Software:Scetlander

From HandWiki

Scetlander (later known as Lander Software was a software publisher which released titles for various 8- and 16-bit home computer systems in the 1980s and 1990s.

Games

Gold Series
Genre(s)Edutainment
Developer(s)Scetlander
Publisher(s)Scetlander
Platform(s)Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, Windows, ZX Spectrum
First release1989

Gold Series is a collection of educational games for the ZX Spectrum designed to make learning English and maths fun and easy.[1] The games were then ported other various computers including Atari ST, Amiga, and Commodore 64 and MS-DOS. Each game focuses on a particular topic. The games can have their difficulty settings set to suit a player's skill, and cater for various age groups.[2]

The Amiga and Atari ST versions were programmed by Terence Anthony Mancey.[3][4]

Mix and Match

This game was created in 1988 for MS-DOS, coded by David Jolliff. It was ported to the BBC Micro in 1990[5] and ported to ZX Spectrum, Atari ST and Amiga in 1991. The technical editor of the game was Cliff Johnson.[6] It is aimed to teach children under 5 years how match different objects together aided by the sea serpent Maggie. It also came with a Maggie badge in the pack along with a manual.[7] The game is divided into four game types including "Two of a Kind", "Odd one Out", "Forget-me-not" and "Clock + Calendar". Each of those types (except the Calendar) have six activities: pictures, shapes, same, large ,small, and numbers.

The game was also translated into the Belgian language on the Belgian Ministry of Education's behalf.[8]

Mix and Match
Review scores
PublicationScore
Sinclair User79% (ZX Spectrum)[9]
77% (ZX Spectrum)[10]
ST Format37%(Atari ST)[11]

Count and Add

This game was ported to the ZX Spectrum in 1992.[12] The game is aimed to teach children how to count objects and add them together aided by Shades the dog. There are six activities:

  • Sets 1 - Count Objects on the screen
  • Sets 2 - Type the number of Objects require then reveal them
  • Animals - Count scattered Objects on the screen
  • Train - Count two different sets of Objects and add them together
  • Spider - Do addition sums before the spider reaches the butterfly
  • Clock - Tell the time on the clock
Count and Add
Review scores
PublicationScore
Sinclair User78% (ZX Spectrum)[9]
Your Sinclair7/10 (ZX Spectrum)[13]

Hooray for Henrietta

This game is aimed to teach children aged 5–12 mathematics, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. It was created in 1989 by T.R. Tulloch for MS-DOS and ported to ZX Spectrum in 1990. The object of the game is to help the protagonist Henrietta save her trouble prone boyfriend Henry and recover his wedding clothes which have been stolen by the parrot John. In each maths activity, the player has a limited time to solve a number of problems before John can cover Henrietta in cold custard.

The game is the first to be produced as joint project with the Scottish Council for Education and Training.[14] It also came with a John the Parrot badge and a guide for configuring and running the game.[15][16]

In 1996 the game was remade for Windows, with 3D graphics and high quality sound and music.[17][18]

Hooray for Henrietta
Review scores
PublicationScore
Crash78% (ZX Spectrum)[16]
Sinclair User80% (ZX Spectrum)[9]
81% (ZX Spectrum)[10]
CU Amiga7/10 (Amiga)[19]

Henrietta's Book of Spells

This game aims to teach children aged 7–14 language skills. It was created in 1989 by T. R. Tulloch for Archimedes A3000, Commodore 64 and MS-DOS. The game was ported to ZX Spectrum and Amiga in 1990 and ported to Atari ST in 1991. The object of the game is to help the protagonist Henrietta undo Morgana the Morbid's spell which turned her husband Henry into a frog. The difficulty of the game can be adjusted from five to nine letter words.[20] Each activity earns the player a letter. Activities include:

  • Flash - Player has to memorise a word then type it in.
  • Complete - Player has to fill the gaps of a word with correct vowels.
  • Crack-It - Player has to decipher substituted letters.
  • Hangman - Player has to guess correct letters with a limited number of tries.
  • Jumble - Player has to crack an anagram of jumbled letters into a proper word.

