Software:The Sims Medieval

From HandWiki
Short description: 2011 video game

The Sims Medieval
Developer(s)Maxis Redwood Shores
Magic Pockets (iOS)
Publisher(s)Electronic Arts
Writer(s)Sean Baity
Composer(s)John Debney
SeriesThe Sims
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Windows Phone, Mobile
Release
  • NA: March 22, 2011
  • AU: March 24, 2011
  • EU: March 25, 2011
iOS
September 22, 2011
Java
October 2011
Windows Phone
March 26, 2013
Pirates & Nobles
  • NA: August 30, 2011
  • EU: September 2, 2011
  • AU: 2011
Genre(s)Action-adventure, social simulation
Mode(s)Single-player

The Sims Medieval is a life simulation game that was released in March 2011 by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X as part of The Sims series. Mobile versions were released on September 22, 2011 for iOS, Java (J2ME), and also for Windows Phone on March 26, 2013. It is not available on Mac OS Catalina or above. Set in medieval times, it allows the player to build a kingdom through quest-driven gameplay. During presentation at E3 2010, a pre-order exclusive Limited Edition was also available.[1]

Gameplay

Main gameplay and objectives

The Sims Medieval is a life-simulation game with action-adventure elements, having a more role-playing video game tone than past Sims games.[2] The storyline of the game is to build a successful kingdom by fulfilling the player's "Kingdom Ambition", which the player chooses at the start of the game. Once an ambition has been completed, the player will unlock new ambitions for future playthroughs as well as unlocking freeplay for that specific kingdom. The major difference in gameplay from previous installations is a quest-driven system. With the game stopped, the player has to choose a quest (quests are required to fulfill said kingdom ambition), and then choose which hero Sim they want to use. A player can create Hero Sims to control, each one having a profession (monarch, knight, merchant, and the like). The character creation, simulation, and architectural aspects are significantly reduced and altered to enforce a sharper focus on role-playing-style gameplay. For example, players are able to customize the aesthetics and layout of building interiors, but unable to alter the basic structure and shape of buildings.[3]

With the quest and the Hero Sim(s) selected, the game un-pauses and the player is able to control the chosen Hero Sim(s) during the quest. When the quest is completed, another quest must be selected and another choice of Hero Sim(s) must be made. During quests other non-controlled Sims (even the Heroes created by the player) live in the kingdom, and will continue their life while the quest is going on, like in the story progression feature in The Sims 3. In an interview with GameSpot, senior producer Rachel Bernstein stated that the game will be more dangerous for Sims, with death and failure a possibility during the game's quests. Listed dangers included low focus on quests, plague, peasant revolts, wildlife, poisons, duels, and more.[4] Players earn ratings at the end of the game depending on their performance. Players may also reach "Quest Failed" screens if they do not complete a predefined goal in a predetermined amount of time.[4]

Quests

A player's main goal is to complete the quest by following the indicated quest-related actions; however, it is also important to excel at the quest so better rewards are given. How the Hero Sim is doing in the quest can be seen in the quest performance meter. Besides the quest and quest performance, players' Sims have various jobs, and each job has its own duties (called responsibilities) that they will be given to fulfill daily (two per day). Doing so will raise their focus, their in-game mood, which has a major involvement in the way the Sim performs many interactions, as well as in the quest performance itself.[5]

Development and release

Gameplay-wise, The Sims Medieval was similar to The Sims Stories games, such as The Sims Pet Stories and The Sims Castaway Stories, both of which had The Sims 2 engine. Instead, The Sims Medieval was using The Sims 3 engine.[6] Producer Rachel Bernstein stated that subsurface scattering had been added to character models to give the characters a "painterly look". Other upgrades included "next-gen sims tech", and a new engine for light within the game. Another difference is the terrain used in the game. Whereas the terrain or neighborhoods in The Sims 3 or other Sim games was generally flat for the purpose of building, The Sims Medieval's terrain or kingdom is varied in altitudes and layouts resulting in a realistic display of geography. The terrain in the game also has a "painterly look" as do the Sims of the game thanks to the enhanced engine.[7] Bernstein conducted multiple media interviews and narrated demos,[8][9]Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tagCite error: Invalid parameter in <ref> tag Patrick Stewart narrated both the "epic trailer" and the intro cinematic.[10][11][12]

