Software:NBA Jam (2010 video game)

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NBA Jam
North American Wii box art
Developer(s)EA Canada
Publisher(s)EA Sports
Producer(s)Nick Channon
Nathan McDonald
Designer(s)Jeremy Tiner
Programmer(s)Andrew Pojar
Artist(s)Rob Hilson
SeriesNBA Jam
Platform(s)PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, iOS, Windows Phone, Android, Mac OS X
Release
Genre(s)Sports
Mode(s)Single-player or multiplayer

NBA Jam is a basketball video game developed by EA Canada and published by EA Sports. It is the latest installment in the NBA Jam video game franchise, released in 2010. The game was initially planned to be available as a full retail release for the Wii, with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions available for download via a coupon upon purchasing NBA Elite 11. However, on September 28, 2010, EA announced that Elite would be delayed.[4] The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions were released as standalone titles in November 2010.[1]

The game has a unique visual style, using 3D models with high-resolution photographs for the heads of each of the players. Several aspects such as the outrageous slam dunks and the ball catching on fire return from the original games.[5][6] Original NBA Jam creator Mark Turmell served as a consultant.[7] Tim Kitzrow, the announcer from the original NBA Jam also returned, re-recording all the lines from previous NBA Jam titles. All NBA Rosters are accurate as of April 7, 2010. The Mac version of the game is also available for Mac OS X through the Mac version of the Mac App Store, making it the only official computer version of the game.

Gameplay

An in-game screenshot of NBA Jam on iOS, demonstrating the controls on that platform.

NBA Jam is a 2-on-2 basketball game with a unique art style. In the game, the bodies take on a 3D look, while their heads take on a 2D look, which have realistic digitized likenesses.

The game retains its usual exaggerated nature of play - players jump many times their own height, making slam dunks that defy both human capabilities and the laws of physics. There are no fouls, free throws, or violations except defensive goaltending and shot clock violations. This means the player is able to freely shove or elbow his opponent out of the way. Additionally, the game has an "on fire" feature, where if one player makes three baskets in a row, he becomes "on fire" and has unlimited turbo, no goaltending, and increased shooting ability, until the other team scores (or the player has scored nine consecutive baskets while "on fire").

Some new features in NBA Jam include Campaign, which has 1-on-1 boss battles; Elimination, which includes up to four players and the player with the lowest number of points is the loser; 21, which is a 1-on-1 match where the first one to get 21 points is the winner; and Domination.

The game is filled with Easter Eggs, special features and players activated by initials or button/joystick combinations. For example, players can enter special codes to unlock hidden players. Some characters can only be unlocked by completing certain challenges.

Wii

The Wii version of the game is split into two modes, a classic mode which plays like a traditional NBA Jam experience, and a Remix Tour which features all new camera angles, power-ups and boss battles. Players are able to choose between Wii Remote, Wii Remote and Nunchuck, Classic Controller, and Classic Controller Pro control styles. Online play is not supported.[8]

At the end of the game, players have to battle NBA legends Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson.[9] The game also features more than 30 other legends including: Manute Bol, Clyde Drexler, Julius Erving, Kevin McHale, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dennis Rodman, Detlef Schrempf, Isiah Thomas, Spud Webb, and James Worthy.[10][11]

PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360

In November 2010 a standalone game was released from EA Sports. A downloadable HD version of NBA Jam for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 was planned to be bundled with copies of NBA Elite 11. This version initially lacked the Wii version's Remix Tour mode, but included online multiplayer. However, due to the delay of NBA Elite 11 (followed by its eventual cancellation[12]), the HD versions of NBA Jam would now be standalone products; they were released in November 2010, and included the Remix Tour mode.[13] EA Sports President Peter Moore stated that the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions would be released "before the holidays" in 2010,[14] and the game would be released on retail disc.[15] On October 21 EA announced they would release full retail copies of the game on both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on November 17, and would retail for $49.99. These enhanced versions would feature upgraded HD visuals and online play, and would receive further online updates in December.[citation needed]

Release

An enhanced On Fire edition of NBA Jam was released for the Xbox 360 and PS3 in October 2011 as a downloadable title. NBA Jam: On Fire Edition compensates for this with improved gameplay mechanics, graphics, and sound.