After all five letters have been collected, the player must do a final Word Jumble to break Morgana's spell. The game was written in the STOS language by David Jolliff [21] but was written in the AMOS language for the Amiga.[22] In 1996 the game was remade for Windows with 3D graphics and using five different languages, including English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.[17][18]

Henrietta's Book of Spells
Review scores
PublicationScore
Crash75% (ZX Spectrum)[23]
Sinclair User78% (ZX Spectrum)[9]
84% (ZX Spectrum)[10]

Spellbound

This game designed by William Cochrane with graphics by Donald Anderson, teaches children spelling. Unlike the other games it has the platform of an arcade game.[24] The object of the game is to guide a helicopter (in one level a submarine) driven by Hal through five levels while shooting Professor Grime's robots. In each level the player needs to collect all the letters that make up the goal word from the robots. After the winning a level the player must retype the goal word twice. The levels consist of Underground, Underwater, Downtown, North Pole and Space Base.[25]

Other

In addition to the Gold Series Scetlander developed a number of other games, mostly for the BBC Micro computer.[5]

Game Genre/Topic(s) Year Platform(s) Notes
A Pathway to Bearings Mathematics, Navigation 1990 BBC Micro
A Walk Around the Zoo Navigation 1990 BBC Micro, Archimedes A3000
Airline Reservation Package[26] Business Studies, Information Technology 1988 Archimedes 305, Archimedes 400[27]
Basic Mathematics.[28] Mathematics 1988 ZX Spectrum
Bearings Suite A[26] Navigation, Mathematics 1988 Archimedes 305, Archimedes 400[27] Consists of "Left or Right", "Playpark" and "A Walk Around the Zoo".
Bearings Suite B Navigation, Mathematics 1988 Archimedes 400[27]
Bearings Suite C Navigation, Mathematics 1988 Archimedes 400[27]
Care Hire[26] Information Technology, Business Studies, Environmental Studies 1988 Archimedes 305, Archimedes 400[27]
Carrigan Street Simulation 1990 BBC Micro
Catch[26] Business/Fishing Simulation 1988, 1990 BBC Micro, Archimedes A3000, Archimedes 305, Archimedes 400[27]
Cell Growth[28] Biology 1988 ZX Spectrum
Comal Demons English 1988 Archimedes 400[27]
Compass Points Navigation 1990 BBC Micro
Counting and Adding Mathematics 1990 BBC Micro
Cycling[28] Road Safety 1988 ZX Spectrum
Datafile[26] Database editing 1988 Archimedes 305
Forest Economics, Ecology 1990 BBC Micro
Historical Farming Simulation, History 1990 BBC Micro
Holiday[28][26] Language, Environmental Studies 1988 ZX Spectrum, Archimedes 305, Archimedes 400[27]
Housebuilder[28] Simulation, Construction 1988 ZX Spectrum
Journey[29] Navigation 1988 BBC Micro
King of the Jungle Safari 1990 BBC Micro
Know Your Compass Points Navigation 1990 BBC Micro
Left or Right Navigation 1990 BBC Micro, Archimedes A3000
Mapmaster Navigation, Cartography 1990 BBC Micro
Matrix Databases, English 1990 BBC Micro A Touch Screen and an Overlay Keyboard could be applied.
Mazemaster Puzzle 1988 Archimedes 400[27]
New Community Suite Simulation, Economics 1990 BBC Micro
New Community, The.[30] Environmental Studies 1988 ZX Spectrum
Pathfinder Navigation 1990 BBC Micro
Playpark Navigation 1990 BBC Micro, Archimedes A3000
Predictype[31] Word Processing 1985 Acorn RISC
Project Space English 1990 BBC Micro, MS-DOS An audio cassette was provided
Radar Navigation, Flight Simulation 1990 BBC Micro
Snapshot[28] Environmental Studies 1988, 1990 ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro Available for BBC Master 128 only
Stock Control Simulation[26] Business Studies 1988 Archimedes 305, Archimedes 400[27]
Weather Weather Forecasting 1990 BBC Micro, MS-DOS Additional features in DOS version