The mobile version for The Sims Medieval was released in a 3D version for iOS[13] (also ported to Windows Phone) and in a 2D isometric version for Java based devices.[14]

Reception

The Sims Medieval
Review scores
PublicationScore
iOSMacintoshPC
EdgeN/AN/A7/10[17]
EurogamerN/AN/A7/10[18]
Game InformerN/AN/A7/10[19]
GameProN/AN/AStarStarStarStar[5]
GameRevolutionN/AN/AA−[21]
GamesMaster78%[22]N/A78%[23]
GameSpotN/AN/A6/10[24]
IGNN/AN/A8.5/10[25]
Jeuxvideo.com12/20[26]13/20[27]13/20[27]
PC Gamer (UK)N/AN/A70%[29]
Pocket GamerStarStarStarHalf star[30]N/AN/A
TouchArcadeStarStarStarHalf star[31]N/AN/A
The EscapistN/AN/AStarStarStarStar[32]
MetroN/AN/A7/10[33]
Aggregate score
Metacritic79/100[15]N/A77/100[16]

The PC and iOS versions received "generally favorable reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[15][16] Nicole Tanner of IGN said of the PC version, "The Sims Medieval has successfully breathed new life into a franchise that was getting pretty stale. ... Even with its minor flaws, The Sims Medieval mixes a great sense of humor with simple role-playing game mechanics that result in hours of fun."[25]

Felix Atkin of The Observer praised the game, deeming it as "enchanting stuff set in a beautifully animated and immersive fairy-tale world. And with a clearer structure for achieving quests and character development, it will appeal to RPG fans as never before."[34] Video game magazine Edge wrote, "It's a funny and sweet time sink, and something that any Sims fan can wholeheartedly enjoy."[17] AJ Glasser of GamePro said, "As let down as I am, though, I'm not ready to get out my pitchfork. Some things in this game kept me coming back for 20 hours. ... The Sims Medieval is a beautiful game with fun and interesting ideas, but it doesn't live up to my fantasy of the Middle Ages and it doesn't completely satisfy the Sims fan in me."[5]

Greg Tito of The Escapist gave the PC version a score of four stars out of five, saying, "Maxis wagered that adding fun new game elements to its blockbuster franchise would work, and The Sims Medieval succeeds sufficiently to start its own branching franchise. Expect an expansion pack or ten."[32] Roger Hargreaves of Metro gave it seven out of ten, calling it a "surprisingly daring mix of interactive narrative, role-playing game and life simulator – and nothing like the lazy cash-in you'd expect".[33] Samantha Nelson of The A.V. Club gave it a B−, saying, "While some Sims fans might find the addition of quests and a leveling system makes [sic] the game even more addictive, The Sims Medieval does away with some of the series' classic components, like designing buildings and watching your Sims age."[35]

Expansion pack

An expansion pack (branded as "adventure pack") titled The Sims Medieval: Pirates & Nobles was released in North America on August 30, 2011. Pirates and Nobles is also included in a deluxe edition of The Sims Medieval.[36] The pack features a new kingdom ambition, new traits and legendary traits, new clothes, over 140 new objects (including an interrogation chair), new quests, and new social interactions. There is also a new treasure-hunting mechanic with maps, shovels, treasures, and dangers. Additionally, the pack introduces pets, new NPC pirates, and a new creature, baby pit beast, which is a new type of Sim death.[37][38]

Reception

The Sims Medieval: Pirates & Nobles
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic67/100[39]
Review scores
PublicationScore
IGN5.5/10[37]
Jeuxvideo.com13/20[41]

Pirates & Nobles received "average" reviews according to Metacritic.[39]

