Chapter 16: Computer Game Company Sites
The advent of the World Wide Web has opened a marvelous communication channel through which businesses can present news and information about their products to potential consumers. This is especially true for computer game developers and publishers who can use the medium to literally demonstrate their products and provide online support, both technical and general, for their customers. Quite a boon for game-players, this development has made it possible, and almost standard procedure, for enthusiasts to first try out games in one form or another before spending money on them.The following computer software companies are some of the biggest names, selling the biggest games. Whether a developer or a publisher, most offer downloadable bits and bytes-playable demos, screen shots, patches, hints, videos, or audio files-from the games in their product lines. These are free samples for the taking, and you don't even have to say please. Enjoy.
A Directory of Game Company Sites Worth Seeing
3D Realms Entertainment
http://www.3drealms.com/This division of Apogee software specializes in developing, you guessed it, 3D technology games. Review the 3D Realms catalog of current and future products with titles such as Terminal Velocity and Duke Nukem 3D, check out the file areas and message bases, and find out how to order products. Registration for full access to site options is required, but a guest pass is available.
7th Level, Inc.
http://www.7thlevel.com/The creator of the arcade series Tracer and Battle Beast, as well as the strategy series Monty Python & the Quest for the Holy Grail and Monty Python's Complete Waste of Time, 7th Level hosts this virtual playroom offering demos and a look at the company's product line. Official company briefs and bios can also be found, along with an online shopping center and a place to sign up as an official 7th Level family member.
Access Software Inc.
http://www.accesssoftware.com/The maker of golf simulators and interactive movies such as "The Pandora Directive" and "Under a Killing Moon," Access Software promotes its products with this look "behind the box," so to speak. Enjoy screen shots and other background material supporting the company's products. Ordering information and technical support are available.
Acclaim Nation
http://www.acclaimnation.com/The developer of crossover interactive games for titles such as Magic: The Gathering, Iron Blood, and DragonHeart, Acclaim/Nation promotes its wares and shares demo downloads. General company news is also on tap for those with a mind to drink it in.
Action Games
http://users.aol.com/actiongame/actionzz.htmFind out what the folks at Action Games have been up to over the past several months and download flight simulator games. Discover what it's like to cruise a spaceplane at Mach 2 through the atmosphere on Mars. Also find A-10 and F-16 sims.
Activision
http://www.activision.comPromoting titles such as MechWarrior 2 and its sequel MechWarrior 2: The Mercenaries, Interstate '76, and the NetMech: Eight Player Pack, Activision offers links and loads geared to stimulate players' "gotta have it" reaction. Also online, find customer support, company news, and other general company information. For those in the mood to order, the Activision Shop promotes a toll-free number as well as retail outlets where the products are available, and promises online ordering soon.
Accolade
http://www.accolade.comCome to play and download demos of the company's newest titles, including the multiplayer Deadlock and the 3D action game Eradicator. Also find tech support and the usual company promotional material.
Ambrosia Software
http://www.ambrosiasw.com/The maker of Apeiron, Barrak, Chiral, Escape Velocity, and other titles, Ambrosia Software invites players to explore the world of its games. Download demos, read FAQs, and check into utilities, add-ons, and upgrades. For those who wish to make purchases online, secure ordering is available. Other site features include company news, technical support, and links to selected cool sites.
Anarchy Entertainment Inc.
http://www.anarchyent.com/Find demos, previews, and other efforts promoting the Anarchy line of titles. Among the featured games find the 3D puzzle Too Many Geckos, the graphical adventure Dread, and the Viking fighting game Valhalla. Information about ordering the games is online, as is an opportunity to be added to the company mailing list. Those curious about Anarchy can read the profile which recounts the company's history and core philosophy.
Apogee
http://www.3drealms.com/Promoting its software hits like Wolfenstein 3D and Rise of Triad, Apogee Software hosts this showcase for its current and future products. Stop by for the latest company news, cheat codes, and a look "behind the scenes." Those who are registered can also download game files, user add-ons, and patches. Be sure to check out the message boards.
