Software:Earth Defense Force 2025

From HandWiki
Short description: 2013 video game
Earth Defense Force 2025
Japanese PlayStation 3 box art
Developer(s)Sandlot
Publisher(s)
Director(s)
  • Toshio Noguchi
  • Takehiro Homma
Designer(s)Takehiro Honma
Programmer(s)Toshio Noguchi
Artist(s)Masatsugu Igarashi
Composer(s)
  • Masafumi Takada
  • Jun Fukuda
SeriesEarth Defense Force
Platform(s)PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
PlayStation 4
Microsoft Windows
Nintendo Switch
Release
Genre(s)Third-person shooter
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Earth Defense Force 2025[lower-alpha 1] is a third-person shooter developed by Sandlot and published by D3 Publisher, for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It is the follow-up to Earth Defense Force 2017.[3][4] A remastered version, titled Lua error in Module:Lang/utilities at line 332: attempt to call field '_transl' (a nil value). was released for PlayStation 4 and Windows in 2016, which includes the original game as well as a new expansion. A Nintendo Switch version was released in Japan in December 2022.[5] A reboot titled Earth Defense Force 5 was released on December 7, 2017.

Gameplay

The player takes control of an EDF soldier from one of four soldier classes. To fight these alien forces the player can access several weapons in the game, ranging from assault rifles and sniper rifles to rocket launchers, grenades, and laser weapons. Only two weapons may be selected for each mission with the exception of the Fencer, who can have four weapons, and the Air Raider, which can have three. The game has more than seven hundred weapons; roughly 175 weapons per soldier class. This the highest weapon count of any EDF. Some levels also contain vehicles which can be operated.[6][7] The game takes place across levels featuring destructible environments, taking place in settings such as cities, beaches, hills, tunnels and more. There is no penalty for collateral damage that is inflicted on the environment by the player, for instance when buildings crumble after sustaining a few hits from a rocket launcher or grenade. Other EDF soldiers can be recruited or followed, and attack enemies on sight, as well as provide radio chatter. You can also customize the color of your soldier.

There are several difficulty levels. More effective weapons are dropped by the enemies in the game at the higher difficulty levels, encouraging players to repeat the missions. In addition to weapons, armor enhancements which function as permanent maximum health bonuses are dropped along with healing items.

Story

The Earth Defense Force, a unified multinational military sponsored by nearly every country, is founded after detecting an impending alien visit in case the aliens prove to be hostile. In the year 2017, that proved to be true and the EDF fought against the Ravagers, an alien race that attacked Earth with giant insect-like creatures, UFOs, robots and gigantic, 120-foot-tall lizard-like creatures. Eight years after defeating the last Ravager in Arizona (even though the final battle in the previous game was in Japan), they attack again with new creatures, evolved from their underground nest. Among them is the Retiarius, a spider-like creature which makes gigantic spiderwebs, and giant wasps. In the year 2025, the EDF must protect the Earth again from the alien invaders.[8]

Downloadable content

D3 has released several addons for this game. They were originally announced as bonuses for pre-orders of the Japanese version, including exclusive content for purchasing the game at some web retailers. The content is also available for free on PlayStation Store and Xbox Marketplace as of 2015 in a special bundle named "Unstoppable Shooter Satisfaction Pack" (in Europe) or as four separate bundles, one for each class (in North America).[9] There are a total of 8 weapon packs and 3 map packs (also bundled together in a "Season Pass") for a total of 45 additional missions.[10]

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
PCPS3PS4Xbox 360
DestructoidN/AN/A8/10[15]8.5/10[16]
EurogamerN/A5/10[17]N/AN/A
FamitsuN/A34/40[18]32/40[19]34/40[18]
Game InformerN/A8/10[20]N/A8/10[20]
GameRevolutionN/AN/AN/A7/10[21]
GameTrailersN/AN/AN/A8/10[22]
IGNN/A6.5/10[23]N/A6.5/10[23]
JoystiqN/AStarStarStarStar[24]N/AN/A
OPM (UK)N/A6/10[25]6/10[26]N/A
OXM (US)N/AN/AN/A7.5/10[27]
PC Gamer (UK)80%[28]N/AN/AN/A
PolygonN/AN/AN/A7.5/10[29]
Push SquareN/A6/10[30]7/10[31]N/A
USgamerN/A3/5[32]N/AN/A
The EscapistN/AN/AN/AN/A
Slant MagazineN/AN/AStarStarStar[33]StarStarHalf star[34]
Aggregate score
Metacritic79/100[11]69/100[12]64/100[13]68/100[14]

