NationMaster - Encyclopedia: MicroProse

MicroProse Software, Inc. (also known as MicroProse Simulation Software) was a North American video game developer, founded in 1982 by Sid Meier and Bill Stealey. It was known as the publisher of the majority of Meier's hit computer games, including Pirates, Silent Service, Railroad Tycoon, Civilization, and also for the sci-fi X-COM series. It ceased to exist in 2001 when its parent company, Hasbro Interactive, was acquired and merged by Infogrames. MicroProse company logo, scanned and coloured from MechCommander registration card by wS This is a copyrighted and/or trademarked logo. ... 1982 1982 in games 1981 in video gaming 1983 in video gaming Notable events of 1982 in computer and video games. ... 2001 2001 in games 2000 in video gaming 2002 in video gaming Notable events of 2001 in video gaming. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... This article is about the videogame released in 1987. ... Silent Service is a 1985 submarine simulator computer game. ... Sid Meiers Civilization is a turn based strategy computer game created by Sid Meier for MicroProse in 1991. ... X-COM is a series of computer games, started by MicroProse in 1993. ... Sidney K. Meier is an American programmer and designer of some of the most commercially and critically successful computer strategy games of all time. ... John Wilbur Wild Bill Stealey Sr. ... Hasbro Interactive was a video game production and publishing subsidiary of Hasbro, the game and toy giant. ... Motto: (Out Of Many, One) (traditional) In God We Trust (1956 to date) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington D.C. Largest city New York City None at federal level (English de facto) Government Federal constitutional republic - President George Walker Bush (R) - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence from... A video game developer is a software developer (a business or an individual) that creates video games. ... 1982 1982 in games 1981 in video gaming 1983 in video gaming Notable events of 1982 in computer and video games. ... Sidney K. Meier is an American programmer and designer of some of the most commercially and critically successful computer strategy games of all time. ... John Wilbur Wild Bill Stealey Sr. ... A computer game is a game composed of a computer-controlled virtual universe that players interact with in order to achieve a defined goal or set of goals. ... This article is about the videogame released in 1987. ... Silent Service is a 1985 submarine simulator computer game. ... Screenshot from Railroad Tycoon Railroad Tycoon is an economic simulation and computer strategy game. ... Sid Meiers Civilization is a turn based strategy computer game created by Sid Meier for MicroProse in 1991. ... Science fiction is a form of speculative fiction principally dealing with the impact of imagined science and technology, or both, upon society and persons as individuals. ... X-COM is a series of computer games, started by MicroProse in 1993. ...

History

In the 1980s, MicroProse was primarily known as a publisher of flight and military simulation titles for 8-bit home computers such as the Commodore 64, Apple II, and Atari 8-bit family, with titles such as "Spitfire Ace" and "Hellcat Ace". It also published a few strategy games at the time. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Interior cockpit of a modern flight simulator A flight simulator is a system that tries to replicate, or simulate, the experience of flying an aircraft as closely and realistically as possible. ... This article is about the general term. ... 8-bit refers to the number of bits used in the data bus of a computer. ... Children playing on a Amstrad CPC 464 in the 1980s. ... The Commodore 64 is the best-selling single personal computer model of all time. ... The Apple II was one of the most popular personal computers of the 1980s. ... An Atari 800XL, one of the most popular machines in the series. ... Strategy games are typically board games, video or computer games with the players decision-making skills having a high significance in determining the outcome. ...

As industry changed over to 16-bit and 32-bit CPUs in late 1980s, MicroProse started supporting IBM PC compatibles and 68000-based machines like the Amiga and Atari ST. MicroProse also started an UK branch to cross-publish titles in Europe, and to import some European titles to be published in the US. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The Motorola 68000 is a 32-bit CISC microprocessor core designed and marketed by Freescale Semiconductor (formerly Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector). ... This article is about the family of home computers. ... The Atari ST is a home/personal computer that was commercially popular from 1985 to the early 1990s. ...

In 1990 and 1991 MicroProse released the blockbusters Railroad Tycoon and Civilization, by Sid Meier, on multiple platforms. Both of which quickly became two of the best-selling strategy games of all time and spawned multiple sequels. 1990 1990 in games 1989 in video gaming 1991 in video gaming Notable events of 1990 in video gaming. ... Notable events of 1991 in computer and video games. ...

MicroProse also released Geoff Crammond's Formula One Grand Prix to adulation in 1991. The Amiga and Atari ST versions were released first, and the DOS version followed in early 1992. The game was considered the best Formula One sim to date. Geoff Crammond signing copies of Grand Prix 2 Geoff Crammond is a computer game designer who specialises in motor racing games. ... Game screenshot Formula One Grand Prix (known as World Circuit in the United States) is a computer game released in 1992 by MicroProse for the Amiga and PC created by game designer Geoff Crammond. ... This article is about the family of closely related operating systems for the IBM PC compatible platform. ... 1992 1992 in games 1991 in video gaming 1993 in video gaming Notable events of 1992 in video gaming. ...