Re-release

In 1994 WizardWorks re-released updated remakes of the two Henrietta games on CD.[32]

In 1995 Lander Software released a "Lander Gold" CD compiling four games remade with 256 colour VGA graphics, mouse compatibility digitised sound and music. The CD included "Hooray for Henrietta", "Henrietta's Book of Spells", "Count and Add" and "Spellbound".[33]

References

  1. ↑ Sinclair User - Issue 111. May 1991. p. 39. https://archive.org/stream/sinclair-user-magazine-111/SinclairUser_111_May_1991#page/n37. Retrieved March 1, 2016. 
  2. ↑ Amiga Computing - Issue 76. August 1994. p. 81. https://archive.org/stream/amiga-computing-magazine-076/AmigaComputing_076_Aug_1994#page/n79. Retrieved September 24, 2015. 
  3. ↑ http://www.tmancey.ltd.uk/cv/tmancey_cv.doc
  4. ↑ http://www.yatedo.fr/p/Terry+Mancey/normal/e7bc08ac84c32e5d2ba4a27734096459
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Martin Rickitt (1990). Rickitt Educational Media - Catalogue 1990. pp. 4, 11, 16, 22, 23, 26–28, 30. Archived from the original on September 8, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150908040658/http://wos.meulie.net/pub/sinclair/company-pics/RickittEducationalMedia/Catalogue1990.pdf. Retrieved March 1, 2016. 
  6. ↑ Amiga Shopper 003. July 1991. p. 8. https://archive.org/stream/amigashopper-magazine-03/AmigaShopper_03_Jul_1991#page/n7. Retrieved March 1, 2016. 
  7. ↑ Crash Issue 88. May 1991. p. 18. https://archive.org/stream/Crash_No._88_1991-05_Newsfield_GB#page/n17. Retrieved March 3, 2016. 
  8. ↑ Amiga Computing 038. July 1991. p. 13. https://archive.org/stream/amiga-computing-magazine-038/AmigaComputing_038_Jul_1991#page/n11. Retrieved March 1, 2016. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Sinclair User Issue 128. October 1992. pp. 20–21. https://archive.org/stream/sinclair-user-magazine-128/SinclairUser_128_Oct_1992#page/n19. Retrieved September 23, 2015. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Sinclair User Issue 111. May 1991. p. 43. http://electronicsandbooks.com/eab1/manual/Magazine/S/Sinclair%20User%20UK/SinclairUser111-May91.pdf. Retrieved September 24, 2015. 
  11. ↑ ST Format - Issue 26. September 1991. pp. 128. http://www.atarimania.com/atari-magazine-issue-st-format-issue-26_1417.html. Retrieved March 1, 2016. ""Like many edsoft programs on the market, Mix and Match fails to take advantage of many opportunities."". 
  12. ↑ ZX Spectrum Catalog. p. 181. https://computerarchive.org/files/comp/books/ZX%20spectrum/ZXSpectrumGamesScreenshotCatalog.pdf. Retrieved March 27, 2016. 
  13. ↑ Your Sinclair Issue 074. February 1992. pp. 52–53. https://archive.org/stream/your-sinclair-74/YourSinclair_74_Feb_1992#page/n51. Retrieved September 23, 2015. 
  14. ↑ Amiga Computing Issue 34. March 1991. p. 22. https://archive.org/stream/amiga-computing-magazine-034/AmigaComputing_034_Mar_1991#page/n21. Retrieved September 24, 2015. 
