Software:Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX

From HandWiki
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX
Developer(s)Z-Axis
Neon Studios (GBC)
Publisher(s)Acclaim Max Sports
EngineRenderWare
Platform(s)PlayStation, Game Boy Color, Dreamcast, Microsoft Windows
ReleasePlayStation
  • NA: September 14, 2000[1]
  • EU: October 13, 2000
Game Boy Color
  • NA: November 9, 2000[2]
  • EU: December 1, 2000
Dreamcast
  • NA: November 21, 2000[3]
  • EU: December 8, 2000
Microsoft Windows
  • NA: December 15, 2000[4]
  • EU: January 12, 2001
Maximum Remix
PlayStation
  • NA: May 21, 2001[5]
  • EU: June 8, 2001
Genre(s)Sports
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX is a video game released in 2000 featuring BMX rider Dave Mirra and other professional BMX riders. It was developed by Z-Axis and published by Acclaim Entertainment under their Acclaim Max Sports label. The game was released on the PlayStation, Game Boy Color, Dreamcast and Microsoft Windows. The player's main objective in the game is to choose one of the riders and work their way through a total of 12 different levels, completing objectives to unlock new equipment. A sequel was released in 2001 entitled Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2.

Gameplay

Following in the footsteps of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series, the player holds the assigned Jump button in preparation of performing a trick, and releases it to jump. When in the air, 'Big Air' tricks can be performed that can also be 'modified' with the aid of the modifier button, or the Big Air button again (modifiers themselves can also be modified). For example, the player jumps from a ramp, and performs a Superman (Big Air trick). The game also features ragdoll physics that are primarily for use in the 'Wipeout' multiplayer game mode.

There are a total of four game modes. The first six levels are all 'challenge-based'. The player must complete specific goals in order to advance to the next. The six, and final levels are 'competition-based' levels, where the player is judged on their performance in a number of timed runs.

Proquest

Proquest is the main mode of the game, and could also be called 'Career mode'. The player chooses one of the riders and seeks to progress through all the levels of the game, in a series of two-minute runs. The first six levels are completed by finishing all the set challenges within them, and the competition levels can only be cleared when the player finishes a run worthy of winning the contest. Once the player finishes each successive level, they will receive new bikes (a total of four to buy) and clothing, and eventually upon completion of the game, videos of Dave Mirra and Ryan Nyquist and special cheat codes (depending on the character chosen).

Session

Any unlocked levels can be played here. The player has the same timed runs as in the Proquest mode, but there are no goals to complete, judges to impress or new items to gain. The only real 'objective' of this mode is to improve upon the player's own high score.

Freeride

A mode where the player can freely ride any level that has been unlocked in the Proquest mode. There is no time limit, so the real aim of the mode is to allow full and unrestricted exploration of the level to find the best spots to score and to practice performing tricks.

2 Player

Note: only the PlayStation and Dreamcast versions have a multiplayer mode.

There are several different multiplayer modes available. Unlike many other similar extreme sports video game titles, the game modes are turn based. As with any other mode, any level unlocked can be played.

  • Best Run - Each player has a two-minute run to get the highest score.
  • High Five - A series of 30 second runs to see which player can get the highest scoring single trick.
  • B-M-X - Basically the same as the game mode 'H-O-R-S-E' in the Tony Hawk series. One player does a combination of tricks, and the other player has to gain more score than them. Whenever one player fails, they are assigned each successive letter of B-M-X, until one player has all the letters and the game finishes.
  • Random Spot - The game chooses five random spots in the level to perform tricks in. Each player has 15 seconds to perform the biggest scoring single trick at the designated area.
  • Wipeout - Taking advantage of the ragdoll physics is the Wipeout game mode. Each player takes turns in crashing into objects, trying to score the most points (and bodily harm).
  • Longest Grind - The player who performs the longest single grind in one run wins.
  • Highest Wall Tap - The highest wall tap (Jump button + Right direction button) at any spot in the level wins.
  • Big Air Contest - When players ride up on verts, the height of their jump is measured. Therefore, the aim of this game mode is to get the highest measured 'air' up a vert.
  • Furthest Jump - The player who jumps the furthest, wins.
  • Longest Manual - Jumping, then pressing Down, and holding Down again performs a manual (using Up performs a Nose Wheelie). The player with the longest held manual wins this game mode.