In 1992, MicroProse acquired Leeds-based flight simulation developer Vektor Grafix^[1], who had already developed titles for them such as B17, turning it into a satellite development studio. 1992 1992 in games 1991 in video gaming 1993 in video gaming Notable events of 1992 in video gaming. ... For other uses, see Leeds (disambiguation). ... Vektor Grafix was a United Kingdom-based computer game development company led by Andy Craven, and taken over by Microprose in 1992. ...

MicroProse, in an attempt to diversify without changing their name, created two labels, MicroStyle in the UK, and MicroPlay in the US. This label released games like Rick Dangerous 2 (adventure), Stunt Car Racer (arcade racing) and Xenophobe (action/arcade). Rick Dangerous was the character in two platform games released by Core Design (the makers of Tomb Raider) in the 80s. ... Stunt Car Racer (also distributed under the title Stunt Track Racer) is a racing video game developed by Geoff Crammond for MicroStyle and was published by in 1989. ... Xenophobe is a 1987 arcade game published by Bally Midway. ...

In early 1990s, MicroProse, in an attempt to diversify beyond its niche roots as a flight sim and military sim company, decided to create an arcade game division, as well as invested a large sum of money to create an adventure game engine with which it could produce several games. However, the arcade division was canceled after making only 2 games: F-15 Strike Eagle The Arcade Game, and B.O.T.T.S. (a giant fighting robot game). Both of which featured high-end (for its time) 3D graphics, and failed to became popular as it was too different from existing machines. The adventure game engine was finished, but only two games (Rex Nebular and Phantom of the Opera) were published before it was shelved and sold off to Sanctuary Woods. Centipede by Atari is a typical example of a 1980s era arcade game. ... A game engine is the core software component of a computer or video game or other interactive application with real-time graphics. ... Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender was a point-and-click style graphic animated adventure developed and published by Microprose in November of 1992. ... Company Logo Sanctuary Woods was a game publishing and developing software company. ...

In 1993, MicroProse was acquired by Spectrum Holobyte, another game company. Founder Bill Stealey was good friends with Spectrum HoloByte president Gilman Louie, and convinced Louie to help MicroProse as Stealey was afraid that some bank will not understand the company culture. Same year, the UK office of MicroProse closed two satellite offices in northern England, and disposed of over forty staff at its Chipping Sodbury head office. Notable events of 1993 in computer and video games. ... Spectrum HoloByte, Inc. ... Chipping Sodbury School ROOLZ Chipping Sodbury is a market town in South Gloucestershire, England, founded in the 12th century by William Crassus. ...

In 1994, Bill Stealey departed MicroProse. Spectrum HoloByte agree to buy out his shares. Bill Stealey went on the found Interactive Magic, another simulation software company. Interactive Magic was a developer and publisher of simulation computer games during the 1990s which was founded by MicroProse co-founder Bill Stealey in 1995 after the buyout of MicroProse by Spectrum Holobyte. ...

Despite cuts, president Gilman Louie managed to line up several big name licenses, including Top Gun, Magic: The Gathering, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and later MechWarrior (part of Battletech universe. Also, the UK import UFO: Enemy Unknown, renamed as X-COM: UFO Defense, proved to be an unanticipated hit in 1994. Top Gun may refer to: The United States Navy Fighter Weapons School, codenamed and commonly referred to as TOPGUN. Top Gun (film), a 1986 movie about the school, starring Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Anthony Edwards, Val Kilmer, Tom Skerritt, Michael Ironside, Tim Robbins, and Meg Ryan. ... Magic: The Gathering (colloq. ... The title as it appeared in most episodes opening credits. ... MechWarrior is the title of a number of games set in the fictional universe created for the tabletop wargame BattleTech. ... BattleTech is a wargaming and science fiction franchise, launched by FASA Corporation and currently owned by WizKids. ... X-COM: UFO Defense is a video game created by Microprose Software. ... X-COM: UFO Defense is a video game created by Microprose Software. ...

Spectrum HoloByte, however, was in trouble. It was trying to get Falcon 4.0 out the door ever since it pushed out Falcon 3.0 in 1991, and it has been delayed, and delayed, and delayed many years.