Argonaut
http://www.argonaut.com/The creator of 3D titles such as FX Fighter and Star Glider, Argonaut hosts this look at the company's past and peek at its future. Read a company profile, review its catalog of titles and stop by the Music Studio for a bit on sound and check out the Technology Lab for a look at the company's achievements. There's not much to do here, but loads to read.
Bethesda Softworks
http://www.bethsoft.com/The developer of such hit titles as the Wayne Gretzky Hockey series, the Delta-V flight simulator, and The Terminator series, Bethesda hosts this open house where visitors can learn about the company and download game demos. Also find technical support, patches, updates, and utilities. The Emporium is open for those who'd like to make purchases and job-seekers can check out available opportunities.
Bio Ware
http://www.bioware.com/Meet the joint creator (along with Interplay) of Shattered Steel, a big bot 3D action game, and Forgotten Realms, a single-user AD&D role-playing game. Stop by the Shattered Steel area for a download, a background on the game's story, and development notes. Those who are interested can also see why they call this company Bio Ware. Medical education software, anyone?
Blizzard Entertainment
http://www.blizzard.com/The maker of the Warcraft series of fantasy combat games, Starcraft, and the role-paying adventure Diablo, Blizzard Entertainment treats its visitors to game demos, patches, cheat codes, and support files. Also online find company information and development news, technical support, and information on purchasing the company's games and licensed products.
Brøderbund Software
http://www.broderbund.com/Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, Myst, and Prince of Persia are just a few of the game titles from this mega-marketer of educational, entertainment, and home use software. Browse the company's catalog of titles, read about the company's history and prospects for the future, research job opportunities, and find out how to submit ideas for possible development.
Bullfrog Productions Ltd.
http://www.bullfrog.co.uk/From the creator of Hi Octane, Populous and Populous 2, Syndicate, and Theme Park, this development update promotes Bullfrog's newest and soon-to-be-released titles. Find information on Dungeon Keeper, Syndicate Wars, Gene Wars, and Theme Hospital. Also find cheats for older games, interviews, and gaming hints and tips.
Bungie Software
http://www.bungie.com/Check out the latest from the creator of the Marathon series, Pathways Into Darkness, and Abuse. Review the company's product catalog, download demos and stop by the Bungie Store for special Web-only offers. Need to register a product? No problem; do it online. Other site features include letters from players, company news, and a challenge to "find Ling Ling's head."
Class6 Interactive
http://www.class6.com/Promoting its Windows 95-only ware, Class6 Interactive pitches its CD-ROM role-playing adventure, Creature Crunch, and its interactive animated adventure, Cosmo's Rocket. Read all about the games and where they're available for purchase. General information about the company is also featured.
Cyan Inc.
http://www.cyan.com/The creator of Myst, Cyan Inc., promotes the game by answering players' most Frequently Asked Questions about future game releases, the possibility of a movie, and the potential for other Myst-related entertainment such as books. A catalog of Myst paraphernalia is online offering mousepads, clothing, mugs, and calendars. And a link to Br¿derbund, the game's publisher, leads to technical support. Finally, links pointing to players' pages and other Myst-related sites round out the offerings.
CyberDreams Inc.
http://www.cyberdreams.com/Discover why the interactive, nightmarish, adventure game I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream, based on the short story of the same name by Harlan Ellison, won Computer Gaming World magazine's Adventure Game of the Year Award. And find out how Dark Seed II picks up where Dark Seed, the SPA's Best Fantasy Role Playing/Adventure Program of 1993, left off. Then look ahead to upcoming CyberDreams releases: Noir, Reverence, and The Incredible Shrinking Man.
CyberFlix Inc.
http://www.cyberflix.com/The maker of Dust: A Tale of the Wired West, Lunicus, and Jump Raven, CyberFlix promotes its released titles with story background and downloads of the latest updates or a product demo. Look ahead to the company's future releases and get the early word on titles such as Skull Cracker, Titanic: Adventure Out of Time, and Red Jack's Revenge.