Reception

Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX
Review scores
PublicationScore
DreamcastGBCPCPS
AllGameStarStarStarStar[6]N/AN/AStarStarStarHalf star[7]
Edge6/10[8]N/AN/A6/10[8]
EGM8/10[9]9/10[10]N/A7.33/10[11]
EurogamerN/AN/AN/A7/10[12]
Game Informer8/10[13]N/AN/A7.75/10[14]
GameProStarStarHalf star[15]N/AN/AStarStarStarStar[16]
GameRevolutionB+[17]N/AN/AB+[18]
GameSpot3.6/10[19]7.1/10[20]6.6/10[21]6.5/10[22]
GameSpy8.5/10[23]N/AN/AN/A
GameZoneN/AN/A8.5/10[24]N/A
IGN8.6/10[25]7/10[26]6.5/10[27]8/10[28]
Next GenerationStarStarStar[29]N/AN/AN/A
OPM (US)N/AN/AN/AStarStarStarHalf star[30]
PC Gamer (UK)N/AN/A67%[31]N/A
The Cincinnati EnquirerN/AN/AN/AStarStarStarHalf star[32]
Aggregate scores
GameRankings76%[33]71%[34]71%[35]81%[36]
Metacritic73/100[37]N/A73/100[38]82/100[39]

Garrett Kenyon reviewed the Dreamcast version of the game for Next Generation, rating it three stars out of five, and stated that "This is a bit of a surprise, and an extremely pleasant one."[29]

The PlayStation version of Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX received "favorable" reviews, while the Dreamcast and PC versions received "average" reviews, according to video game review aggregator Metacritic.[37][38][39]

Maximum Remix

Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX: Maximum Remix
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic67/100[40]
Review scores
PublicationScore
EGM8/10[41]
Game Informer7.25/10[42]
GameProStarStarStarStar[43]
GameSpot5.4/10[44]
GameZone8/10[45]
IGN5.5/10[46]
Next GenerationStarStarStar[47]
OPM (US)StarStarHalf star[48]
PSM5/10[49]

Jeff Lundrigan reviewed the PlayStation version of the game for Next Generation, rating it three stars out of five, and stated that "It ain't bad, but if you own Dave Mirra, there aren't a ton of reasons to buy this."[47]

The Maximum Remix version received "average" reviews according to video game review aggregator Metacritic.[40]

