Software:FlatOut 2

From HandWiki
Short description: 2006 video game

FlatOut 2
Developer(s)Bugbear Entertainment[lower-alpha 1]
Publisher(s)Empire Interactive
Designer(s)Janne Alanenpää
Programmer(s)Tatu Blomberg
Artist(s)Mikko Kautto
SeriesFlatOut
Platform(s)Windows
PlayStation 2
Xbox
Xbox 360
PlayStation Portable
Mac OS X
Release
Genre(s)Racing, action
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

FlatOut 2 is an action racing video game developed by Bugbear Entertainment and published by Empire Interactive for Windows, PlayStation 2 and Xbox. It was released in Russia on June 29, 2006, in Europe on June 30, and in North America on August 1. The game received positive reviews.

The sequel to 2004's FlatOut, FlatOut 2 is themed more on the street racing/import tuner scene than its predecessor. A notable change is the tire grip; players can take more control of their car, worrying less about skidding in tight turns. The game has three car classes: derby, race, and street.

An enhanced port was released in 2007 for the Xbox 360 and Windows as FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage. A PlayStation Portable port of Ultimate Carnage was released as FlatOut: Head On in 2008. The same year, an OS X version of the game was released by Virtual Programming. An update for the PC version was released in July 2024, that implemented Steam Workshop support, improved support for the Steam Deck and added various quality-of-life improvements.[3]

Gameplay

Ragdoll physics

The ragdoll physics have been greatly improved from the previous game. During the race, the driver may be thrown out of the car if slammed into a wall at a high speed. In the numerous stunt minigames, players can shoot the driver out of the car in order to complete objectives like knocking down a set of bowling pins, hitting the designated spots on a dartboard, scoring a field goal or flying through flaming hoops. Players must use 'aerobatics' to control the driver in-flight, but overusing it will increase drag, which will slow the driver down and possibly prevent them from reaching the designated target. If the driver falls short of the target, players can use the "nudge". This gives the driver a small upward boost and slightly reduces drag. In the Stone Skipping Stunt minigame, the players must use nudge just as the driver hits the surface of the water to skip the most efficiently and reach the furthest.

Reception

Critical reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
PCPS2Xbox
Edge6/10[4]6/10[4]6/10[4]
EGMN/A5.17/10[5]5.17/10[5]
EurogamerN/AN/A8/10[6]
Game InformerN/A7.5/10[7]7.5/10[7]
GameProN/AN/AStarStarStar[8]
GameSpot7.4/10[9]7.4/10[10]7.4/10[10]
GameTrailers8/10[12]8/10[12]8/10[12]
GameZoneN/A7/10[13]N/A
IGN8.3/10[14]8.3/10[15]8.3/10[15]
OPM (US)N/A7.5/10[16]N/A
OXM (US)N/AN/A7/10[17]
PC Gamer (US)80%[18]N/AN/A
The Sydney Morning HeraldStarStarStar[19]StarStarStar[19]StarStarStar[19]
Aggregate score
Metacritic76/100[20]73/100[21]73/100[22]


Awards

Date Award Category Release edition Result Ref.
May 20, 2006 IGN Best of E3 2006 Best Racing Game PS2 Runner-up [23]
December 20, 2006 X-Play Game of the Year Best Racing Game Xbox Won [24]

FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage

FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage is an enhanced port of FlatOut 2 featuring new gameplay modes, soundtrack and graphics as well as at least two new cars. It was known earlier as FlatOut: Total Carnage. FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage was released on July 22, 2007, in Europe, on August 1 in Australia, and on October 2 in North America for the Xbox 360.

The Microsoft Windows version was released through the Steam network on August 26, 2008, and in stores on September 2. There is also a handheld version of the game for the PlayStation Portable called FlatOut: Head On, which was released in Australia on March 12, 2008, in Europe two days later, and in North America on April 4.[25]

Gameplay

Ultimate Carnage introduces a Carnage mode, a challenge series type of mode, which includes 36 challenges among stunts, demolition derby deathmatches, carnage races, and beat the bombs.[26][27][28][29]

The cars are more detailed than previous games in the series, employing the latest in dynamic lighting and shadow technology, and a greatly enhanced damage and physics engine where each car is made of up to 40 separate destructible parts. The single player game supports up to 11 other AI-controlled cars in each race.

A new multiplayer format is also included; this runs on the Games for Windows – Live system which requires the user to either sign into own Xbox LIVE or Games for Windows LIVE Gamertag, or sign up for one for free. The LAN function is not available in FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage, unlike the previous two FlatOut games for Windows.