Deadly Games
http://www.deadlygames.com/Offering downloadable demos and updates, Deadly Games promotes its line of WW II air, land, and sea battle simulation games. Check out Drumbeat, M4, The Battle of Britain, Bomber, and U-Boat. Background on each of the games offers a graphical introduction to play while critical reviews support each game's quality. A section called Dispatches From the Front previews the company's latest title U-Boat II (downloadable demo available) and features letters from players.
Destiny Software Productions, Inc.
http://www.destiny-software.com/destiny/Discover what is new at Destiny, the developer of computer games like Creepers, Solitaire's Journey, TOS Basketball and Baseball, Blood Bowl, and Dark Seed II. Download an addictive puzzle shareware game called Jam, check out the company's Internet Radio Software, and try out the featured 3D Demo.
Digital Image Design Ltd.
http://www.did.com/Home base for Computer Gaming World's 1996 winner of the Simulation of the Year award, Digital Image Design promotes its star product, EF2000. Read background on the game where players fly missions in NATO's most intense jet fighter, the Eurofighter 2000, review the specs and capabilities of the aircraft, peruse the EF2000 technical FAQ, check out screen shots from the game, and download the latest patches. Those interested can also learn more about the company and preview upcoming DID releases.
Digital Pictures
http://www.digipix.com/A developer of photo-realistic interactive games for multiple platforms, Digital Pictures promotes its titles with plot synopses and screen shots. Find games like Quarterback Attack with Mike Ditka, Maximum Surge with Yasmine Bleeth, and the controversial teenage slasher spoof, NightTrap.
Domark Software
http://www.domark.com/Find out what's old, what's new and what's soon to come out from the folks at Domark. Better yet, demo many of the titles they have. Plus, win prizes and enjoy special offers. A sampling of the titles with downloadable demos includes: Shellshock, Big Red Racing, Total Mayhem, and Bud Tucker in Real Trouble. Games are good for stand-alone play and some support multiuser networked fun. This corporate site's a real player's bonanza!
Electronic Arts Online
http://www.ea.com/This big name develops, publishes, and distributes big brand names like Bullfrog, Origin, EA Sports, EA Studios, and Jane's Combat Simulations. Surf the site by platform or label, and take the Web survey. Some demos and movies are available, but not where expected; check the suit and tie stuff. Also find a company profile, current company news, and customer support.
Elite Systems
http://www.elite-systems.co.uk/With gaming hits like Airwolf, Commando, Paperboy, and Dragon's Lair, Elite promotes its latest opportunities both for employment and play. Download demos of the company's newest releases, Strike Point and Onside. Also find details about its Dirt Racer and Virtuoso games. Those curious about working at this family-owned business can look into the situations currently available.
Empire Interactive
http://www.empire-us.com/The maker of Terry Bradshaw Fantasy Football, Dawn Patrol Head to Head, and Dreamweb promotes these and other games at this corporate home page. Find FAQs for many of the war theme games, preview upcoming releases, and review the company's current titles. Press releases, technical support, and an introduction to the EI staff are also featured.
Enlight Software
http://www.enlight.com/Discover what Capitalism is all about. Enlight Software promotes its real-time, business strategy game based on the economic system that made America what it is today. Download a demo and patch, read the FAQs and strategy tips, and find out how to order a copy of the game. The critics are raving about the game; see what they're saying and why.
Epic MegaGames
http://www.epicgames.com/Promoting Fire Fight, Extreme Pinball, Radix: Beyond the Void, and other older action attractions, Epic also turns attention to new titles like UNREAL, Jazz 2, and Curly's Adventure. Download demos and shareware, get the FAQs, and read the latest company news. Those curious about what's coming up can certainly find out, and anyone ready to buy can shop the onsite Epic MegaStore.
FormGen
http://www.formgen.com/Bragging it publishes the "hottest" computer games from the world's "best" PC game developers, FormGen sets out to prove the claim. Visit the product gallery for information on the company's product line including Duke Nukem 3D and Space Dude. Stop by the shareware library to download versions of Duke Nukem 3D, Terminal Velocity, Black Knight, and other titles. Check out the support area for patches and other game information. Or rummage through the company files for news and general corporate data.
