Software:Skulls of the Shogun

From HandWiki
Short description: 2013 video game
Skulls of the Shogun
Developer(s)17-Bit
Publisher(s)17-Bit
Microsoft Studios (Xbox 360, Windows Phone)
EngineXNA
MonoGame
Platform(s)Xbox 360
Windows Phone
Microsoft Windows
iOS
Android
Linux
OS X
Ouya
PlayStation 4
Nintendo Switch
Release
Genre(s)Turn-based tactics
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Skulls of the Shogun is a turn-based tactics video game developed by 17-Bit.[1] The game is inspired by Advance Wars and features turn-based combat between undead samurai.[2] Skulls of the Shogun was originally planned for a 2012 release on Xbox Live Arcade[3] and Windows 8. Eventually it was released for Xbox 360 and Windows Phone on January 30, 2013.[4]

In July 2013, 17-Bit released Skulls of the Shogun: Bone-A-Fide Edition on Steam for Windows XP (SP 3) and up, with 4 new campaign levels, a new character, new multiplayer levels and progression system, and developer's commentary. In May 2014, Skulls of the Shogun was released for OS X and Linux as part of a Humble Bundle. In October 2014, the game was released on Ouya. In June 2015, the Bone-a-Fide Edition was released on PlayStation 4. On July 11, 2019, a Nintendo Switch port was released.[5]

The game was adapted into an animated web series on Nerdist, featuring John DiMaggio as General Akamoto.

Story

In feudal Japan, General Akamoto stands on the verge of becoming Shogun. However, in his moment of triumph he is stabbed and killed by an unknown assailant. Arriving in the land of the dead, Akamoto learns that he must wait centuries before he can be judged worthy to enter the afterlife. Unwilling to wait he rallies other discontent samurai and makes to enter the afterlife by force. Battling the forces of the Shogun of the Dead, the ruler of the afterlife, he finds that they are taking orders from an impostor claiming to be him. He is shocked to discover it is none other than his lieutenant, Kurokawa, who reveals that it was he who killed Akamoto. Kurokawa, despite dying after Akamoto (having tripped and fallen on a spear) arrived in the after life before him, stealing his identity and the position that had been reserved for him by the Shogun.

Akamoto battles the Shogun's Generals through the four regions of the afterlife, as well as meeting the gods of each region: General Romeoka and the goddess Sakura, whom he is infatuated with, in the land of Eternal Blossoms; the ill-tempered and foul-mouthed Ikkaku and the chaotic Lightning god Raiden in the Land of Summer; the wise General Higure and Wind God Fujin, in the Land of the Golden Harvest. Unlike the others Higure recognizes Akamoto for who he is and attempts to guide him, warning of a greater danger. Defeating them Akamoto enters Kurokawa's region, the Land of Frozen Fortunes.

Confronting Kurokawa it is revealed that he and the Ice Goddess Yuki plan to usurp the Shogun, and that Yuki slowed Akamoto's arrival, allowing Kurokawa to arrive and steal his identity. Akamoto defeats them and the Shogun arrives, revealing that he knew of their treachery and had been using them to test Akamoto. Punishing the two the Shogun explains that he intends to make Akamoto his successor challenging him to defeat him and take his place.

After his defeat the Shogun passes the title onto Akamoto, revealing the eternity of misery it entails: being hated, plotted against, and enduring countless meetings. The Shogun prepares to happily pass on, but is grabbed by Akamoto. Saying that he will need help, he eats his skull absorbing his power and becoming the new Shogun.

In the bonus Forbidden Isle levels, the player takes control of an unnamed samurai. Recently arrived to the land of the dead the samurai, a lieutenant of Akamoto in life, begins looking for him. Tresspasing on the island the samurai is forced to fight through the island's guard, led by Kurokawa, whom Akamoto has charged with watching over the region. Defeating Kurokawa, the samurai pushes on to find Akamoto, who has lost his way to the bureaucratic side of the Shogun position. Meeting Akamoto, the samurai reveals himself to actually be his wife Yoko, having entered the samurai afterlife after leading her late husband's army and becoming a warrior. Akamoto is relieved that she is not a rival out to take his position, however she continues their battle, believing he has grown too relaxed and needs a challenge. The two reconcile mid battle agreeing not to fight any longer.