Reception

Reception (FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage)
Review scores
PublicationScore
PCPSPXbox 360
EdgeN/AN/A7/10[30]
EGMN/AN/A8.17/10[31]
Eurogamer7/10[32]6/10[33]8/10[34]
FamitsuN/AN/A27/40[35]
Game InformerN/A7.5/10[36]7.5/10[37]
GameProN/AN/AStarStarStarStar[38]
GameRevolutionN/AN/AB[39]
GameSpotN/A7.5/10[40]7.5/10[41]
GameSpyN/AN/AStarStarStarStar[42]
GameZoneN/A8/10[43]8.7/10[44]
IGN7.8/10[45]7.7/10[46]8.5/10[47]
OXM (US)N/AN/A7.5/10[48]
PC Gamer (UK)82%[49]N/AN/A
PSMN/AStarStarStarStar[50]N/A
Aggregate score
Metacritic79/100[51]74/100[52]80/100[53]

The Xbox 360 and PC versions received "favorable" reviews, while the Head On version received "average" reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[20][52][53]

Hyper's Maurice Branscombe commended the Xbox 360 version for "looking and playing better than ever before", but did not like the soundtracks and stated that "the game's load times are too long".[54] In Japan, Famitsu gave the same console version a score of three sevens and one six for a total of 27 out of 40.[35]