The PC version received "generally favorable reviews", while the rest of the console versions received "mixed or average reviews", according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[11][12][13][14] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of one nine, two eights, and one nine for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions;[18] and all four eights for the PlayStation 4 version.[19]

James Cunningham of Hardcore Gamer gave the PS3 version 4.5 out of 5, calling it "a fantastic example of everything that makes pure action gaming so much fun, packed with replay value and over the top set pieces, and a more than worthy sequel that tops its predecessor in every way."[35] Edge gave the Xbox 360 version five out of ten, saying, "EDF was never about careful aiming or strategic cover or any of the other things that drive modern shooters, though – it's about superior firepower earned through RPG grind, but 2025 has made the happy grind gruelling."[36] The magazine later gave the PS4 version six out of ten, saying, "To enjoy EDF, you've always needed to be willing to compromise. Those days are gone. It's never felt so fluid."[37] GameZone gave the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions each 8.5 out of 10, saying, "When a gun seems purposefully terrible, or an enemy reacts in a hilarious way, it leaves you wondering if Sandlot is full of comedic genuises, or if they have a lot of happy accidents. Whatever the case, they've managed to make the best Earth Defense Force game yet, so they must be doing something right."[38]

Forbes gave the PS4 version a score of eight out of ten and called it "a raucous and fun shooter with a different as well as more open ended approach compared to the more scripted movie wannabe type games out there. The dialogue is both silly and endearing and the combat is very satisfying."[39] Shacknews gave the Xbox 360 version a score of six out of ten, saying, "Shortcomings aside, Earth Defense Force 2025 is an action experience that will put a big, stupid grin on your face. Like Starship Troopers, EDF is a campy adventure that doesn't attempt to redefine the paradigm, but offers a reliably good time."[40] However, The Digital Fix gave the PS3 version five out of ten, saying that it "has a fiercely loyal following, and fans are likely to be happy embracing this latest title, bugs and all. For everyone else though, EDF 2025 is the gaming equivalent of Sharktopus: a bargain basement, low-budget cheesefest of the highest order, mildly amusing for a short time, filled with awful lines, and completely forgettable."[41] James Stephanie Sterling of The Escapist gave the Xbox 360 version two stars out of five, saying that it "tries too hard at not trying hard enough, like one of those awful SyFy mutant movies. It knows it's terrible, and thinks it can get away with it by doubling down on its own awfulness. Clearly, this has worked for some, as the series has a fanbase. I don't get it, though. This is not so bad it's good. It's just plain bad, and there aren't enough giant insects in the world to convince me otherwise."[42]

Slant Magazine gave the Xbox 360 version two-and-a-half stars out of five, saying that "Even though it tries so very hard to jam-pack a pick-up-and-play shooter with missions, weapons, and multiplayer options aplenty, it's a game that has limits to its staying power, leaving the player hungry for something more substantial."[34] However, the same magazine gave the PS4 version three stars out of five, saying that it "doesn't ever completely shy away from using filler material after successfully building so much momentum."[33] Metro gave the PS3 version five out of ten, saying that it was "No longer the Deadly Premonition of action games, just an outdated, half-broken, [sic] shooter that offers only glimpses of what it could've been."[43] The newspaper later gave the PS4 version four out of ten, calling it "A remake of a rehash of a disappointing sequel... that only hints at what Earth Defense Force could be if the series would only show some forward momentum."[44]

Notes

  1. ↑ Known in Japan as Chikyū Bōeigun 4 (Japanese: 地球防衛軍4, lit. Earth Defense Forces 4)