GameTek
http://www.gametek.com/Reviews, previews, demos, FAQs, hints, patches, and much more are online from the folks who've brought out games like Road Warrior, Jeopardy, and Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo. Check out the latest and expect to spend some time exploring. There's plenty to do and see, and there's a promise that there's more to come!
Goldentree Enterprises
http://www.goldtree.com//welcome.htmThis Web page promotes Goldentree's star release, Cylindrix, a 360 degree, 3-0n-3 battle to the death. Download the demo, or check out the shots of ships and aliens. Also find technical support, company news, and the game's reviews. Onsite contests add prizes to the mix of excitement and entertainment.
GT Interactive Software
http://www.gtinteractive.com/homepage.htmlPromising not just games but experiences, GT Interactive promotes its line of intensity games which includes mega-titles like DOOM II, Ultimate DOOM, Wolfenstein 3D, and Mortal Kombat 3. Download demos, check out Cool Extras, and seek online support. Those who want to stay in touch can add their name to the mailing list. There's plenty to do and see; plan to explore.
GTE Entertainment
http://www.im.gte.com/New titles include Titanic: Adventure Out of Time, NCAA Championship Basketball, and Siege. Older titles include FX Fighter, EF 2000, and Dust. Check out the games, find technical support and get the latest company information.
id Software
http://www.idsoftware.com/The developer of titles like Quake, DOOM, DOOM II, Ultimate DOOM, and other "killer" games hosts this welcome to its world of death and destruction. Stop by to play with the corpses-download demos, shareware, upgrades, and patches. Or visit the Shopping Maul to find out how to order. Those curious about the company can read all about it, and anyone so possessed can link to companies considered "Friends of id."
I-Motion
http://www.imotion.com/The developer of Alone in the Dark previews coming titles including Knight's Chase and Virtual Chess, and promotes current releases like C.E.O. and Prisoner of Ice, based on H. P. Lovecraft's writings. Explore the games, enjoy the available downloads, and check out the Hints Corner for quick tips on play. Those looking to buy games can also find out how to order a product.
Infogrames
http://www.infogrames.comThis multilingual site promotes the products available through this international producer of interactive games. Find adventure, action, simulation, and discovery games including titles like Alone in the Dark, Knight's Chase, Solar Crusade, and International Tennis Open. Find out what's new with the company and what's coming soon. Those just rooting around should check out the Goodies page for fabulous downloads.
Interactive Magic
http://www.imagicgames.com/A developer and publisher, Interactive Magic promotes its simulation and strategy games at this corporate site. Check out the demos available for downloading: American Civil War, Decathlon, Apache, Star Rangers, Hind, and more. Also find company news and information, technical support and ordering information. Feeling lucky? Take a chance in the online contests.
Interplay Productions
http://www.interplay.com/Between what's coming, what's just arrived, and what was already here, this super site sparks enough excitement to enthrall most any game-player. Check out this small sampling from the dozens of titles promoted: Battle Chess, Descent, Jetfighter III, Normality, Shattered Steel, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, and Zombie Dinos from the Planet Zeltoid. Stop by to download a wide range of demos, and while onsite, look into placing orders.
Intracorp Entertainment
http://www.intracorp.com/A developer, publisher, and distributor of multimedia entertainment software under the labels Capstone, Three-Sixty, and The Next Move, Intracorp titles include Witchaven and Witchaven II, Roger Zelazny's Chronomaster, William Shatner's Tekwar, plus chess, casino, and cards titles. Stop by for demos, support, and additional company information.
Kinesoft Development
http://www.kinesoft.com/The developer of Earthworm Jim, Pitfall, Knight Moves, and Comedy Classics struts its stuff at this promotional site. Learn all about the company, how to pronounce a few relevant terms, and what Kinesoft opportunities are available for fun and profit. Links lead to the promotional pages for each of the company's games.
