Software:F-1 World Grand Prix

From HandWiki
Short description: 1998 video game
For the 2001 game in the series also known as F1 World Grand Prix, see F1 World Grand Prix 2000.
F-1 World Grand Prix
North American Nintendo 64 cover art
Developer(s)Paradigm Entertainment (N64)
Video System (DC, GBC)
Lankhor (PS1, Win)
Publisher(s)Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color
Video System
Dreamcast
PlayStation
Windows
  • NA/EU: Eidos Interactive
  • JP: Tsukuda Original
Director(s)Wes Hoffman
Composer(s)Dan Hess
SeriesF-1 Grand Prix
Platform(s)Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PlayStation, Game Boy Color, Windows
Release
Genre(s)Sim racing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

F-1 World Grand Prix is a Formula One racing game/sim developed by Paradigm Entertainment, first released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64 game console, and later for the Dreamcast, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, and Game Boy Color. The Nintendo 64 version is based on the 1997 Formula One season, featuring each of the 17 circuits from the season and all 22 drivers (as well as two unlockable bonus racers), with the exceptions of Jacques Villeneuve (licensing reason) and the MasterCard Lola team (not recognised, as they did not take part in any races during the season).

The Dreamcast and Game Boy Color versions are based on the 1998 Formula One season and the PlayStation (released as F1 World Grand Prix: 1999 Season[6]) and Windows versions are based on the 1999 Formula One season. The Windows version is a sequel to the 1999 video game Official Formula One Racing.

Gameplay

The game has five gameplay modes: Grand Prix, a course-by-course simulation of the 1997 season; Exhibition, a single race; Time Trial, a race against the clock; Challenge, which comprises real scenarios from the 1997 season, including trying to win the 1997 Hungarian Grand Prix as Damon Hill or beating Jean Alesi as David Coulthard in the 1997 Italian Grand Prix; and 2 Player, which allows two players to compete in a single, split-screen race.

Prior to races, players can tune their car, including tyre tread, amount of fuel and wing angle. As was standard for racing games of the time, weather (and its effects) are also simulated.[7]

Williams F1 driver Jacques Villeneuve is not featured in the game. In his place is a silhouette of his body. A fictional helmet design is used and his name is simply Driver Williams, but his career statistics are correct. This character's name can be customized by the player, either to personalise their driver or to unlock extras.

Development

F-1 World Grand Prix was first developed as an exclusive for the Nintendo 64 console. In order to fit the game's voice clips into the small storage capacity of Nintendo 64 cartridges, the developers employed speech compression technology developed by Factor 5.[7]

Reception

Video System version (1998)

Video System (1998)
Review scores
PublicationScore
DreamcastGBCN64
EGM7.375/10[12][lower-alpha 1]N/A7.75/10[13][lower-alpha 2]
Famitsu30/40[15]N/A29/40[16]
Game Informer7.75/10[17]N/A7.5/10[18]
GameFan91%[19][lower-alpha 3]N/A82%[20]
GameRevolutionA−[21]N/AB−[22]
GameSpot7.5/10[23]N/A7.9/10[24]
GameSpy8.5/10[25]N/AN/A
IGN8.6/10[26]N/A8.3/10[1]
Jeuxvideo.com16/20[27]19/20[28]16/20[29]
N64 MagazineN/AN/A93%[31]
Next GenerationStarStarStar[30]N/AN/A
Nintendo PowerN/AN/A7.9/10[32]
Aggregate score
GameRankings75%[8]N/A78%[9]

The Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast versions received favorable reviews according to the Review aggregation website GameRankings.[8][9] N64 Magazine's James Ashton said that the N64 version was "the finest driving simulation the world has ever seen".[31] Peter Jankulovski of Hyper game the same console version 86%, calling it "a great addition to any racing fan's game library".[33] Game Informer gave the Dreamcast version a positive review, a few months before its U.S. release date.[17] Greg Orlando of NextGen said of the same console version in his early review as a finest title on Dreamcast, but considered as demanding for the casual gamer.[30] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of 30 out of 40 for the latter console version,[15] and 29 out of 40 for the former.[16] Other magazines gave the Dreamcast version universal acclaim to average reviews while it was still in development.[12][19]