Notes

  1. ↑ Ported to Mac OS X by Virtual Programming

References

  1. ↑ Kruse, Cord (October 2, 2008). "FlatOut 2 Released For Macs". http://www.insidemacgames.com/news/story.php?ID=17039. 
  2. ↑ "FlatOut: Head On Hits Store Shelves Today" (in en). March 11, 2008. https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/03/11/flatout-head-on-hits-store-shelves-today. 
  3. ↑ Director, Graham Smith Deputy Editorial; Smith, Graham (July 20, 2024). "FlatOut 1, 2 and Ultimate Carnage all get Workshop support, Deck verification in new updates" (in en). Rock, Paper, Shotgun. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/flatout-1-2-and-ultimate-carnage-all-get-workshop-support-deck-verification-in-new-updates. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Edge staff (August 2006). "FlatOut 2". Edge (165): 89. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 EGM staff (September 2006). "FlatOut 2 (PS2, Xbox)". Electronic Gaming Monthly (207): 98. 
  6. ↑ Whitehead, Dan (June 8, 2006). "FlatOut 2 (Xbox)". http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_flatout2_x. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "FlatOut 2 (PS2, Xbox)". Game Informer (161): 88. September 2006. 
  8. ↑ Indignant Crab (August 1, 2006). "Review: FlatOut 2 (Xbox)". GamePro. http://gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox/games/reviews/77468.shtml. Retrieved July 13, 2015. 
  9. ↑ Navarro, Alex (August 11, 2006). "FlatOut 2 Review (PC)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/flatout-2-review/1900-6153463/. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Navarro, Alex (August 1, 2006). "FlatOut 2 Review (PS2, Xbox)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/flatout-2-review/1900-6153464/. 
  11. ↑ Turner, Benjamin (August 8, 2006). "GameSpy: FlatOut 2 (PS2, Xbox)". GameSpy. http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/flatout-2/724157p1.html. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 "Flatout 2 [sic Review"]. GameTrailers. August 1, 2006. http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/h6j9ps/flatout-2-review. 
  13. ↑ Bedigian, Louis (August 13, 2006). "FlatOut 2 – PS2 – Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/flatout_2_ps2_review. 
  14. ↑ Roper, Chris (August 3, 2006). "FlatOut 2 Review (PC)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/03/flatout-2-review. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Roper, Chris (July 31, 2006). "FlatOut 2 Review (PS2, Xbox)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/01/flatout-2-review-2. 
  16. ↑ "FlatOut 2". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine: 76. September 2006. 
  17. ↑ "FlatOut 2". Official Xbox Magazine: 80. September 2006. 
  18. ↑ "FlatOut 2". PC Gamer: 118. November 2006. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 Fish, Eliot (August 26, 2006). "FlatOut 2". The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/news/game-reviews/flatout-2/2006/08/24/1156012662722.html. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "FlatOut 2 for PC Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/flatout-2/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. 
  21. ↑ "FlatOut 2 for PlayStation 2 Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/flatout-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2. 
  22. ↑ "FlatOut 2 for Xbox Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/flatout-2/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox. 
  23. ↑ Team, IGN PlayStation (May 20, 2006). "PS2 Best of E3 2006 Awards" (in en). https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/20/ps2-best-of-e3-2006-awards. 
  24. ↑ Howarth, Robert 'Apache' (December 20, 2006). "X-Play Game of the Year Awards" (in en). https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/20/x-play-game-of-the-year-awards. 
  25. ↑ "FlatOut: Head-On Release Information for PSP". http://www.gamefaqs.com/psp/942912-flatout-head-on/data. 
  26. ↑ "FlatOut Ultimate Carnage Harness your road rage.". June 3, 2007. https://www.eurogamer.net/flatout-ultimate-carnage-first-impressions. 
  27. ↑ "In terms of game modes, FlatOut Ultimate Carnage offers just about what you'd expect; Time Trials, a Career mode for progressing through the stages of the game, Stunt Challenge mode, and a new addition to the series called Carnage, which is a throwback to Destruction Derby and simply invites you to cause a massive mess." – Rob Havey, Eurogamer, June 3, 2007
  28. ↑ Craddock, David (October 1, 2007). "FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage Review (X360)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/02/flatout-ultimate-carnage-review-2. 
  29. ↑ Carnage Mode is a smorgasbord of match types. Whether Beat the Bomb, Stunt, Deathmatch Derby, or something else entirely, each event holds certain score-based stipulations that must be met in order to unlock other Carnage events. Deathmatch Derby is a spin on FlatOut 2's Derby mode--which is also present in Ultimate Carnage--that gives a player three lives, one of which is lost each time their car is demolished. The goal is to earn as many "frags" as possible by destroying other cars. The more frags earned, the better the score. Beat the Bomb starts players with a low amount of time and challenges them to rush toward Checkpoints which add precious seconds to clock. If time expires, the car explodes. - David Craddock, IGN, October 2, 2007
  30. ↑ Edge staff (August 2007). "FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage (X360)". Edge (178): 91. 
  31. ↑ EGM staff (November 2007). "FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage (X360)". Electronic Gaming Monthly: 111. 
  32. ↑ Allen, Darren (September 8, 2008). "PC Roundup (FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage)". http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/pc-roundup_8. 
  33. ↑ Purchese, Robert (March 17, 2008). "FlatOut: Head On". http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/flatout-head-on-review. 
  34. ↑ Fahey, Rob (June 22, 2007). "FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage (X360)". http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/flatout-ultimate-carnage-review. 
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 "Mags Review Scores – Famitsu scores added, 40/40 for Mario! (Page 2)". Gamersyde. June 12, 2008. http://www.gamersyde.com/forum_mags_review_scores_famitsu_scores_added_40_40_for_mario_-8_25557_2_en.html. 
  36. ↑ "FlatOut: Head On". Game Informer (181): 99. May 2008. 
  37. ↑ Kato, Matthew (November 2007). "FlatOut Ultimate Carnage (X360)". Game Informer (175). http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/921E45AE-73FC-4C32-9422-3C804FDBFF82.htm. Retrieved July 13, 2015. 
  38. ↑ Erikson, Tracy (October 8, 2007). "Review: FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage (X360)". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/reviews/137608.shtml. Retrieved July 14, 2015. 
  39. ↑ Hurh, JP (November 8, 2007). "Flatout Ultimate Carnage [sic] Review (X360)". Game Revolution. http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/flatout-ult-carnage. 
  40. ↑ Cocker, Guy (March 18, 2008). "FlatOut: Head On Review". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/flatout-head-on-review/1900-6187911/. 
  41. ↑ Navarro, Alex (October 8, 2007). "FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage Review (X360)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/flatout-ultimate-carnage-review/1900-6180602/. 
  42. ↑ Goble, Gord (October 25, 2007). "GameSpy: FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage (X360)". GameSpy. http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/flatout-total-carnage-/830468p1.html. 
  43. ↑ Sandoval, Angelina (April 6, 2008). "FlatOut: Head On – PSP – Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/flatout_head_on_psp_review. 
  44. ↑ Valentino, Nick (October 23, 2007). "FlatOut Ultimate Carnage – 360 – Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/flatout_ultimate_carnage_360_review. 
  45. ↑ Thang, Jimmy (September 12, 2008). "FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage Review (PC)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/12/flatout-ultimate-carnage-review. 
  46. ↑ Roper, Chris (March 13, 2008). "FlatOut: Head On Review". http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/03/14/flatout-head-on-review. 
  47. ↑ Craddock, David (October 1, 2007). "FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage Review (X360)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/02/flatout-ultimate-carnage-review-2. 
  48. ↑ "FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage". Official Xbox Magazine: 84. November 2007. 
  49. ↑ "FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage". PC Gamer UK: 82. October 2008. 
  50. ↑ "FlatOut: Head On". PlayStation: The Official Magazine: 82. May 2008. 
  51. ↑ "FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage for PC Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/flatout-ultimate-carnage/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. 
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 "FlatOut: Head On for PSP Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/flatout-head-on/critic-reviews/?platform=psp. 
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 "FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage for Xbox 360 Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/flatout-ultimate-carnage/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. 
  54. ↑ Branscombe, Maurice (September 2007). "FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage (X360)". Hyper (Next Media) (167): 64. ISSN 1320-7458. 
  • 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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