References

  1. ↑ Zimmerman, Conrad (January 21, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025 lands February 18". Gamurs. https://www.destructoid.com/earth-defense-force-2025-lands-february-18/. 
  2. ↑ Yip, Spencer (March 19, 2013). "Earth Defense Force 2025 Jetpacks To Japan In July". Gamurs. https://www.siliconera.com/earth-defense-force-2025-jetpacks-to-japan-in-july/. 
  3. ↑ Martin, Liam (December 14, 2012). "'Earth Defence Force 2025' announced for Xbox 360, PS3, releasing 2013". Hearst Communications. https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a445300/earth-defense-force-2025-announced-for-xbox-360-ps3-releasing-2013/. 
  4. ↑ Romano, Sal (December 13, 2012). "Earth Defense Force 4 localization announced". https://www.gematsu.com/2012/12/earth-defense-force-4-localization-announced. 
  5. ↑ Romano, Sal (September 16, 2022). "Earth Defense Force 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair for Switch launches December 22 in Japan". https://www.gematsu.com/2022/09/earth-defense-force-4-1-the-shadow-of-new-despair-for-switch-launches-december-22-in-japan. 
  6. ↑ "『地球防衛軍4』複数人で乗る大型武装兵器が明らかに！" (in ja). Famitsu (Kadokawa Game Linkage). December 27, 2012. https://www.famitsu.com/news/201212/27026637.html. Retrieved April 19, 2025. 
  7. ↑ "『地球防衛軍4』進化した最強のバトルマシン新型BM03ベガルタ登場" (in ja). Famitsu (Kadokawa Game Linkage). December 6, 2012. https://www.famitsu.com/news/201212/06025467.html. Retrieved April 19, 2025. 
  8. ↑ D3Publisher (January 31, 2013). Earth Defense Force 2025 Gameplay Trailer (english subtitles). YouTube. Google. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved April 19, 2025.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ↑ Takasue, Kaori (October 28, 2013). "Earth Defense Force 2025 Hits PS3 in February 2014, Pre-order Details Revealed". Sony Interactive Entertainment. https://blog.playstation.com/2013/10/28/earth-defense-force-2025-hits-ps3-in-february-2014-pre-order-details-revealed/. 
  10. ↑ Pramath (March 11, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025 Beyond Despair Mission Pack Now Available". https://gamingbolt.com/earth-defense-force-2025-beyond-despair-mission-pack-now-available. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Earth Defense Force 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair critic reviews (PC)". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/earth-defense-force-41-the-shadow-of-new-despair/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Earth Defense Force 2025 critic reviews (PS3)". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/earth-defense-force-4/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Earth Defense Force 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair critic reviews (PS4)". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/earth-defense-force-41-the-shadow-of-new-despair/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Earth Defense Force 2025 critic reviews (X360)". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/earth-defense-force-4/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. 
  15. ↑ Devore, Jordan (December 8, 2015). "Review: Earth Defense Force 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair (PS4)". Gamurs. https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-earth-defense-force-4-1-the-shadow-of-new-despair/. 
  16. ↑ Bonds, Ian (February 18, 2014). "Review: Earth Defense Force 2025 (X360)". Gamurs. https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-earth-defense-force-2025/. 
  17. ↑ Ellison, Cara (February 18, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025 review (PlayStation 3)". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/earth-defense-force-2025-review. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Gifford, Kevin (June 26, 2013). "Japan Review Check: Earth Defense Force 2025". Vox Media. https://www.polygon.com/2013/6/26/4465680/japan-review-check-earth-defense-force-2025. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Romano, Sal (March 23, 2015). "Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1373". https://www.gematsu.com/2015/03/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1373. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Juba, Joe (February 18, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025: A Successful Infestation". Game Informer (GameStop). https://www.gameinformer.com/games/earth_defense_force_2025/b/xbox360/archive/2014/02/17/edf-2025-review-game-informer.aspx. Retrieved April 19, 2025. 
  21. ↑ Tan, Nicholas (February 18, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025 Review (X360)". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/63107-earth-defense-force-2025-review. 