Reception

NBA Jam

NBA Jam
Review scores
PublicationScore
iOSPS3WiiXbox 360
DestructoidN/AN/A7.5/10[16]N/A
EurogamerN/A7/10[17]N/A7/10[17]
Game InformerN/AN/A8.25/10[18]N/A
GameProStarStarStarStarHalf star[19]N/AStarStarStarStar[20]N/A
GameSpotN/A7/10[21]7/10[22]7/10[21]
GameTrailersN/AN/A7.5/10[23]N/A
Giant BombN/AStarStarStarStar[24]StarStarStarStar[24]StarStarStarStar[24]
IGN8.5/10[25][26]7.5/10[27]8.5/10[28]7.5/10[27]
JoystiqN/AN/AStarStarStarStar[29]N/A
Nintendo PowerN/AN/A9/10[30]N/A
OXM (US)N/AN/AN/A7/10[31]
Pocket GamerStarStarStarHalf star[32]N/AN/AN/A
PSMN/A6/10[33]N/AN/A
TouchArcadeStarStarStarStarHalf star[34]N/AN/AN/A
411ManiaN/A7.5/10[35]8.8/10[36]7.5/10[35]
MetroN/AN/A7/10[37]N/A
Aggregate score
Metacritic87/100[38]71/100[39]79/100[40]75/100[41]

NBA Jam received "generally favorable reviews" on all platforms except the PlayStation 3 version, which received "average" reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[38][39][40][41] IGN called the Wii version "an incredibly fun pick-up-and-play game with an insane competitive edge."[28] Game Informer said that the same console version's only major flaw is its lack of online multiplayer. GameTrailers said that the lack of online play in the same console version hurts its value as a retail product. GameZone gave the same console version seven out of ten and stated, "With an all too familiar feeling, NBA Jam serves as homage to the games we have lost from yesteryear. What it boils down to is: the gameplay hasn't changed all that much and aside from unlocking the plethora of classic players such as Detlef Schrempf and Chris Mullin, there's little reason to return to NBA Jam after a few hours of play."[42] PlayStation Official Magazine – Australia gave the PS3 version eight out of ten, saying that it "always succeeded by being better with friends, and that hasn't changed. There's an updated remix mode with a few new modes that are more gimmick and curious distractions than serious contenders for your time. You'll get the most amount of playtime out of the standard mode, especially when you're really dominating a game against your mates."[43] However, PlayStation Official Magazine – UK gave it six out of ten, saying that "it'll keep you amused for an hour every few weeks."[44]

On Fire Edition

NBA Jam: On Fire Edition
Review scores
PublicationScore
PS3Xbox 360
GameProStarStarStarStar[46]StarStarStarStar[46]
GameRevolutionB+[45]N/A
GameSpot8.5/10[47]8.5/10[47]
GameTrailersN/A7.8/10[48]
GameZone9/10[49]9/10[49]
IGN9/10[50]9/10[50]
OPM (AU)8/10[51]N/A
OPM (UK)8/10[52]N/A
OXM (US)N/A8/10[53]
PSM8/10[54]N/A
411ManiaN/A9.2/10[55]
Aggregate score
Metacritic81/100[56]85/100[57]

The On Fire Edition received "favorable" reviews on both platforms according to Metacritic.[56][57]