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic(iOS) 93/100[6]
(X360) 81/100[7]
(PS4) 80/100[8]
(PC) 72/100[9]
(Switch) 60/100[10]
Review scores
PublicationScore
Destructoid(X360) 7.5/10[11]
Eurogamer(X360) 9/10[12]
Game Informer(X360) 8.5/10[13]
GameRevolution(X360) 9/10[14]
GameSpot(X360) 7.5/10[15]
GameTrailers(X360) 8.6/10[16]
IGN(X360) 7/10[17]
Joystiq(X360) StarStarStarStarStar[18]
OXM (US)(X360) 8.5/10[20]
PC Gamer (UK)(PC) 77%[21]
Polygon(X360) 8/10[22]
TouchArcade(iOS) StarStarStarStarStar[23]
VentureBeat(X360) 83/100[24]
Digital Spy(iOS) StarStarStarStarStar[25]
(X360) StarStarStarStar[26]
The Escapist(X360) StarStarStarStar[27]

The iOS version received "universal acclaim", and the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 4 versions received "favorable" reviews, while the PC and Switch versions received "mixed or average reviews", according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[6][7][8][9][10]

Alex De Vore of Gamezebo gave the iOS version a perfect 100, saying, "This is not only one of the more charming games in recent memory; it’s one of the most impressive examples of gaming period, regardless of genre."[28] Anthony John Agnello of Digital Trends gave the Xbox 360 version 9.5 out of 10, saying, "There is nothing about 17-Bit's game that's going to change the world. There's no revelation waiting inside its strategy, no piece of design that will transform the way we think about strategy games. It's a simple idea executed just right, which is an impressive enough feat on its own. Skulls isn't chess, but it doesn't have to be."[29] Tate Steinlage of GameZone gave it nine out of ten, saying, "If you're looking for a title that can offer exceptional gameplay that'll last you hours upon hours (oh, and that's not $60), look no further than to 17-Bit's long-awaited Skulls of the Shogun."[30] Adam Beck of Hardcore Gamer gave it four out of five, calling it "a massive game filled with a lengthy single player campaign and a long-lasting multiplayer component that can be played day-by-day or minute-by-minute. Patience is a virtue as Skulls of the Shogun was worth waiting for."[31] Harry Slater of Pocket Gamer gave the Windows Phone 8 version four stars out of five, saying, "Tight, fast, and remarkably fun, Skulls of the Shogun shakes the cobwebs off the turn-based strategy genre with some style."[32]

However, Edge gave the Xbox 360 version a score of seven out of ten while the game was still in development, calling it "Wickedly irreverent and cartoonishly outrageous."[33] Chris Holzworth of EGMNow gave it six out of ten, saying, "Objectivity is an illusion. Perceptions and subjectivity prevail, powerfully influenced by expectations both personal and cultural. Culturally, we want the Great Gaming Renaissance, and we look to indie games to bring it to us. I want to love Skulls of the Shogun for all that I see it can be, but I have to like Skulls for all that it is. Part of that includes being boring."[34] PJ O'Reilly of Nintendo Life gave the Switch version six stars out of ten, saying, "If you haven't played Skulls of the Shogun in any form over the past six years, we still can still heartily recommend the single-player campaign as a generous and devilishly fun slice of turn-based strategy action that perfectly suits the Switch, particularly in handheld mode. However, the fact its online multiplayer seems to be a complete bust here certainly knocks a fair amount of the wind out its sails and it's something we've sadly got to penalise the game for."[35]

