Video Game Newsroom Time Machine

Jack buys Atari Imagine goes belly up Nintendo's Famicom gets Zapped

These stories and many more on this episode of the VGNRTM!

This episode we will look back at the biggest stories in and around the video game industry in July 1984.  As always, we'll mostly be using magazine cover dates, and those are of course always a bit behind the actual events.

Alex Smith of They Create Worlds is our cohost.  Check out his podcast here: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/ and order his book here: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/book

Get us on your mobile device: Android:  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly92aWRlb2dhbWVuZXdzcm9vbXRpbWVtYWNoaW5lLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz iOS:      https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/video-game-newsroom-time-machine

And if you like what we are doing here at the podcast, don't forget to like us on your podcasting app of choice, YouTube, and/or support us on patreon! https://www.patreon.com/VGNRTM

Send comments on Mastodon @[email protected] Or twitter @videogamenewsr2 Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vgnrtm Or [email protected]

Links: If you don't see all the links, find them here:

7 Minutes in Heaven: Pit Fall 2 Video Version: https://www.patreon.com/posts/7-minutes-in-ii-115206120     https://www.mobygames.com/game/6946/pitfall-ii-lost-caverns/ 

Corrections: June 1984 Ep - https://www.patreon.com/posts/june-1984-112063864 Ethan's fine site The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/     https://www.arcade-museum.com/Arcade/space-flight     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings#Motion_pictures     https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076929/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

1974:         Atari makes Pong cute     https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1974/CB-1974-07-06-I.pdf     https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1974/CB-1974-07-20.pdf        https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/tv-basketball       https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1974/CB-1974-07-27.pdf     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Pong

Bluesky hucksters descend on video games     The Franchise Hustlers, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 1974, page 8

Barcode scanning comes to supermarkets         https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Poptronics/70s/1974/Poptronics-1974-07.pdf  pg. 22     https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/04/archives/electronic-checkout-speeds-food-buying-checkout-speeded.html      Xerox Parc gets out the painbrush     https://archive.org/details/197407PccV2N6/page/n5/mode/2up

1984: CES takeaways     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-4/page/50/mode/2up

Atari gets tight with announcements     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-4/page/60/mode/1up?view=theater

Atari announces Super Chip games     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-4/page/60/mode/1up?view=theater

Atari announces new console and computer games     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-4/page/60/mode/1up?view=theater

5200 RIP     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-4/page/61/mode/1up?view=theater

Coleco sweetens Adam deal     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-4/page/56/mode/2up      Jack Attack July 2     Jack buys Atari     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-4/page/61/mode/1up?view=theater         Warner sells Atari operations, Warner sells Atari operations, United Press International, July 2, 1984, Monday, AM cycle         Warner sells Atari operations, United Press International, July 2, 1984, Monday, BC cycle, Section: Financial      July 3         Tramiel Buys Atari, Sets Sights On Former Company, The Associated Press,July 3, 1984, Tuesday, PM cycle        https://www.nytimes.com/1984/07/03/business/warner-sells-atari-to-tramiel.html?searchResultPosition=1

July 4         "Home computer veteran to challenge high end of market, Financial Times (London,England) July 4, 1984, Wednesday, Section: SECTION II; International Companies; Pg. 17"

July 6         Widespread Layoffs Begin Under New Leader, The Associated Press, July 6, 1984, Friday, BC cycle      July 10         https://www.nytimes.com/1984/07/14/business/commodore-trade-secrets.html?searchResultPosition=11        https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-07-19

July 13         No Headline In Original, PR Newswire, July 13, 1984, Friday

July 16         A Tough Man for a Tough Job, Newsweek, July 16, 1984, UNITED STATES EDITION, Section: BUSINESS; Pg. 50

July 19         Warner omits payout in reshape, Financial Times (London,England), July 19, 1984, Thursday, Section: SECTION I; Pg. 20, Byline: BY TERRY DODSWORTH IN NEW YORK

July 23         Atari Tells Agencies to Freeze and Puts Networks at Ease, ADWEEK, July 23, 1984, Eastern Edition, Length: 514 words, Byline: By Gail Belsky

July 27         https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-07-26     CHINAGLIA PURCHASES CONTROL OF COSMOS, The New York Times, July 27, 1984, Friday, Late City Final Edition, Section: Section A; Page 15, Column 1; Sports Desk

July 30         "ADVERTISING; Consolidating Domestically at Wells, The New York Times, July 30, 1984, Monday, Late City Final Edition, Section: Section D; Page 7, Column 4; Financial Desk, Byline: By Philip H. Dougherty         Tramiel's Atari Picks Wells, Rich; DDB Is Out ADWEEK, July 30, 1984, Eastern Edition, Byline: By Gail Belsky"