Looking Glass Technologies
http://www.lglass.com/The result of a merger between Blue Sky Productions and Lerner Research, Looking Glass Technologies is a developer and publisher of interactive games and simulation software. Its current titles include Flight Unlimited and Terra Nova; its future titles will include British Open Golf. Find out more about these games and the company behind them.
LucasArts
http://www.lucasarts.com/Download demos and other product fun from the gaming company which has grown out of the empire built by the man behind the Star Wars legend. Among the titles in the Product Spotlights find Dark Forces, Rebel Assault II, and Jedi Knight. Other site features include press releases, the current company newsletter, and a link to the company store. Those needing technical support can also find an online hand.
Magnet Interactive Studios
http://www.magnet.com/mis.htmlExplore the interactive gaming fun available from this subsidiary of the Magnet Interactive Group, Inc. Current titles featured include Beyond the Wall: Stories Beyond the Vietnam Wall, Comedians, Chop Suey, and ICEBREAKER. Download demos and other gaming promotional material. Also catch a preview of an upcoming title, BLUESTAR.
Maxis
http://www.maxis.com/Simulations, creativity, adventure, and action games are all on tap at this user-friendly, try-me, buy-me gaming stop. Find titles like A-Train, the various SimCity editions, RoboSport, and Full Tilt! Pinball. Those who want to chat about the games can visit the BBS forums. Tips and hints support play. And of course, the company previews what's coming down the pike. This site is worth a look.
Microforum
http://www.microforum.com/Screaming Skies, Mind Grind, and Virtual Corporation only head the list of titles touted here. Demo games like Expect No Mercy, Shakii The Wolf, and Iron Blood. Also find patches, FAQs with cheats and hints, customer service, and online ordering. Register to win prizes, read game reviews, and drop by the Coffee Shop to render an opinion or two.
Microsoft Games
http://www.microsoft.com/games/A page from the Microsoft corporate site, this directory points to games Windows' users play. Download a free trial of Monster Truck Madness, preview upcoming releases like Deadly Tide, and check out older offerings like the flight and space sims, and the sports games. A link to information about Microsoft's Internet Gaming Zone points to online, real-time play.
Mindscape
http://www.mindscape.com/Offering games that cover the action, adventure, military combat, and fantasy role-playing genres, Mindscape promotes its multiplatform releases. Find titles like Air Power: Battle of the Skies, Warhammer: Shadow of the Horned Rate, Angel Devoid: Face of the Enemy, and Chessmaster 5000. Download demos for Azrael's Tear, Fantasy General, Panzer General, and more. Other site features include company news and an online store open 24 hours a day.
New World Computing
http://www.nwcomputing.com/Download playable demos for Chaos Overlords and Empire II, plus find game patches for about a dozen more titles such as Anvil Dawn, Might and Magic, and Hammer of the Gods. Online FAQs answer the most common technical and non-technical questions about the games and the customer service area tells how to reach the company for support.
NovLogic
http://www.novalogic.com/This site is for those who number combat sims among their games of choice. Check out these titles for waging war: Werewolf vs. Comanche 2.0, Armored Fist, Comanche, and Wolfpack. Find complete product ordering information, press quotes and customer support. Visitors can also sign up to receive the company newsletter and preview the titles on their way.
Ocean Software
http://www.ocean.co.uk/Surf the Ocean Software site for a look at the company's current and future releases. Find titles like Worms, True Pinball, The Killing Grounds Alien Breed 3DII, World Rally Fever, and Zero Divide. Game information, screen shots, and some demos are available to download. Site features also include an insightful look at the company and its in-house team, information on contests, online help, and other customer services.
Oxford Softworks
http://www.demon.co.uk/oxford-soft/Specializing in classic games of strategy and skill, Oxford Softworks promotes its line of chess, backgammon, Othello, go, checkers, and 4-in-a-row software. Explore the company's gaming options, review its history and services, or place orders online.
Parallax Software
http://www.pxsoftware.com/Those looking for the latest news, information, and updates on Descent II need look no further. Download the latest here. Plus find playable demos, shareware, demo movies, screen shots, and levels for both I and II. These folks hold the copyright for the game; they should know best how to treat the game's players!