References

  1. ↑ Marie, Meagan (December 21, 2010). "EA announces Sims Medieval Limited Edition". Game Informer (GameStop). https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/12/21/ea-announces-sims-medieval-limited-edition.aspx. Retrieved March 26, 2022. 
  2. ↑ Gould-Wilson, Jasmine (2024-01-31). "13 years since The Sims Medieval, I'm trying to recreate the glory days with The Sims 4 Castle Estate – or get sent to the stocks for trying". https://www.gamesradar.com/13-years-since-the-sims-medieval-im-trying-to-recreate-the-glory-days-with-the-sims-4-castle-estate-or-get-sent-to-the-stocks-for-trying/. 
  3. ↑ Crecente, Brian (August 20, 2010). "Sims Medieval Doesn't Stray Far From Its Roots". G/O Media. https://kotaku.com/sims-medieval-doesnt-stray-far-from-its-roots-30876335. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 GameSpot staff (February 3, 2011). "The Sims Medieval Updated Q&A – The Hazards of Medieval Life". Red Ventures. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-sims-medieval-updated-qanda-the-hazards-of-medieval-life/1100-6297455/. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Glasser, AJ (March 22, 2011). "Review: The Sims Medieval (PC)". GamePro (GamePro Media). http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/218534/review-the-sims-medieval/. Retrieved March 26, 2022. 
  6. ↑ Simpson, Sarah-Jane (2022-10-31). "The Sims Medieval Was Better Than You Remember". https://screenrant.com/sims-medieval-expansion-heroes-rpg-game-good/. 
  7. ↑ Crecente, Brian (2010-08-20). "Sims Medieval Doesn't Stray Far From Its Roots". https://kotaku.com/sims-medieval-doesnt-stray-far-from-its-roots-30876335. 
  8. ↑ @GameSpot (August 18, 2010). The Sims Medieval Gamescom 2010 Interview: Rachel Bernstein. Retrieved March 2, 2024 – via YouTube.
  9. ↑ Park, Andrew (2010-08-17). "The Sims Medieval Impressions − First Details". https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-sims-medieval-impressions-first-details/1100-6273572/. 
  10. ↑ @TheSims (December 8, 2010). The Sims Medieval Epic Trailer. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved March 2, 2024 – via YouTube.
  11. ↑ Template:Cite AV ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUBXJ0kLuEI
  12. ↑ Hill renna (2011-03-16). "Patrick Stewart narrates The Sims Medieval intro". https://www.vg247.com/patrick-stewart-narrates-the-sims-medieval-trailer. 
  13. ↑ Arts, Electronic (2011-09-21). "Kick It Olde School With The Sims Medieval For iPhone" (in en). https://www.ea.com/news/kick-it-olde-school-with-the-sims-medieval-for-iphone. 
  14. ↑ "The Sims Medieval Review" (in en). 2011-11-11. https://www.pocketgamer.com/the-sims-medieval/review-6402/. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "The Sims Medieval for iPhone/iPad Reviews". Red Ventures. https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-sims-medieval/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "The Sims Medieval for PC Reviews". Red Ventures. https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-sims-medieval/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Edge staff (April 1, 2011). "The Sims Medieval Review (PC)". Edge (Future plc). http://www.edge-online.com/reviews/sims-medieval-review. Retrieved March 26, 2022. 
  18. ↑ Smith, Quintin (April 6, 2011). "The Sims Medieval (PC)". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-04-06-the-sims-medieval-review. 
  19. ↑ Juba, Joe (April 15, 2011). "The Sims Medieval Review (PC)". Game Informer (GameStop). https://www.gameinformer.com/games/the_sims_medieval/b/pc/archive/2011/04/15/the-sims-medieval-review-lutes-and-tights-can-39-t-save-this-sim.aspx. Retrieved March 26, 2022. 
  20. ↑ ALS (March 28, 2011). "Test: Les Sims Medieval (PC)" (in fr). https://www.gamekult.com/jeux/les-sims-medieval-3010008423/test.html. 
  21. ↑ Hunt, Geoff (April 29, 2011). "The Sims Medieval Review (PC)". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/51171-the-sims-medieval-review. 
  22. ↑ "Review: The Sims Medieval (iOS)". GamesMaster (Future plc): 93. Christmas 2011. 
  23. ↑ "Review: The Sims Medieval (PC)". GamesMaster (Future plc): 81. June 2011. 