Imagine management splits     Home Computing Weekly No. 71, July 17-23         https://rk.nvg.ntnu.no/sinclair/industry/publishers/imagine_crash0185.htm     Popular Computing Weekly, 19 July 1984, pg. 5     Popular Computing Weekly, 5-11 July 1984     https://youtu.be/ZoDh61sgCOg?si=h4ML1gsN2kVbDXWM

Sierra On-Line no more!     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-4/page/52/mode/2up

Coleco numbers continue down     Control Data, Coleco Post Sharply Lower Profits, The Associated Press, July 19, 1984, Thursday, AM cycle     No Headline In Original, United Press International, July 19, 1984, Thursday, BC cycle, Section: Financial     COLECO AND CONTROL DATA FALL - Correction Appended, The New York Times, Correction Appended,Section: Section D; Page 3, Column 2; Financial Desk, Length: 472 words, Byline: By STEVEN GREENHOUSE     Playthings July 1984

Milton Bradley sees turnaround     Profits Up 45 Percent At Toymaker, The Associated Press, July 20, 1984, Friday, BC cycle     No Headline In Original, United Press International, July 20, 1984, Friday, BC cycle, Copyright 1984 U.P.I., Section: Financial, Length: 302 words, Dateline: LOS ANGELES        Toys Hobbies & Crafts, July 1984, pg. 10

Bally positive despite games downturn     BALLY-MANUFACTURING; Financial results, Business Wire, July 26, 1984, Thursday

Activision losses high     ACTIVISION; Financial results, Business Wire, July 26, 1984, Thursday

Interest rates put more pressure on coinop     Replay July 1984, pg. 3

Conversion kits take center stage!     Play Meter July 15, 1985     Replay July 1984, pg. 4     Play Meter July 15, 1985 pg. 43

Mylstar continues suit against Bally     Play Meter July 15, 1985 pg. 16

Mylstar brings people to FMV     https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/80s/1984/CB-1984-07-21.pdf     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lfIpajVaAI

Universal moves into restaurant/arcade biz     Restaurant-game center to open, The Japan Economic Journal,,July 17, 1984, Section: SPECIAL U.S. SECTION; Pg. 11

Photon zaps onto the scene     Close Encounters on Photon, Newsweek, July 23, 1984, UNITED STATES EDITION, Copyright 1984 Newsweek, Section: ENTERTAINMENT; Pg. 62, Length: 580 words, Byline: LYNN LANGWAY with BARBARA BURGOWER in Dallas      Stern Electronics files for Chapter 11     https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/80s/1984/CB-1984-07-28.pdf

Twin Galaxies shuts down     Play Meter July 15, 1984 pg. 18

Industry giants pass     https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/80s/1984/CB-1984-07-21.pdf      Family computer goes lightgun     AM Life July 1, 1984, 58

CPC goes on sale     Home Computing Weekly No. 69 July 3-9     https://www.devuego.es/blog/2023/01/10/press-start-cinco-duros/

Sinclair looks overseas     Home Computing Weekly No. 69 July 3-9  pg. 5

QL confusion         Popular Computing Weekly July 26,  pg. 5

Acorn and BBC extend deal     Popular Computing Weekly July 19, pg. 5

Sanyo and Canon to launch MSX in Europe     Sanyo to ship MSX PCs to Europe, The Japan Economic Journal, July 17, 1984, Section: ELECTRICALS & ELECTRONICS; Pg. 15    CANON TO EXPORT MSX PERSONAL COMPUTERS TO EUROPE, JULY 17, 1984, TUESDAY

Commodore unveils C16     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-4/page/56/mode/2up

Korea joins the chip wars     Massive investment would cause oversupply; Trilateral friction in microchip business seen among Japan, U.S. and Korea, The Japan Economic Journal, July 24, 1984, Section: Pg. 20, Byline: By TETSURO WADA

Mastertronic joins with Galactic     Home Computing Weekly No. 71 July 17-23, 1984 pg. 5

Mastertronic saves Carnell Software     Popular Computing Weekly July 19, pg. 5

Okimate brings color to the Commodore     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-4/page/57/mode/1up?view=theater

Pitfall Harry is  yours to command!     https://archive.org/details/program-pitfall/mode/2up         https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-4/page/57/mode/1up?view=theater      WarGames gets real     No Headline In Original, The Associated Press, July 17, 1984, Tuesday, AM cycle     https://www.zerothreesecurity.com/index.php/about-us/founder

The history of games revealed     https://archive.org/details/book_video_games/page/n77/mode/2up

The book of adventure games     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-4/page/50/mode/2up        https://archive.org/details/the-book-of-adventure-games/page/n185/mode/2up

Activision sues Microdeal     Popular Computing Weekly 26 July, 1984, pg. 1, 2

Tax cuts for computer purchases slashed     PERSONAL FINANCE;LIMITING TAX BREAKS FOR COMPUTERS The New York Times, July 1, 1984, Sunday, Late City Final Edition, Section: Section 3; Page 11, Column 1; Financial Desk      1984 - the Year of the VCR     Sales of Color TVs and VCRs Booming, The Associated Press, July 15, 1984, Sunday, AM cycle, Section: Washington Dateline, byline: By NORMAN BLACK, Associated Press Writer