Scott Nichols of Digital Spy gave the iOS version all five stars, saying, "Even without the platform versatility of its other versions Skulls of the Shogun is still among the best strategy games to grace iOS, and one that armchair generals shouldn't pass up."[25] Earlier, Nichols gave the Xbox 360 version four stars out of five, saying, "The enemy AI is deviously smart, and will not hesitate to take advantage of every trick you can think of and more. That also only means it is all the more satisfying when you finally learn to outsmart it, making Skulls of the Shogun a must for all hardcore armchair generals."[26] Rob Kershaw of The Digital Fix gave the same Xbox 360 version eight out of ten, praising its accessible but challenging gameplay, whilst also noting that it was occasionally difficult to distinguish between the different units on the battlefield.[36] Marshall Honorof of The Escapist gave it a similar score of four stars out of five, calling it "an enjoyable game with style to spare. The sharp difficulty curve and reliance on aggressive tactics bring it down somewhat, but only because it's easy to see how a few small differences in design could have earned the game a place in eternity, rather than a pleasant distraction on the long road to get there."[27] Roger Hargreaves of Metro gave the Xbox 360, PC, and Switch versions seven out of ten, saying, "Its attempted revolution of turn-based tactics isn't quite as practical as it first seems but this is still an impressively fun, and funny, strategy game."[37][38][39]