Edge gave it eight out of ten for the N64 original,[34] and later seven out of ten for the Dreamcast version.[35] GamePro said of the Nintendo 64 version, "All told, you'll love WGP if you're one of the very, very few N64 gamers looking for an extremely challenging F1 sim—or if you have the enormous patience required to master it. Everyone else should give WGP a wide berth."[36][lower-alpha 4]

At the 1999 Milia festival in Cannes, the N64 version took home a "Gold" prize for revenues above €20 million in the European Union during the previous year.[37] The same N64 version was nominated for "Best Racing Game" at The Electric Playground's 1998 Blister Awards, which went to Gran Turismo.[38]

Eidos Interactive version (1999)

Eidos Interactive (1999)
Review scores
PublicationScore
PCPS
AllGameN/AStarStarStarStar[41]
CGSPStarStarStar[43]N/A
CGWStarStarHalf star[44]N/A
Eurogamer8/10[46]N/A
GameSpot6.7/10[47]4.4/10[48]
IGN8.3/10[49]N/A
Jeuxvideo.com18/20[50]7/20[51]
OPM (UK)N/A5/10[52]
PC Gamer (US)55%[53]N/A
Aggregate score
GameRankings73%[39]55%[40]

The Eidos Interactive version received mixed or average reviews according to GameRankings.[39][40] AllGame gave the PlayStation version four stars out of five, praising the game's extras such as a fully customizable instant replay.[41] GamePro said of the PlayStation version, "Even if you're not a huge fan, F1 World Grand Prix offers enough options and fun gameplay to make it worth a couple of laps."[54][lower-alpha 5]

Sequel

Its Video System sequel, F-1 World Grand Prix II, was released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64 and in 2000 for the Dreamcast and Game Boy Color.