  15. ↑ Amiga Format 015. October 1990. p. 10. https://archive.org/stream/AmigaFormatIssue015199010FuturePublishingGB/Amiga_Format_Issue_015_%281990-10%29%28Future_Publishing%29%28GB%29#page/n9. Retrieved March 2, 2016. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Crash Issue 78. July 1990. p. 46. https://archive.org/stream/Crash_No._78_1990-07_Newsfield_GB#page/n45. Retrieved September 23, 2015. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Ian Wilson (May 24, 1996). "Cheers for Henry - magazine article - TES". TES Global Ltd. https://www.tes.com/article.aspx?storycode=107508. Retrieved September 25, 2015. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Ron Lander is paying off Reprogrammed for success". Herald Scotland. April 19, 1997. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12328461.ron-landers-decision-to-refocus-and-reposition-his-software-company-is-paying-off-reprogrammed-for-success/. Retrieved January 21, 2019. 
  19. ↑ CU Amiga Issue 15. May 1991. p. 120. https://archive.org/stream/cuamiga-magazine-015/CUAmiga_015_May_1991#page/n119. Retrieved September 23, 2015. 
  20. ↑ Amiga Computing Issue 29. October 1990. p. 9. https://archive.org/stream/amiga-computing-magazine-029/AmigaComputing_029_Oct_1990#page/n7. Retrieved March 2, 2016. 
  21. ↑ Atari ST User - Issue 67. September 1991. pp. 57–58. https://archive.org/stream/Atari_ST_User_Issue_067_1991-09_Europress_GB#page/n55. Retrieved September 23, 2015. 
  22. ↑ http://hol.abime.net/5038
  23. ↑ Crash Issue 83. December 1990. p. 59. https://archive.org/stream/Crash_No._83_1990-12_Newsfield_GB#page/n57. Retrieved September 23, 2015. 
  24. ↑ Amiga Shopper 011. March 1992. p. 7. https://archive.org/stream/amigashopper-magazine-11/AmigaShopper_11_Mar_1992#page/n5. Retrieved March 3, 2016. 
  25. ↑ Amiga Computing Issue 47. April 1992. pp. 28–29. https://archive.org/stream/amiga-computing-magazine-047/AmigaComputing_047_Apr_1992#page/n27. Retrieved September 23, 2015. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 26.5 26.6 Acorn APP155 Hardware and Software. 1988. pp. 28–29, 32, 36. http://chrisacorns.computinghistory.org.uk/docs/Acorn/Brochures/Acorn_APP155_HardwareExpansionsAndSoftware.pdf. Retrieved March 3, 2016. 
  27. ↑ 27.00 27.01 27.02 27.03 27.04 27.05 27.06 27.07 27.08 27.09 Acorn APP119 Software Apps. January 1988. pp. 30–33, 55, 59. http://chrisacorns.computinghistory.org.uk/docs/Acorn/Brochures/Acorn_APP155_HardwareExpansionsAndSoftware.pdf. Retrieved March 3, 2016. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 28.4 28.5 Crash Issue 50. March 1988. pp. 72–73. https://archive.org/stream/crash-magazine-50/Crash_50_Mar_1988#page/n71. Retrieved March 3, 2016. 
  29. ↑ http://mocagh.org/loadpage.php?getgame=journey-alt
  30. ↑ Crash Issue 53. June 1988. pp. 43–44. https://archive.org/stream/crash-magazine-53/Crash_53_Jun_1988#page/n43. Retrieved March 3, 2016. 
  31. ↑ "Appendix 4: Computer Programmes Recommended in the Survey (19)". Dyslexia: 244. doi:10.1002/9780470699065.app4. 
  32. ↑ Home/Office Software. 1994. p. 2. https://archive.org/stream/vgmuseum_ssi_wizardworks-catalog2/wizardworks-catalog2#page/n1. Retrieved September 23, 2015. 
  33. ↑ Nick Thomson (September 1995). "Education CD". http://www.pcug.org.au/16bits/9509thom.htm. Retrieved September 25, 2015. 
  • 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. 
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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






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