References

  1. ↑ Davison, John (2010-06-29). "Skulls of the Shogun First Look". GamePro (GamePro Media). Archived from the original on 2010-09-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20100902002333/http://www.gamepro.com/article/previews/215690/skulls-of-the-shogun-first-look/. Retrieved 2011-03-24. 
  2. ↑ Davies, Martin (2011-01-19). "Skulls of the Shogun Preview". PC Gamer. http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/01/19/skulls-of-the-shogun-preview/. Retrieved 2011-03-24. 
  3. ↑ McWhertor, Michael (2010-09-20). "Skulls of the Shogun Hands-on: The Art of Advance War". G/O Media. Archived from the original on 2023-02-06. https://web.archive.org/web/20230206051317/https://kotaku.com/skulls-of-the-shogun-hands-on-the-art-of-advance-war-5636436. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  4. ↑ 17-BIT (2012-12-13). "Skulls of the Shogun Cross-Platform Play". Google. Archived from the original on 2023-05-30. https://web.archive.org/web/20230530115448/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYx481_1XB0. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  5. ↑ "Skulls of the Shogun: Bone-A-Fide Edition". Archived from the original on 2023-07-22. https://web.archive.org/web/20230722035030/https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/skulls-of-the-shogun-bone-a-fide-edition-switch/. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Skulls of the Shogun for iPhone/iPad Reviews". Fandom. Archived from the original on 2021-07-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20210724101859/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/skulls-of-the-shogun. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Skulls of the Shogun for Xbox 360 Reviews". Fandom. Archived from the original on 2022-12-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20221225125743/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/skulls-of-the-shogun. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Skulls of the Shogun: Bone-A-Fide Edition for PlayStation 4 Reviews". Fandom. Archived from the original on 2020-06-16. https://web.archive.org/web/20200616133123/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/skulls-of-the-shogun-bone-a-fide-edition. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Skulls of the Shogun for PC Reviews". Fandom. Archived from the original on 2021-08-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20210802004025/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/skulls-of-the-shogun. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Skulls of the Shogun: Bone-A-Fide Edition for Switch Reviews". Fandom. Archived from the original on August 26, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230826182213/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/skulls-of-the-shogun-bone-a-fide-edition. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  11. ↑ Carter, Chris (2013-01-30). "Review: Skulls of the Shogun (X360)". Gamurs. Archived from the original on 2022-06-26. https://web.archive.org/web/20220626235614/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-skulls-of-the-shogun/. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  12. ↑ Donlan, Christian (2013-07-29). "Skulls of the Shogun review (X360)". Gamer Network. Archived from the original on 2014-02-26. https://web.archive.org/web/20140226001532/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-01-29-skulls-of-the-shogun-review. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  13. ↑ Kato, Matthew (February 2013). "Skulls of the Shogun Review (X360)". Game Informer (GameStop) (228): 92. https://www.gameinformer.com/games/skulls_of_the_shogun/b/xbox360/archive/2013/01/30/skulls-of-the-shogun-review.aspx. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  14. ↑ Osborn, Alex (2013-01-30). "Skulls of the Shogun Review (X360)". CraveOnline. Archived from the original on 2021-07-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20210725181720/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/58789-skulls-of-the-shogun-review. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  15. ↑ Todd, Brett (2013-01-30). "Skulls of the Shogun Review (X360)". Fandom. Archived from the original on 2021-08-05. https://web.archive.org/web/20210805024836/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/skulls-of-the-shogun-review/1900-6403167/. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  16. ↑ "Skulls of the Shogun - Review (X360)". Defy Media. 2013-01-30. Archived from the original on 2015-06-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20150624175715/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/qtiw59/skulls-of-the-shogun-review. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  17. ↑ Cocke, Taylor (2013-01-30). "Skulls of the Shogun Review (X360)". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 2023-02-06. https://web.archive.org/web/20230206121147/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/30/skulls-of-the-shogun-review. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  18. ↑ Conditt, Jessica (2013-01-31). "Skulls of the Shogun review: See you in Hell (X360)". Yahoo. Archived from the original on 2013-02-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20130202134815/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-review/. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  19. ↑ Leray, Joseph (2013-12-04). "Skulls of the Shogun Review". MacLife (Future US). Archived from the original on 2013-12-06. https://web.archive.org/web/20131206140600/http://www.maclife.com/article/games/skulls_shogun_review. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  20. ↑ Lewis, Cameron (2013-01-30). "Skulls of the Shogun review". Official Xbox Magazine (Future US). Archived from the original on 2013-02-01. https://web.archive.org/web/20130201082247/http://www.oxmonline.com/skulls-shogun-review. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  21. ↑ Brown, Nathan (2013-01-30). "Skulls of the Shogun review". PC Gamer UK (Future plc). Archived from the original on 2013-02-03. https://web.archive.org/web/20130203103404/http://www.pcgamer.com/review/skulls-of-the-shogun-review/. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  22. ↑ Tach, Dave (2013-01-30). "Skulls of the Shogun review: dealing with death (X360)". Vox Media. Archived from the original on 2016-10-11. https://web.archive.org/web/20161011031957/http://www.polygon.com/2013/1/30/3931472/skulls-of-the-shogun-review-dealing-with-death. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  23. ↑ Musgrave, Shaun (2013-12-03). "'Skulls Of The Shogun' Review – Don't Miss This Fantastic Strategy Game". TouchArcade.com, LLC. Archived from the original on 2023-02-10. https://web.archive.org/web/20230210203257/https://toucharcade.com/2013/12/03/skulls-of-the-shogun-review-dont-miss-this-fantastic-strategy-game/. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  24. ↑ Grubb, Jeff (2013-01-30). "Skulls of the Shogun is a balanced turn-based tactics game with clever writing (review) (X360)". Archived from the original on 2023-06-01. https://web.archive.org/web/20230601182538/https://venturebeat.com/games/skulls-of-the-shogun-review/. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Nichols, Scott (2013-12-17). "Mobile reviews: GTA San Andreas, Angry Birds Go, Skulls of the Shogun". Hearst Communications. Archived from the original on 2013-12-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20131218225212/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/levelup/a538762/mobile-reviews-gta-san-andreas-angry-birds-go-skulls-of-the-shogun.html. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Nichols, Scott (2013-02-04). "'Skulls of the Shogun' review (Xbox Live): Strategy down to the bone". Hearst Communications. Archived from the original on 2013-02-05. https://web.archive.org/web/20130205190849/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/review/a456030/skulls-of-the-shogun-review-xbox-live-strategy-down-to-the-bone.html. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Honorof, Marshall (2013-01-30). "Skulls of the Shogun Review: Big & Undead in Japan (X360)". Gamurs. Archived from the original on 2014-10-22. https://web.archive.org/web/20141022160541/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/reviews/10164-Skulls-of-the-Shogun-Review-Big-Undead-in-Japan. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  28. ↑ De Vore, Alex (2013-12-02). "Skulls of the Shogun Review (iOS)". Archived from the original on 2013-12-05. https://web.archive.org/web/20131205151259/http://www.gamezebo.com/games/skulls-shogun/review. Retrieved 2013-08-26. 
  29. ↑ Agnello, Anthony John (2013-01-30). "Skulls of the Shogun review: A perfectly executed slice of strategy (X360)". Digital Trends Media Group. Archived from the original on 2023-03-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20230327212136/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/skulls-of-the-shogun-review-a-perfectly-executed-slice-of-strategy/. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  30. ↑ Steinlage, Tate (2013-01-30). "Review: Skulls of the Shogun slice[s and dices its way as one of the premier XBLA titles to date"]. Archived from the original on 2013-03-19. https://web.archive.org/web/20130319065038/http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/2013/01/30/review-skulls-of-the-shogun-slice-and-dices-its-way-as-one-of-the-premier-xbla-titles-to-date. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  31. ↑ Beck, Adam (2013-01-30). "Review: Skulls of the Shogun (X360)". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on 2021-07-31. https://web.archive.org/web/20210731012320/https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-skulls-of-the-shogun/27642/. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  32. ↑ Slater, Harry (2013-02-04). "Skulls of the Shogun (Windows [Phone 8)"]. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on 2023-06-01. https://web.archive.org/web/20230601093517/https://www.pocketgamer.com/skulls-of-the-shogun/skulls-of-the-shogun/. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  33. ↑ Edge staff (November 2012). "Skulls Of The Shogun review (X360)". Edge (Future plc) (246): 96. Archived from the original on 2013-02-04. https://web.archive.org/web/20130204004441/http://www.edge-online.com/review/skulls-of-the-shogun-review-2/. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  34. ↑ Holzworth, Chris (2013-01-30). "EGM Review: Skulls of the Shogun (X360)". EGMNow (EGM Media, LLC). Archived from the original on 2019-06-22. https://web.archive.org/web/20190622065406/https://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-skulls-of-the-shogun/. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  35. ↑ O'Reilly, PJ (2019-07-25). "Skulls of the Shogun: Bone-A-Fide Edition Review". Hookshot Media. Archived from the original on 2022-08-13. https://web.archive.org/web/20220813173129/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/skulls_of_the_shogun_bone-a-fide_edition. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  36. ↑ Kershaw, Rob (2013-02-27). "Skulls of the Shogun (X360)". Poisonous Monkey. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. https://web.archive.org/web/20160305202017/http://gaming.thedigitalfix.com/content/id/1537/skulls-of-the-shogun.html. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  37. ↑ Hargreaves, Roger (2013-02-01). "Skulls Of The Shogun review – analogue strategy (X360)". Metro (DMG Media). Archived from the original on 2013-02-04. https://web.archive.org/web/20130204050417/https://metro.co.uk/2013/02/01/skulls-of-the-shogun-review-analogue-strategy-3377202/. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  38. ↑ Hargreaves, Roger (2013-07-30). "Skulls Of The Shogun PC review – samurai strategy". Metro (DMG Media). Archived from the original on 2013-08-04. https://web.archive.org/web/20130804175753/https://metro.co.uk/2013/07/30/skulls-of-the-shogun-pc-review-samurai-strategy-3903650/. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  39. ↑ Hargreaves, Roger (2019-07-18). "Skulls Of The Shogun: Bone-A-Fide Edition Switch review – Samurai Wars". Metro (DMG Media). Archived from the original on 2022-01-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20220125041036/https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/18/skulls-of-the-shogun-bone-a-fide-edition-switch-review-samurai-wars-10402710/. Retrieved 2023-08-26. 
  • Official website
  • 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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