During the 15th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated NBA Jam: On Fire Edition for "Sports Game of the Year".[58]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "EA SPORTS NBA JAM to Feature Online Play on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3". October 21, 2010. http://investor.ea.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=521254. 
  2. ↑ "NBA JAM by EA SPORTS(TM)". https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/nba-jam-by-ea-sports/id402370879. 
  3. ↑ Acevedo, Paul (May 29, 2013). "NBA Jam Review: Catching Windows Phone on fire!". https://www.windowscentral.com/nba-jam-review. 
  4. ↑ Sarkar, Samit (September 27, 2010). "NBA Elite 11 delayed, standalone NBA Jam HD coming soon". Enthusiast Gaming. https://www.destructoid.com/nba-elite-11-delayed-standalone-nba-jam-hd-coming-soon-185016.phtml. 
  5. ↑ TeamGRF TV: Internet Television We Control! (March 13, 2010). "[GameTrailers NBA JAM Debut Trailer"]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYoct8tEg5w. 
  6. ↑ Harris, Craig (March 31, 2010). "NBA Jam Hands-on". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/03/31/nba-jam-hands-on. 
  7. ↑ Harris, Craig (January 15, 2010). "New NBA Jam Details". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/01/15/new-nba-jam-details. 
  8. ↑ D'Argenio, Angelo (June 21, 2010). "E3 2010 Wrap Up — NBA Jam Creative Director Reveals Power-Ups, New Modes, and Boom Goes the Dynamite". http://30ninjas.com/blog/e3-2010-wrap-up-nba-jam-creative-director-reveals-power-ups-new-modes-and-boom-goes-the-dynamite. 
  9. ↑ Plunkett, Luke (April 1, 2010). "NBA Jam Also Features 80's Basketball Legends". Gizmodo Media Group. https://kotaku.com/nba-jam-also-features-80s-basketball-legends-5506922. 
  10. ↑ Electronic Arts (June 17, 2010). "E3 2010 NBA Jam Demo". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1INC_Iphis. 
  11. ↑ Robinson, Jon (July 30, 2010). "'NBA Jam' gets a Magic remix". http://www.espn.com/espn/thelife/videogames/blog/_/name/thegamer/id/5421130. 
  12. ↑ McWhertor, Michael (November 2, 2010). "NBA Elite 11 Is Officially Dead". Gizmodo Media Group. https://kotaku.com/nba-elite-11-is-officially-dead-5679899. 
  13. ↑ Good, Owen S. (October 3, 2010). "NBA Jam For 360, PS3: 'We're Trying To Throw It All In There'". Gizmodo Media Group. https://kotaku.com/nba-jam-for-360-ps3-were-trying-to-throw-it-all-in-th-5654462. 
  14. ↑ Grant, Christopher (October 8, 2010). "Fox News uncovers NBA Jam's liberal agenda". Oath Inc.. https://www.engadget.com/2010/10/08/fox-news-uncovers-nba-jams-liberal-agenda/. 
  15. ↑ Good, Owen S. (October 14, 2010). "EA Sports Confirms Disc Release For NBA Jam On 360, PS3". Gizmodo Media Group. https://kotaku.com/ea-sports-confirms-disc-release-for-nba-jam-on-360-ps3-5663914. 
  16. ↑ Chester, Nick (October 5, 2010). "Review: NBA Jam (Wii)". Enthusiast Gaming. https://www.destructoid.com/review-nba-jam-wii--185683.phtml. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Schilling, Chris (November 26, 2010). "NBA Jam (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-26-nba-jam-review. 
  18. ↑ Bertz, Matt (October 5, 2010). "NBA Jam (Wii)". Game Informer (GameStop). https://www.gameinformer.com/games/nba_jam/b/wii/archive/2010/10/05/nba-jam-review-a-drive-down-memory-lane.aspx. Retrieved December 30, 2019. 
  19. ↑ Rigney, Ryan (February 11, 2011). "iOS Game of the Day: NBA Jam". GamePro (GamePro Media). http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/218182/ios-game-of-the-day-nba-jam/. Retrieved December 31, 2019. 
  20. ↑ Thomas, Aaron (October 5, 2010). "NBA Jam (Wii)". GamePro (GamePro Media). http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/216804/nba-jam/. Retrieved December 31, 2019. 
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 McShea, Tom (November 17, 2010). "NBA Jam Review (PS3, X360) [date mislabeled as "November 18, 2010""]. CBS Interactive. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nba-jam-review/1900-6284149/. 
  22. ↑ McShea, Tom (October 8, 2010). "EA Sports NBA Jam Review (Wii)". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ea-sports-nba-jam-review/1900-6281374/. 
  23. ↑ "NBA JAM Review (Wii)". Viacom. October 5, 2010. http://www.gametrailers.com/gamereview.php?id=12858. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 Gerstmann, Jeff (November 23, 2010). "NBA Jam Review". CBS Interactive. https://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/nba-jam-review/1900-348/. 
  25. ↑ Buchanan, Levi (February 15, 2011). "NBA Jam iPhone Review". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/02/15/nba-jam-iphone-review. 
  26. ↑ Goldstein, Hilary (April 21, 2011). "NBA Jam iPad Review". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/04/21/nba-jam-ipad-review. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Ahearn, Nate (November 17, 2010). "NBA Jam Review (PS3, X360)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/11/18/nba-jam-review. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Harris, Craig (October 5, 2010). "NBA Jam Review (Wii)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/10/05/nba-jam-review-2. 
  29. ↑ McElroy, Griffin (October 5, 2010). "NBA Jam review: Make new modes, but keep the old (Wii)". Oath Inc.. https://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/nba-jam-review/. 