References

  1. ↑ Cove, Glen (August 31, 2000). "Freestyle BMX in Stores 9/14". http://www.acclaim.com/company/pressReleases/product/FreestyleBMXinStores0914.html. 
  2. ↑ Cove, Glen (November 7, 2000). "Freestyle BMX for Game Boy Color". http://www.acclaim.com/company/pressReleases/product/FreestyleBMXGBC.html. 
  3. ↑ Cove, Glen (November 21, 2000). "Freestyle BMX for Dreamcast in Stores". http://www.acclaim.com/company/pressReleases/product/FreestyleBMXDC.html. 
  4. ↑ Cove, Glen (December 12, 2000). "Freestyle BMX for PC in Stores Dec 15". http://www.acclaim.com/company/pressReleases/product/FreestyleBMXPCinStores.html. 
  5. ↑ Cove, Glen (May 17, 2001). "Freestyle BMX Maximum Remix Ships May 21". http://www.acclaim.com/company/pressReleases/product/FreestyleBMXMaxRemixShips0.html. 
  6. ↑ Thompson, Jon. "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX (DC) - Review". AllGame. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141115182710/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25603&tab=review. Retrieved March 21, 2016. 
  7. ↑ Simpson, Chris. "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX (PS) - Review". AllGame. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141115182650/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25690&tab=review. Retrieved March 21, 2016. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Edge staff (December 25, 2000). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX (DC, PS)". Edge (91). 
  9. ↑ "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX (DC)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. February 2001. Archived from the original on February 11, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010211033151/http://www.zdnet.com/egm/stories/main/0%2C11589%2C2668335%2C00.html. Retrieved March 22, 2016. 
  10. ↑ "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX (GBC)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. February 2001. Archived from the original on February 11, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010211031430/http://www.zdnet.com/egm/stories/main/0%2C11589%2C2668386%2C00.html. Retrieved March 22, 2016. 
  11. ↑ EGM staff (November 2000). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX (PS)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. 
  12. ↑ Goldsmith, Tom "Tosh" (December 22, 2000). "Dave Mirra's Extreme BMX [sic (PSOne)"]. Archived from the original on March 30, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010330000839/http://www.eurogamer.net/content/r_mirra_psx. Retrieved March 20, 2016. 
  13. ↑ "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX (DC)". Game Informer (94). February 2001. 
  14. ↑ "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX (PS)". Game Informer (91). November 2000. 
  15. ↑ Four-Eyed Dragon (January 2, 2001). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX Review for Dreamcast on GamePro.com". GamePro. Archived from the original on February 9, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050209090654/http://gamepro.com/sega/dreamcast/games/reviews/10242.shtml. Retrieved March 22, 2016. 
  16. ↑ Iron Thumbs (October 12, 2000). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX Review for PlayStation on GamePro.com". GamePro. Archived from the original on February 12, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050212142702/http://gamepro.com/sony/psx/games/reviews/7001.shtml. Retrieved March 22, 2016. 
  17. ↑ Sparks, Shawn (January 2001). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX Review (DC)". Game Revolution. http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx. Retrieved March 22, 2016. 
  18. ↑ Sparks, Shawn (October 2000). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX - PS". Game Revolution. Archived from the original on July 25, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080725070904/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/sony/dave_mirra_freestyle_bmx. Retrieved March 22, 2016. 
  19. ↑ Gerstmann, Jeff (November 29, 2000). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX Review (DC)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx-review/1900-2659262/. Retrieved March 21, 2016. 
  20. ↑ Provo, Frank (November 22, 2000). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX Review (GBC)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx-review/1900-2657302/. Retrieved March 21, 2016. 
  21. ↑ Varanini, Giancarlo (January 19, 2001). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX Review (PC)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx-review/1900-2676309/. Retrieved March 21, 2016. 
  22. ↑ Gerstmann, Jeff (September 14, 2000). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX Review (PS)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx-review/1900-2628256/. Retrieved March 21, 2016. 
  23. ↑ The Mad Giraffe (April 2, 2001). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX". PlanetDreamcast. Archived from the original on January 31, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090131015617/http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/davemirrafreestylebmx/. Retrieved March 21, 2016. 
  24. ↑ Lafferty, Michael (January 15, 2001). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX Review - PC". GameZone. Archived from the original on October 5, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081005123153/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r16474.htm. Retrieved March 22, 2016. 
  25. ↑ Dunham, Jeremy (December 4, 2000). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX (DC)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/05/dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx. Retrieved March 21, 2016. 
  26. ↑ Harris, Craig (November 22, 2000). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX (GBC)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/23/dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx-4. Retrieved March 21, 2016. 
  27. ↑ Blevins, Tal (January 31, 2001). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX (PC)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/01/dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx-8. Retrieved March 21, 2016. 
  28. ↑ Perry, Douglass C. (September 20, 2000). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX (PS)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/09/21/dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx-6. Retrieved March 21, 2016. 
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Kenyon, Garrett (March 2001). "Finals". Next Generation (Imagine Media) 4 (3): 84. 
  30. ↑ "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. November 2000. 
  31. ↑ "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX". PC Gamer UK. 2001. 
  32. ↑ Saltzman, Marc (November 8, 2000). "Freestyle BMX tests virtual daredevils". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Archived from the original on April 18, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080418010055/http://cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/110800_bmx.html. Retrieved March 21, 2016. 
  33. ↑ "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX for Dreamcast". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/378423-dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx/index.html. Retrieved August 2, 2014. 
  34. ↑ "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX for Game Boy Color". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/447314-dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx/index.html. Retrieved August 2, 2014. 
  35. ↑ "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX for PC". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/447316-dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx/index.html. Retrieved August 2, 2014. 
  36. ↑ "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX for PlayStation". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197059-dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx/index.html. Retrieved August 2, 2014. 
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX for Dreamcast Reviews". http://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcast/dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx. Retrieved August 2, 2014. 
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX for PC Reviews". http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx. Retrieved August 2, 2014. 
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX for PlayStation Reviews". http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx. Retrieved August 2, 2014. 
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX Maximum Remix for PlayStation Reviews". http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx-maximum-remix. Retrieved March 20, 2016. 
  41. ↑ EGM staff (August 2001). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX: Maximum Remix". Electronic Gaming Monthly: 112. 
  42. ↑ "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX Maximum Remix". Game Informer (99). July 2001. 
  43. ↑ Jake The Snake (June 13, 2001). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX: Maximum Remix Review for PlayStation on GamePro.com". GamePro. Archived from the original on February 9, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050209083448/http://gamepro.com/sony/psx/games/reviews/14692.shtml. Retrieved March 22, 2016. 
  44. ↑ Gerstmann, Jeff (June 1, 2001). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX: Maximum Remix Review". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx-maximum-remix-review/1900-2767687/. Retrieved March 21, 2016. 
  45. ↑ Lafferty, Michael (June 25, 2001). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX: Maximum Remix Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on October 4, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081004223231/http://psx.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r18135.htm. Retrieved March 22, 2016. 
  46. ↑ Smith, David (June 25, 2001). "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX: Maximum Remix". http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/06/25/dave-mirra-freestyle-bmx-maximum-remix. Retrieved March 21, 2016. 
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 Lundrigan, Jeff (August 2001). "Finals". Next Generation (Imagine Media) 4 (8): 84. 
  48. ↑ "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX: Maximum Remix". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. July 2001. 
  49. ↑ "Review: Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX: Maximum Remix". PSM. August 2001. 
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
  • No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

Template:Atari



  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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