Notes

  1. ↑ In Electronic Gaming Monthly's early review of the Dreamcast version, four critics gave it each a score of 8.5/10, 7/10, 7.5/10, and 6.5/10.
  2. ↑ Four critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the Nintendo 64 version each a score of 8/10, 7.5/10, 8.5/10, and 7/10.
  3. ↑ In GameFan's early viewpoint of the Dreamcast version, one critic gave it 89, and the other 91.
  4. ↑ GamePro gave the Nintendo 64 version two 3.5/5 scores for graphics and fun factor, 4.5/5 for sound, and 4/5 for control.
  5. ↑ GamePro gave the PlayStation version three 3.5/5 scores for graphics, control, and fun factor, and 3/5 for sound.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Schenider, Peer (27 July 1998). "F-1 World Grand Prix Review (N64)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/07/28/f-1-world-grand-prix. 
  2. ↑ Gantayat, Anoop (25 April 2000). "Formula 1 World Grand Prix Arrives at Last.". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/26/formula-1-world-grand-prix-arrives-at-last. 
  3. ↑ "F1 World Grand Prix". http://www.chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=2435. 
  4. ↑ Fudge, James (21 June 2000). "F1 World Grand Prix Ships". Strategy Plus, Inc.. http://www.cdmag.com/articles/028/115/f1wgp.html. 
  5. ↑ Bye, John "Gestalt" (16 June 2000). "UK releases". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/article-28028. 
  6. ↑ "F1 World Grand Prix - 1999 Season - (NTSC-U)". https://psxdatacenter.com/games/U/F/SLUS-01036.html. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "NG Alphas: World Grand Prix". Next Generation (Imagine Media) (41): 95–96. May 1998. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "F-1 World Grand Prix for Dreamcast". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/197273-f1-world-grand-prix/index.html. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "F-1 World Grand Prix for Nintendo 64". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/n64/197275-f-1-world-grand-prix/index.html. 
  10. ↑ Mahood, Andy (24 May 2000). "F1 World Grand Prix (DC)". CNET. http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Dreamcast/F1worldgp/. 
  11. ↑ Mahood, Andy (6 November 1998). "F1 World Grand Prix (N64)". CNET. http://gamecenter.com/Consoles/Nintendo/F1wgprix/. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Davison, John; Hager, Dean; Chou, Che; Johnston, Chris (February 2000). "F-1 World Grand Prix (DC)". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (127): 174. https://retrocdn.net/images/3/37/EGM_US_127.pdf. Retrieved 20 September 2023. 
  13. ↑ Hager, Dean; Ricciardi, John; Davison, John; Williams, Ken "Sushi-X" (October 1998). "F-1 World Grand Prix (N64)". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (111): 257. https://retrocdn.net/images/1/1d/EGM_US_111.pdf. Retrieved 20 September 2023. 
  14. ↑ Lucas, Victor (8 September 1998). "F1 World Grand Prix (N64)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=52&full=1#mr_toppy. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "ドリームキャスト – F1 WORLD GRAND PRIX for Dreamcast" (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain) 915: 50. 30 June 2006. https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=12831&redirect=no. Retrieved 20 September 2023. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "F-1 World Grand Prix [NINTENDO64"] (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain). https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=14548&redirect=no. Retrieved 20 September 2023. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "F1 World Grand Prix (DC)". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (82). February 2000. 
  18. ↑ "F1 World Gran[d Prix (N64)"]. Game Informer (FuncoLand) (65). September 1998. http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=n64&path=sep98&doc=f1. Retrieved 20 September 2023. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Higgins, Geoff "El Nino"; Weitzner, Jason "Fury" (March 2000). "F1 World Grand Prix (DC)". GameFan (Shinno Media) 8 (3): 86. https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_03/page/n85/mode/2up. Retrieved 11 October 2020. 
  20. ↑ "REVIEW for F-1 World Grand Prix (N64)". GameFan (Metropolis Media). 3 August 1998. 
  21. ↑ G-Wok (April 2000). "F1 World Grand Prix Review (DC)". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32276-f1-world-grand-prix-review. 
  22. ↑ Hsu, Tim (September 1998). "F1 World Grand Prix – Nintendo 64 Review". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32641-f1-world-grand-prix-review-2. 
  23. ↑ Provo, Frank (1 June 2000). "F1 World Grand Prix Review (DC) [date mislabeled as "May 17, 2006""]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/f1-world-grand-prix-review/1900-2580808/. 
  24. ↑ Broady, Vince (20 August 1998). "F-1 World Grand Prix Review (N64) [date mislabeled as "April 28, 2000""]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/f-1-world-grand-prix-review/1900-2544404/. 
  25. ↑ Subskin (20 April 2000). "F1 World Grand Prix". IGN Entertainment. http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/f1worldgrandprix/. 