Pixel Storm Entertainment
http://www.sy-systems.com/This multimedia production company offers its clients many services, and it develops games to boot. Download free demos of two strategic puzzle games: MegaMotion and PlasmaZone. For those who enjoy these games' challenges, ordering information is also online.
Playmates Interactive Entertainment
http://www.playmatestoys.com/piehome.htmCare for a piece of free PIE? Download product information and playable demos for Battle Arena Toshinden, Earthworm Jim 1 & 2, and Powerslave. Also find product profiles for MDK, Into the Void, and Mutant Chronicles: The Mortificator. Contests, press releases, and technical support information add to the balance of features which build out this site.
Pop Rocket
http://www.poprocket.com/Here's the home of Total Distortion, the music video adventure game. Play mini-games taken from Total Distortion CD-ROM, download some of the tunes and sound loops, check out the graphics, or take a guided tour of the game's characters, places, and other things. Need hints? Stop by the Hints Forum. Want videos? Try the Video Trading area. Looking for something different? Stop by the Shockwave gaming area.
Presto Studios
http://www.prestostudios.com/Read the story of how a rag-tag band of merry hackers overcame all odds to...Oh, never mind that. Skip to the list of The Journeyman Project games that have come from the effort and explore how hard work and dedication can turn into fun.
Psygnosis
http://www.psygnosis.com/Known for its award-winning Lemmings series, this acquired subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America is an international game developer and publisher with over 100 titles for a variety of computer platforms. Rummage the files for information on what's out, preview what's in the pipeline to come, and check out those "e-clips"-videos, screen shots, demos, and more! Titles currently in the e-clip spotlight include: Destruction Derby 2, Wipeout XL, Lemmings Paintball, Krazy Ivan, and over a half dozen more.
Raven Software Company
http://www.ravensoft.com/Visitors are cordially invited to take a look around the site, download some demo material, and offer the company feedback. Find action and adventure titles like Hexen, Heretic, Cyclones, ShadowCaster, and Black Crypt. Other site features include a technical support area and the company's online profile.
ReadySoft
http://www.readysoft.com/ReadySoft promotes its roster of titles including Shadoan, The Music in Me, Dragon's Lair and Dragon's Lair II, Space Ace, and Robinson's Requiem. Downloads offered include hints for various games, instructions for running the games on Windows 95 and a BrainDead 13 screen saver. Also find movies for BrainDead 13, Dragon's Lair, and Space Ace. Company information and technical support round out the available offerings.
Reality Bytes
http://www.realbytes.com/A developer and publisher, Reality Bytes promotes its multiplayer arcade action game, Havoc, and previews its upcoming 3D action adventure, Dark Vengeance. Link to the "official" Havoc Web site, check out the Reality Bytes technical support area, read press clips, and review the company's history. Those looking can also check into job opportunities with the company.
Revolution Software Ltd.
http://www.revolution.co.uk/Developing graphical adventure gaming fun, Revolution promotes its titles: Lure of the Temptress, Beneath a Steel Sky, Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars, and Circle of Blood. Enjoy game overviews, walk-throughs, and screen shots.
Rocket Science
http://www.rocketsci.comUnlike most gaming company sites which are often too "corporate," this one is actually fun. The site itself is a kind of game, with a great personality and a great look. But its presentation isn't all that recommends it. Check out the company's newer titles: The Space Bar, Rocket Jockey, and Obsidian; plus, find information on its older titles: Cadillacs and Dinosaurs, Loadstar, and Wingnuts. Enjoy demos, cheat codes, screen shots, and tech support.
Scavenger, Inc.
http://www.mcb.net/parsec/scavenger_page.htmlFind Into the Shadows, A.M.O.K., Scorcher, Kicker, and Terminus in the spotlight at this game developer's home page. Download a rolling demo and demo editor for Into the Shadows, an animation file for Terminus, and screen shots from Scorcher. Stop by the online gallery for "exclusive" pictures, and check out the What's New? files for the latest news. Contact information and a calendar of release dates round out the items offered.