Both MicroProse and Spectrum HoloByte continued as separate brands until 1996. In 1996, Spectrum HoloByte, in cost-cutting measure, started cutting a majority of the MicroProse staff. Soon after, it consolidated all of its titles under the MicroProse brand (essentially renaming itself MicroProse). Sid Meier and Jeff Briggs departed the company after the staff cut, forming a new company called Firaxis Games. Brian Reynolds, who designed Civilization II, also moved to Firaxis. A core group of disillusioned artists, designers and programmers left MicroProse UK to join Psygnosis, which opened an office in Stroud, UK, specifically to attract ex-MicroProse employees. 1996 1996 in games 1995 in video gaming 1997 in video gaming Notable events of 1996 in video gaming. ... Sidney K. Meier is an American programmer and designer of some of the most commercially and critically successful computer strategy games of all time. ... Jeff Briggs is founder, president, and CEO of Firaxis Games, a computer game developer based in Hunt Valley, Maryland. ... {{Infobox_Company | company_name = Firaxis Games | company_logo = | company_type = [[Subsidiary of Take2) | company_slogan = Games that stand the Test of Time | foundation = Hunt Valley, Maryland, United States (1996) | location = Hunt Valley, Maryland, United States | key_people = Sid Meier, Director of Creative DevelopmentJeff Briggs, former CEO| num_employees = several dozen | revenue = | industry = Video games | products = Sid Meier... Sid Meiers Civilization II, a. ... The logo that introduced most Psygnosis games was designed by fantasy artist Roger Dean. ... Stroud is a town in the county of Gloucestershire, England. ...

In 1997, MicroProse announced that it was going to merge with GT Software, but the merger fell through. The company managed to push out European Air War in 1998, to critical acclaim, and was acquired by Hasbro Interactive, a division of U.S. toy maker Hasbro. It was also under court challenge by Avalon-Hill (who has the US publishing license of the Civilization boardgame from the French creator Hartland Trefoil). MicroProse and Hasbro bought out Hartland Trefoil, thus nullifying the suit, but not before Activision managed to push out two Civilization "clones" based on their "license" and settlement from the lawsuit. During this period, more studios were closed. European Air War is a combat flight simulation created by MicroProse in 1998. ... Hasbro Interactive was a video game production and publishing subsidiary of Hasbro, the game and toy giant. ... Hasbro (NYSE: HAS) is an American toy and game company. ...

In 1998, MicroProse finally managed to publish Falcon 4.0, before the Christmas shopping season. However, the initial release was plagued with bugs and the game is so authentic — and thus complicated — that it intimidated average gamers, and sales were disappointing.

In 1999, Hasbro Interactive closed the former MicroProse studios in California (that used to be Spectrum HoloByte) and North Carolina. 1999 1999 in games 1998 in video gaming 2000 in video gaming Notable events of 1999 in video gaming. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Largest metro area Greater Los Angeles Area Ranked 3rd - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 kmÂ²) - Width 250 miles (400 km) - Length 770 miles (1,240 km) - % water 4. ... Official language(s) English Capital Raleigh Largest city Charlotte Area Ranked 28th - Total 53,865 sq mi (139,509 kmÂ²) - Width 150 miles (240 km) - Length 560[1] miles (901 km) - % water 9. ...

In 2001, after French game publisher Infogrames took over Hasbro Interactive, MicroProse ceased to exist. Its latest title in US, European Air War, was reissued with Infogrames logo instead of MicroProse logo. 2001 2001 in games 2000 in video gaming 2002 in video gaming Notable events of 2001 in video gaming. ... Infogrames Entertainment SA (IESA) is an international holding company headquartered in Lyon, France. ... European Air War is a combat flight simulation created by MicroProse in 1998. ...

The last new game released with the MicroProse name was the UK version of Geoff Crammond's Grand Prix 4, in late 2002. In the 1990s MicroProse had an office in Chipping Sodbury in the UK, which commissioned many games from smaller UK developers, including Grand Prix and Transport Tycoon. The MicroProse name was preserved on GP4 in the UK due to the respect it held amongst fans of racing simulation games. Geoff Crammond signing copies of Grand Prix 2 Geoff Crammond is a computer game designer who specialises in motor racing games. ... 2002 2002 in games 2001 in video gaming 2003 in video gaming Notable events of 2002 in video gaming. ... Screenshot of Transport Tycoon Transport Tycoon (TT) and Transport Tycoon Deluxe (TTD) are computer games in which the player is in control of a transport company, and can compete against rival companies to make as much profit as possible, by transporting passengers and various goods by road, rail, sea or...

Infogrames renamed itself Atari in 2002 as it had absorbed Atari assets several years before. This article is about a corporate game company. ...