  26. ↑ Langan, Matthew (24 November 1999). "F1 World Grand Prix (DC; Import)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/11/25/f1-world-grand-prix-2. 
  27. ↑ Mélo (17 December 1999). "Test: F1 World Grand Prix (DCAST)" (in fr). Webedia. https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00000425_test.htm. 
  28. ↑ Lightman (29 July 1999). "Test: F1 World Grand Prix (GB)" (in fr). Webedia. https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00000040_test.htm. 
  29. ↑ 2nz (25 November 2010). "Test: F1 World Grand Prix (N64)" (in fr). Webedia. https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00013948-f1-world-grand-prix-test.htm. 
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Orlando, Greg (March 2000). "F1 World Grand Prix (DC)". NextGen (Imagine Media) (63): 86. https://archive.org/details/NextGen63Mar2000/page/n87/mode/2up. Retrieved 11 October 2020. 
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Ashton, James (October 1998). "F-1 World Grand Prix". N64 Magazine (Future Publishing) (20): 62–67. 
  32. ↑ "F-1 World Grand Prix (N64)". Nintendo Power (Nintendo of America) 111: 95. August 1998. https://www.nintendo64ever.com/scans/mags/Scan-Magazine-353-95.jpg. Retrieved 20 September 2023. 
  33. ↑ Jankulovski, Peter (October 1998). "F-1 World Grand Prix (N64)". Hyper (Next Media Pty Ltd) (60): 44–45. 
  34. ↑ Edge staff (October 1998). "F-1 World Grand Prix (N64)". Edge (Future Publishing) (63): 88–89. https://retrocdn.net/images/4/48/Edge_UK_063.pdf. Retrieved 20 September 2023. 
  35. ↑ Edge staff (November 1999). "F1 World Grand Prix (DC)". Edge (Future Publishing) (78): 77. https://retrocdn.net/images/c/c7/Edge_UK_078.pdf. Retrieved 20 September 2023. 
  36. ↑ Air Hendrix (October 1998). "F1 World Grand Prix [sic (N64)"]. GamePro (IDG Entertainment) (121): 188. https://www.nintendo64ever.com/scans/mags/Scan-Magazine-1862-188.jpg. Retrieved 20 September 2023. 
  37. ↑ GameSpot staff (12 February 1999). "ECCSELL Awards Name Winners [date mislabeled as "April 27, 2000""]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/eccsell-awards-name-winners/1100-2452282/. 
  38. ↑ EP staff (1999). "The Best of 1998: The Blister Award (Best Racing Game)". Greedy Productions Ltd. http://old.elecplay.com/feature/best98/best98-2.shtml. 
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 "F-1 World Grand Prix for PC". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/255843-f1-world-grand-prix/index.html. 
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 "F-1 World Grand Prix: 1999 Season for PlayStation". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197274-f1-world-grand-prix-season-1999/index.html. 
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 Kanarick, Mark. "F1 World Grand Prix: 1999 Season – Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=22871&tab=review. 
  42. ↑ Goble, Gordon (20 July 2000). "F1 World Grand Prix (PC)". CNET. http://www.gamecenter.com/Reviews/Item/0%2C6%2C0-4486%2C00.html. 
  43. ↑ Hicks, Michael (18 August 2000). "F1 World Grand Prix". Strategy Plus, Inc.. http://www.cdmag.com/articles/029/052/f1gp_review.html. 
  44. ↑ Todd, Brett (October 2000). "When Mediocrity Is (Yawn) Good (F1 World Grand Prix Review)". Computer Gaming World (Ziff Davis) (195): 132. https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_195.pdf. Retrieved 20 September 2023. 
  45. ↑ Guest (30 August 2000). "F1 World Grand Prix (PC)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=3038&full=1#mr_toppy. 
  46. ↑ Ellis, Keith "DNM" (27 July 2000). "F1 World Grand Prix (PC)". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/r-f1wgp. 
  47. ↑ Ajami, Amer (13 July 2000). "F1 World Grand Prix Review (PC)". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/f1-world-grand-prix-review/1900-2603512/. 
  48. ↑ MacDonald, Ryan (25 February 2000). "F1 World Grand Prix [1999 Season Review (PS) [date mislabeled as "April 28, 2000"]"]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/f1-world-grand-prix-review/1900-2547448/. 
  49. ↑ Magruder, Randy (11 July 2000). "F1 World Grand Prix (PC)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/07/12/f1-world-grand-prix. 
  50. ↑ Kornifex (27 June 2000). "Test: F1 World Grand Prix (PC)" (in fr). Webedia. https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00000722_test.htm. 
  51. ↑ Mélo (10 January 2000). "Test: F1 World Grand Prix (PS1)" (in fr). Webedia. https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00000468_test.htm. 
  52. ↑ Davies, Jonathan (February 2000). "F1 World Grand Prix". Official UK PlayStation Magazine (Future Publishing) (55): 103. 
  53. ↑ "F1 World Grand Prix". PC Gamer (Imagine Media) 7 (10). October 2000. 
  54. ↑ Lou Gubrious (2000). "F1 World Grand Prix [1999 Season Review for PlayStation on GamePro.com"]. GamePro (IDG Entertainment). http://www.gamepro.com/sony/psx/games/reviews/4651.shtml. Retrieved 12 October 2020. 

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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

Template:Atari





Retrieved from "https://handwiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Software:F-1_World_Grand_Prix&oldid=4139874"