  24. ↑ VanOrd, Kevin (April 12, 2011). "The Sims Medieval Review (PC)". Red Ventures. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-sims-medieval-review/1900-6308371/. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Tanner, Nicole (March 24, 2011). "The Sims Medieval Review (PC)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/03/24/the-sims-medieval-review. 
  26. ↑ Lena (September 26, 2011). "Test: Les Sims Medieval (iOS)" (in fr). Webedia. https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00015741-les-sims-medieval-test.htm. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Lena (March 25, 2011). "Test: Les Sims Medieval (Mac, PC)" (in fr). Webedia. https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00014615-les-sims-medieval-test.htm. 
  28. ↑ Bellamy, Seamus (July 18, 2011). "The Sims Medieval Review". Future US. http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/sims_medieval_review. 
  29. ↑ Stapleton, Dan (March 30, 2011). "The Sims Medieval review". Future plc. https://www.pcgamer.com/the-sims-medieval-review/. 
  30. ↑ Brown, Damon (September 30, 2011). "The Sims Medieval". Steel Media Ltd. https://www.pocketgamer.com/the-sims-medieval/the-sims-medieval-iphone-review/. 
  31. ↑ Klosowski, Thorin (September 29, 2011). "'The Sims: Medieval' Review – Sims and Wizards". https://toucharcade.com/2011/09/29/the-sims-medieval-review-sims-and-wizards/. 
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Tito, Greg (March 29, 2011). "The Sims Medieval Review (PC)". Enthusiast Gaming. https://www.escapistmagazine.com/the-sims-medieval-review/. 
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Hargreaves, Roger (March 31, 2011). "The Sims Medieval review – fairy tale adventure (PC)". Metro (DMG Media). https://metro.co.uk/2011/03/31/the-sims-medieval-review-647779/. 
  34. ↑ Atkin, Felix (March 27, 2011). "The Sims Medieval — Review". The Observer (Guardian Media Group). https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2011/mar/27/the-sims-medieval-review. 
  35. ↑ Nelson, Samantha (April 11, 2011). "The Sims Medieval (PC)". G/O Media. https://www.avclub.com/the-sims-medieval-1798224986. 
  36. ↑ Rainier (November 1, 2011). "'The Sims Medieval' Deluxe Edition Bundles Expansion". https://worthplaying.com/article/2011/11/1/news/83958-the-sims-medieval-deluxe-edition-bundles-expansion/. 
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 Michael, Jon (September 21, 2011). "The Sims Medieval: Pirates & Nobles Review". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/21/the-sims-medieval-pirates-nobles-review. Retrieved August 23, 2012. 
  38. ↑ "The Sims Medieval – Pirates & Nobles Adventure Pack Press Release". Electronic Arts. July 7, 2011. http://www.simprograms.com/31651/the-sims-medieval-pirates-nobles-adventure-pack-press-release/. 
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 "The Sims Medieval: Pirates & Nobles for PC Reviews". Red Ventures. https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-sims-medieval-pirates-and-nobles/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. 
  40. ↑ ALS (September 8, 2011). "Test: Les Sims Medieval – Nobles et Pirates" (in fr). https://www.gamekult.com/jeux/les-sims-medieval-nobles-et-pirates-3010009632/test.html. 
  41. ↑ Lena (September 2, 2011). "Test: Les Sims Medieval : Nobles & Pirates" (in fr). Webedia. https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00015605-les-sims-medieval-nobles-pirates-test.htm. 
  • 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 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]

On February 13, 2025, Freyholtz stepped down as the site lead to move onto new projects, leaving operations to Tracy Poff, a veteran coder on the site, and Atari staff.[18]

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. 
  18. ↑ "An update on MobyGames leadership". 2025-02-13. https://www.mobygames.com/forum/3/thread/269628/an-update-on-mobygames-leadership/#post-269628. 
  • 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 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]

On February 13, 2025, Freyholtz stepped down as the site lead to move onto new projects, leaving operations to Tracy Poff, a veteran coder on the site, and Atari staff.[18]

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. 
  18. ↑ "An update on MobyGames leadership". 2025-02-13. https://www.mobygames.com/forum/3/thread/269628/an-update-on-mobygames-leadership/#post-269628. 
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