Atari has had an assuredly awful go of things lately.

After reports that majority shareholder Infogrames is bringing in former Sony Computer Entertainment executive Phil Harrison — and he would probably clean house — Atari let consumers know late Thursday that Infogrames has also offered to buy back all outstanding shares of Atari stock for $1.68, taking the company private and avoiding what could be a potentially embarrassing NASDAQ delisting.

In a statement, Atari said they received a “non-binding expression of intent to acquire the outstanding common stock of Atari, Inc. not owned by IESA (Infogrames Entertainment S.A.) and its affiliates.”

“A Special Committee of Atari, Inc.’s Board of Directors intends to undertake, together with its advisors, a thorough evaluation of the proposal,” the company said Thursday.

Atari needs a boost badly, and Harrison may be able to work some magic. The company has had several years of poor and poorly selling games — the abundence of poor games has lead to poor sales for their better games — and recently announced they would halt game production and focus on distributing and marketing their parent company’s titles.

In a move that shocked the video game world, Sony announced this week that Phil Harrison would resign from his post as President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios. With more than 16 years behind him at Sony, Harrison has been a key figure behind the highly successful PlayStation brand.

“The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far,” said Harrison. “I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can.”

Kazuo Hirai, President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc will take over for the departing Harrison, as well as keeping his additional duties.

“As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry,” Hirai said. “It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors.”

Sony Computer Entertainment America would not comment on Harrison’s departure.

No reason was given for Harrison’s departure, but that hasn’t stopped the internet rumor mill from turning. One theory is that Harrison had become frustrated when Sony Japan became unwilling to change their business strategy and adopt a more “casual gamer” approach.

It is also being reported by Gameindustry.biz that Harrison is leaving Sony for a job with the Infogrames American brand, Atari — which is undergoing a major restructuring to try to return to glory.