Shiny Entertainment
http://www2.shiny.com/shiny/The Earthworm Jim series and MDK are the featured titles on these pages. Find information, demos, screen shots, and more. The company also posts job opportunities and a bit about itself.
Sierra
http://www.sierra.com/Action and arcade, adventure, sports, simulations, strategy, and even family entertainment games are all featured in the diverse titles at Sierra. Browse and buy. Or download freebies including demos of the latest games, Larry pop-ups, and a Sierra Diving Adventure screen saver. Also find live, online gaming opportunities, news about upcoming releases, and customer services such as technical support.
Sir-tech Sofware, Inc.
http://www.sir-tech.com/Spotlighting its mythical titles like Star Trail-Realms of Arkania, Wizardry Trilogies, Jagged Alliance, Druid-Daemons of the Mind, and Wizardry Gold, Sir-tech hosts this promotional page. Get in on the weekly game giveaways and contests, see what's new in the way of hints and screen shots, and check out what titles are on the way from the folks who are proud official sponsors of the U.S. Bobsled Team.
Spectrum Holobyte - MicroProse
http://www.microprose.com/Visit two of the four development studios owned by Spectrum Holobyte, a developer and publisher whose games include Sid Meier's Civilization, X-COM, F15 Strike Eagle, and Fleet Defender, as well as Falcon 3.0. Star Trek: TNG "A Final Unity," and Top Gun: Fire at Will. Check out the latest and greatest from these two leading design studios. Enjoy demos, updates, and new versions. Plus, find the expected corporate profiles and press clippings.
Stormfront Studios
http://www.stormfront.com/The creator of the Tony La Russa Baseball series and Old Time Baseball promote these and other interactive entertainment titles. Read all about the games, download patches and link to the EA store to order online. Company information and online support are also available for those needing additional assistance.
Strategic Studies Group: GHQ
http://www.ssg.com.au/Boasting the "world's best" games of strategy, this game maker promotes its latest, previews its future, and glories in its past. Find titles like Total War, Warlords II, Carriers at War, the Battlefront series, and the Civil War series. Visit these games' pages for product news, available downloads, FAQs, and other gaming aids. The Scenario Library also offers downloads worth checking out.
Take2 Interactive Software
http://www.take2games.com/Find out what's new from the folks responsible for titles like Ripper, Hell, Maximum Roadkill, Master of Orion, Star Crusader, and Millennia. Explore the latest: Battlecruiser 3000AD and Iron & Blood. Plus, find game overviews and promotional matter like screen shots, patches, and FAQ files for all the company's games. Those in need of support can consult the Frequently Asked Technical Questions file or e-mail the company any questions.
Team 17 Software Ltd.
http://www.team17.com/Looking for demos? Look here and find a dozen or so! Demo titles like Worms, AlienBreed3D II-The Killing Ground, Kingpin Bowling, Superfrog, Arcade Pool, Project X, and World Rally Fever. Also enjoy game patches, hints and tips, plus a T17 FAQ. Worm fans will find a link to the official World Wide Worm site. And there is other free game-related stuff to download out of the Goodie Bag. Need more reasons to stop by? Two words: Beer Garden.
Trimark Interactive
http://www.trimarkint.com/Promoting its latest and soon-to-be-released games, Trimark opens the information vault on: The Hive, Magzone, Halls of the Dead, and Galaxis. A playable demo of The Hive is currently available for download and the others should come online soon. In addition to game news, also find information on technical support and the company's other customer services.
Twenty First Century Entertainment
http://www.21stcent.com/A publisher of pinball sims including Pinball World and the new Total Pinball 3D, Twenty First Century hosts this virtual product showroom. Check out the company's product line, download playable demos and screen shots, review a cheat code, and find out how to order products. Technical support is also available.
Ubi Soft Entertainment
http://www.ubisoft.com/Pick a country from the seven listed and let the exploration of this international distributor and software developer begin. Ubi does so much more than games, but in that area of this site find a demo of Rayman and screen shots from POD. Those with ideas for Rayman 2 are encouraged to enter the company's current contest. And anyone curious about the company will find plenty to ponder in the corporate profile.