  30. ↑ "NBA Jam (Wii)". Nintendo Power (Future US) 260: 84. November 2010. 
  31. ↑ McCaffrey, Ryan (January 2011). "NBA Jam review". Official Xbox Magazine (Future US): 63. http://www.oxmonline.com/nba-jam-review. Retrieved December 31, 2019. 
  32. ↑ Erickson, Tracy (February 10, 2011). "NBA Jam". Steel Media Ltd. https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/027375/nba-jam/. 
  33. ↑ "Review: NBA Jam (PS3)". PlayStation: The Official Magazine (Future plc) (41): 85. January 2011. 
  34. ↑ Nelson, Jared (February 15, 2011). "'NBA Jam' Review – This Game is On Fire!!". MacRumors.com, LLC. https://toucharcade.com/2011/02/09/nba-jam-review/. 
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 Aber, Trace (December 11, 2010). "NBA Jam (360, PS3) Review". http://www.411mania.com/games/reviews/165565. 
  36. ↑ Aranda, Ramon (November 1, 2010). "NBA Jam (Wii) Review". http://www.411mania.com/games/reviews/159873/NBA-Jam-(Wii)-Review.htm. 
  37. ↑ Jenkins, David (October 25, 2010). "Games review - NBA Jam is still on fire (Wii)". Metro (DMG Media). https://metro.co.uk/2010/10/25/games-review-nba-jam-566412/. 
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 "NBA Jam By EA Sports for iPhone/iPad Reviews". CBS Interactive. https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-jam-by-ea-sports/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad. 
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 "NBA Jam for PlayStation 3 Reviews". CBS Interactive. https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-jam-2010/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3. 
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 "NBA Jam for Wii Reviews". CBS Interactive. https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-jam-2010/critic-reviews/?platform=wii. 
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 "NBA Jam for Xbox 360 Reviews". CBS Interactive. https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-jam-2010/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. 
  42. ↑ Grabowski, Dakota (November 5, 2010). "NBA Jam (Wii) review". https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/nba_jam_wii_review/. 
  43. ↑ "NBA Jam". PlayStation Official Magazine – Australia (Future Australia): 78. February 2011. 
  44. ↑ "NBA Jam". PlayStation Official Magazine – UK (Future plc): 118. January 2011. 
  45. ↑ Severino, Anthony (October 5, 2011). "NBA Jam: On Fire Edition Review (PS3)". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/53085-nba-jam-on-fire-edition-review. 
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 Vasquez, Suriel (October 5, 2011). "Review: NBA Jam: On Fire Edition (PS3/360)". GamePro (GamePro Media). http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/223586/review-nba-jam-on-fire-edition-ps3-360/. Retrieved December 31, 2019. 
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 Djordjevic, Marko (October 4, 2011). "NBA Jam: On Fire Edition Review". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nba-jam-on-fire-edition-review/1900-6338145/. 
  48. ↑ GameTrailers (July 5, 2016). "NBA Jam: On Fire Edition [X360; October 12, 2011"]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMgriB0tAGw. 
  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 Workman, Robert (October 6, 2011). "NBA Jam: On fire Edition review". https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/nba-jam-on-fire-edition-review/. 
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 Ogilvie, Tristan (October 3, 2011). "NBA Jam: On Fire Edition Review". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/03/nba-jam-on-fire-edition-review. 
  51. ↑ "NBA Jam: On Fire Edition". PlayStation Official Magazine – Australia (Future Australia): 79. December 2011. 
  52. ↑ "NBA Jam: On Fire Edition". PlayStation Official Magazine – UK (Future plc): 109. December 25, 2011. 
  53. ↑ McCaffrey, Ryan (October 5, 2011). "NBA Jam: On Fire Edition review". Official Xbox Magazine (Future US). http://www.oxmonline.com/nba-jam-fire-edition-review. Retrieved December 31, 2019. 
  54. ↑ "Review: NBA Jam: On Fire Edition". PlayStation: The Official Magazine (Future US) (53): 78. December 25, 2011. 
  55. ↑ Vote, Todd (October 13, 2011). "NBA Jam: On Fire Edition (XBLA) Review". http://www.411mania.com/games/reviews/205740/NBA-JAM:-On-Fire-Edition-(XBLA)-Review.htm. 
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 "NBA Jam: On Fire Edition for PlayStation 3 Reviews". CBS Interactive. https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-jam-on-fire-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3. 
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 "NBA Jam: On Fire Edition for Xbox 360 Reviews". CBS Interactive. https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-jam-on-fire-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. 
  58. ↑ "2012 Awards Category Details Sports Game of the Year". Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2012&idGameAwardType=126. 
  • 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. 
  • No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.



  • 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.




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