In November 2003, Atari Inc. closed its development studio in Hunt Valley, Maryland, MicroProse's original location. However, several game developers now exist in the area, including Firaxis Games and BreakAway Games, who all owe their origin to MicroProse. 2003 2003 in games 2002 in video gaming 2004 in video gaming Notable events of 2003 in video gaming. ... This article is about a corporate game company. ... Hunt Valley is an unincorporated community located in Baltimore County, Maryland just north of the Baltimore, Maryland metro area, on Highway 145 off I-83, by Loch Raven Reservoir. ... A video game developer is a software developer (a business or an individual) that creates video games. ... {{Infobox_Company | company_name = Firaxis Games | company_logo = | company_type = [[Subsidiary of Take2) | company_slogan = Games that stand the Test of Time | foundation = Hunt Valley, Maryland, United States (1996) | location = Hunt Valley, Maryland, United States | key_people = Sid Meier, Director of Creative DevelopmentJeff Briggs, former CEO| num_employees = several dozen | revenue = | industry = Video games | products = Sid Meier... BreakAway Games is a game developer based in Hunt Valley, Maryland established in 1998. ...

Selected games

This is a list of games made by the former video game developer and publisher MicroProse. ... NATO Commander is a commercial computer strategy game designed by Sid Meier and released in 1983 by MicroProse. ... Solo Flight was a flight simulator game for the Commodore 64 and Atari 8-bit microcomputers, released in 1983. ... Silent Service is a 1985 submarine simulator computer game. ... F-15 Strike Eagle is an F-15 Strike Eagle combat flight simulator released in 1985 by MicroProse and is the first in the F-15 Strike Eagle series comprising also of the sequels F-15 Strike Eagle II and F-15 Strike Eagle III. It won the Action game... Gunship is an AH-64 Apache helicopter simulation that was released by Microprose in 1986. ... The game consisted of serveral missions in which the player controlled a sole airborne ranger who had things to do from killing an enemy officer, take out an enemey bunker, or even take out a sam-site. ... This article is about the videogame released in 1987. ... F-19 Stealth Fighter is a combat flight simulator released in 1988 by MicroProse, featuring a fictional United States military aircraft. ... Red Storm Rising is a 1986 techno-thriller novel by Tom Clancy and Larry Bond about a Third World War in Europe between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces, set around the mid-1980s, probably in 1986 or 1987. ... F-15 Strike Eagle II is an F-15 Strike Eagle combat flight simulator released in 1989 by MicroProse and is the sequel of F-15 Strike Eagle. ... Screenshot from Railroad Tycoon Railroad Tycoon is an economic simulation and computer strategy game. ... Sid Meiers Civilization is a turn based strategy computer game created by Sid Meier for MicroProse in 1991. ... Game screenshot Formula One Grand Prix (known as World Circuit in the United States) is a computer game released in 1992 by MicroProse for the Amiga and PC created by game designer Geoff Crammond. ... Gunship 2000 is a helicopter simulation and is the sequel to Gunship by MicroProse. ... Darklands is a role-playing game produced by MicroProse. ... B-17 Flying Fortress or the software titles full name B-17 Flying Fortress World War II Bombers in Action TM is a video game of the combat flight simulation/computer role playing game genre released in 1992 for DOS on the IBM PC compatible personal computer by MicroProse. ... BloodNet is a cyberpunk RPG / Adventure game published by MicroProse in 1993. ... Master of Orion (MOO or MoO) is a turn-based science fiction computer strategy game designed by by Steve Barcia, developed by Barcias company Simtex and published by Microprose in 1993. ... Master of Magic (MoM) is a turn-based fantasy strategic computer game published by Microprose in 1994 and developed by Steve Barcia (Simtex), who wrote the better-known Master of Orion. ... X-COM: UFO Defense is a video game created by Microprose Software. ... X-COM: Terror from the Deep is a computer game, the sequel to X-COM: UFO Defense (or UFO: Enemy Unknown in Europe). ... Screenshot of Transport Tycoon Transport Tycoon (TT) and Transport Tycoon Deluxe (TTD) are computer games in which the player is in control of a transport company, and can compete against rival companies to make as much profit as possible, by transporting passengers and various goods by road, rail, sea or... Transport Tycoon and Transport Tycoon Deluxe are computer games where the player is in control of a transport company, and must compete with rival companies to make as much profit as possible, by transporting passengers and various goods by road, rail, sea or by air. ... Master of Orion II: Battle at Antares (MOO2) was the first sequel to Master of Orion. ... Falcon 4. ... MechWarrior 3 was the first MechWarrior game not developed by Activision. ... Star Trek: Birth of the Federation is a 4X turn-based computer strategy game, based in the Star Trek fictional universe, that was released in 1999. ...

Notes and references

External links

Categories: Spoken articles | MicroProse | MicroProse games | Home computer software companies | Defunct video game companies | Defunct companies of the United States | Companies established in 1982 | 2003 disestablishments Image File history File links Microprose. ... Image File history File links Sound-icon. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 274th day of the year (275th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Sound-icon. ... MobyGames is a website devoted to cataloging computer and video games, both past and present. ... World of Spectrum is a website devoted to cataloging and archiving material for the ZX Spectrum home computer pupular in the 1980s. ...

Contents

History GA_googleFillSlot("encyclopedia_square");

Selected games

Notes and references

External links

History