US Gold
http://www.usgold.com/Find out what's glittering at the home page of this subsidiary of Eidos PLC. Check out the company's exclusive line of sports video games commemorating the Summer 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, including an adventure title featuring IZZY, the official mascot everyone tried to forget. Also find technical information for Desert/Jungle Strike, Dominus, and Slipstream 5000, along with a demo for Shellshock, a new tank combat game.
Viacom New Media
http://www.viacomnewmedia.com/Fans of games based on movies and television programs can't go far afield with the current features at the Viacom Game Zone. Titles in the spotlight include Zoop, Congo The Movie: Descent into Zinj, Phantom, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine-Harbinger, and Beavis and Butt-head in Virtual Stupidity. Catch the latest "buzz," sneak hints, and find help for all. Also find previews for the titles currently under development and read interviews with people related the ideas behind the games.
Vic Tokai Inc.
http://www.victokai.com/Explore the product line-up of Nova Spring PC Games. Titles include Defcon 5, Alien Virus, Deadline, Silverload, The Scroll, Extractors, and Virtuoso. Find game overviews and screen shots, but watch for tips and tricks, video downloads, game specials, and give aways coming soon.
Virgin Interactive Entertainment
http://www.vie.com/Virgin promotes its Hot List of games which includes titles like The 7th Guest and its sequel The 11th Hour, Command & Conquer and C&C: The Cover Operation, Agile Warrior: F-111X, Hyper 3-D Pinball, and Zone Raiders. Find game overviews and downloadable goodies. Those curious about what's coming down the pike can look to see what's in the works, while those needing technical assistance can access the Ultra Tech Matrix for hints, FAQs, patches, and demos.
WarnerActive
http://www.warneractive.com/index.htmlAnyone who is still wondering "Where's Waldo?" need only drop by this site for an answer. He's at the circus and he's exploring geography. Download playable demos for both of these "Where's Waldo?" interactive games.
Westwood Studios
http://www.westwood.comA division of Virgin Games, Westwood Studios is a developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software with such titles such as BattleTech, Dune II, Command & Conquer, Kyrandia, and the first commercial Internet-supported version of Monopoly to its credit. Read the company's history, review its gaming products, shop online, or visit the chat area and talk tactics.
Zombie Virtual Reality Entertainment
http://www.zombie.com/Demo and/or preview the coming attractions from the company promising cutting edge 3D audio, 3D graphics, and multiplayer networking. Check out Locus, Ice and Fire, and ZPG (Zero Population Growth). Be sure to stop by the technical support area, too. There you'll find patches, useful files, and tips.
Interactive Entertainment Industry Links
http://herb.algonet.se/~hegge-t/ieil.htmIt seems hardly fair to pick one company over another as an Editor's Choice when the selection basically boils down to a preference for the games a company has to offer. So instead of choosing one, I choose them all. And I choose them via this indispensable resource-a regularly updated who's who of the companies involved in the Interactive Entertainment Industry. Visitors to this page will find the names (big and little) who work to make the video and computer games industry the unyielding and pioneering success it is today. Organized by company type, the hyperlinked directory points to the home pages of the organizations concerned with: consoles, software, hardware, development, business, media, and miscellaneous concerns. Through it, players can scout the latest releases from their favorite companies, keep abreast of corporate developments, and perhaps anticipate where the future will take the industry and those who enjoy its wares. Thanks, Henrik!
See also:
Developer Resources
http://www.neversoft.com/christer/GR/developer.htmlHere's another directory aimed at game developers, but a good resource for gamers as well. Find the companies who make gaming magic organized by category and type. Under Hardware Manufacturers find: Computer, Chips, and Operating Systems; Consoles; Peripherals; and Miscellaneous. Under Software Manufacturers find: Development Systems and Tools; Graphics Systems and Programs; Code Libraries; Services; Schools, Organizations, and Associations; Developers and Publishers. Also find Trade Magazines and Book/Magazine Publishers. Many of the directory listings are annotated and all are hyperlinked to the company home pages.