  22. ↑ Moore, Ben (February 18, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025 - Review (X360)". Defy Media. http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/p99r5z/earth-defense-force-2025-review. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Albert, Brian (February 18, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025 Review". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/18/earth-defense-force-2025-review. 
  24. ↑ Cowan, Danny (February 19, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025 review: I like big bugs (PS3)". Yahoo! Inc.. https://www.engadget.com/2014-02-19-earth-defense-force-2025-review-i-like-big-bugs.html. 
  25. ↑ Gapper, Michael (February 18, 2014). "Earth Defence Force 2025 PS3 review - run-and-gunning can be alienating". PlayStation Official Magazine – UK (Future plc). http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/review/28545earth-defence-force-2025-ps3-review-official-playstation-magazine-score/. Retrieved July 7, 2017. 
  26. ↑ "Earth Defence Force 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair". PlayStation Official Magazine – UK (Future plc): 89. February 2016. 
  27. ↑ Rudden, Dave (February 18, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025 review". Official Xbox Magazine (Future US). http://www.oxmonline.com/earth-defense-force-2025-review. Retrieved July 7, 2017. 
  28. ↑ Savage, Phil (July 27, 2016). "Earth Defense Force 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair review". PC Gamer UK (Future plc). https://www.pcgamer.com/earth-defense-force-41-the-shadow-of-new-despair-review/. Retrieved April 19, 2025. 
  29. ↑ Plante, Chris (February 18, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025 review: kill 'em all (X360)". Vox Media. https://www.polygon.com/2014/2/18/5424154/earth-defense-force-2025-review-kill-em-all. 
  30. ↑ Barker, Sammy (February 21, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025 Review". Hookshot Media. https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps3/earth_defense_force_2025. 
  31. ↑ Ramsey, Robert (December 9, 2015). "Earth Defense Force 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair Review". Hookshot Media. https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/earth_defense_force_4_1_the_shadow_of_new_despair. 
  32. ↑ Williams, Mike (February 19, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025 PS3 Review: You vs. GIANT INSECTS!". Gamer Network. https://www.vg247.com/earth-defense-force-2025-ps3-review-you-vs-giant-insects. 
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Pressgrove, Jed (January 6, 2016). "Earth Defense Force 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair (PS4)". Slant Magazine. https://www.slantmagazine.com/games/earth-defense-force-4-1-the-shadow-of-new-despair. Retrieved April 19, 2025. 
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Clark, Justin (March 21, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025 (X360)". Slant Magazine. https://www.slantmagazine.com/games/earth-defense-force-2025. Retrieved April 19, 2025. 
  35. ↑ Cunningham, James (February 26, 2014). "Review: Earth Defense Force 2025". Hardcore Gamer. https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-earth-defense-force-2025/75992/. Retrieved April 19, 2025. 
  36. ↑ Edge staff (February 18, 2014). "Earth Defence Force 2025 review (X360)". Edge (Future plc). http://www.edge-online.com/review/earth-defence-force-2025-review/. Retrieved July 7, 2017. 
  37. ↑ Edge staff (February 2016). "Earth Defence Force 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair (PS4)". Edge (Future plc) (289): 116. 
  38. ↑ Donato, Joe (February 24, 2014). "EDF 2025 Review: The sweet science of insecticide". https://gamezone.com/reviews/edf-2025-review-the-sweet-science-of-insecticide/. 
  39. ↑ Barder, Ollie (July 10, 2016). "'Earth Defense 4.1' Review: Unfettered Alien Carnage (PS4)". Forbes (Forbes Media). https://www.forbes.com/sites/games/2016/07/10/earth-defense-force-4-1-review-unfettered-alien-carnage/#592d3921239d. Retrieved April 19, 2025. 
  40. ↑ Workman, Robert (February 19, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025 review: cheese whiz". https://www.shacknews.com/article/83167/earth-defense-force-2025-review-cheese-whiz. 
  41. ↑ Kershaw, Rob (March 14, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025 (PS3)". Poisonous Monkey Ltd. http://gaming.thedigitalfix.com/content/id/2297/earth-defense-force-2025.html. 
  42. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named escapist
  43. ↑ Hargreaves, Roger (February 19, 2014). "Earth Defense Force 2025 review – giant bugs (PS3)". Metro (DMG Media). https://metro.co.uk/2014/02/19/earth-defense-force-2025-review-giant-bugs-4309113/. 
  44. ↑ "Earth Defense Force 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair review – bugging out (PS4)". Metro (DMG Media). February 17, 2016. https://metro.co.uk/2016/02/17/earth-defense-force-4-1-the-shadow-of-new-despair-review-bugging-out-5691945/. 
  • Official website (in Japanese)
  • 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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