Video game palsy is the new scare      LA Games get high tech boost     A reporter's Olympics notebook;How Do I Thank Thee? Let Me Count the Ways, United Press International, July 26, 1984, Thursday, BC cycle, Section: Sports News, Byline: By RONALD E. COHEN

The  Last Starfighter released     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-4/page/60/mode/1up?view=theater        'Ghostbusters,'' ''Gremlins'' still top box office after six weeks, United Press International, July 16, 1984, Monday, AM cycle, Section: Domestic News, Byline: By FRANK SANELLO, UPI Entertainment Reporter      Sirius files for Chapter 11     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-4/page/56/mode/2up

Recommended Links:

The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/ Gaming Alexandria: https://www.gamingalexandria.com/wp/ They Create Worlds: https://tcwpodcast.podbean.com/ Digital Antiquarian: https://www.filfre.net/ The Arcade Blogger: https://arcadeblogger.com/ Retro Asylum: http://retroasylum.com/category/all-posts/ Retro Game Squad: http://retrogamesquad.libsyn.com/ Playthrough Podcast: https://playthroughpod.com/ Retromags.com: https://www.retromags.com/ Games That Weren't - https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/

Sound Effects by Ethan Johnson of History of How We Play.

Copyright Karl Kuras

 

Few developers have had as long and prolific career as our guest, Graeme Bayless. From working on mainframes, to selling Kaypros, to playtesting Accolade's launch titles, to producing games for SSI, Sega Technical Institute, Hyperbole Studios, Dynamix, EA, Eidos, and NetherRealm Studios.

 

In Part 1, we talk about his early years, the evolution of the industry, moving from computers at SSI to consoles with Sega and getting up to the boom of FMV games.

 

Recorded: December 2023

 

Get us on your mobile device:

Android: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly92aWRlb2dhbWVuZXdzcm9vbXRpbWVtYWNoaW5lLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

iOS: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/video-game-newsroom-time-machine

 

And if you like what we are doing here at the podcast, don't forget to like us on your podcasting app of choice, YouTube, and/or support us on patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/VGNRTM

 

Send comments on Mastodon @[email protected]

Or

twitter @videogamenewsr2

Or

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vgnrtm

Or

[email protected]

 

Links:

Full Links at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/graeme-bayless-1-111627155

Video version of interview: https://youtu.be/zWBo-wklFwE?si=RrCF7YggCny424ql

 

https://www.mobygames.com/person/1308/graeme-bayless/

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/746/the-game-of-france-1940-german-blitzkrieg-in-the-w

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/8833/firefight-modern-us-and-soviet-small-unit-tactics

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CP/M

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaypro

https://www.mobygames.com/company/23/accolade-inc/

https://www.trustedpeer.org/users/Tom-Frisina

https://www.mobygames.com/company/80/strategic-simulations-inc/

Joel Billings Interview - https://youtu.be/xsGfXR0m8Lg

https://www.mobygames.com/game/11336/questron-ii/

https://www.mobygames.com/company/7464/sega-technical-institute/

Roger Hector - Atari, Disney, Sega, Namco, Sente - https://www.patreon.com/posts/72058794

https://www.mobygames.com/game/506/hillsfar/

https://www.mobygames.com/game/8059/kid-chameleon/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Cerny

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuji_Naka

https://www.mobygames.com/game/212/master-of-orion/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daisenryaku

https://www.mobygames.com/game/44860/advanced-daisenryaku-doitsu-dengeki-sakusen/

https://renegade-legion.fandom.com/wiki/FASA%27s_Renegade_Legion

https://www.mobygames.com/group/6433/renegade-legion-universe/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_Vision

https://www.mobygames.com/company/47/hyperbole-studios/

https://www.mobygames.com/person/9450/greg-roach/

https://www.mobygames.com/company/47/hyperbole-studios/

http://www.hyperbole.com/ Recommended Links:

 

The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/

Gaming Alexandria: https://www.gamingalexandria.com/wp/

They Create Worlds: https://tcwpodcast.podbean.com/

Digital Antiquarian: https://www.filfre.net/

The Arcade Blogger: https://arcadeblogger.com/

Retro Asylum: http://retroasylum.com/category/all-posts/

Retro Game Squad: http://retrogamesquad.libsyn.com/

Playthrough Podcast: https://playthroughpod.com/

Retromags.com: https://www.retromags.com/

Games That Weren't - https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/

Hollywood welcomes Siliwood, Saturn and Playstation begin fight for Japanese consumers & 3DO declared DOA

These stories and many more on this episode of the VGNRTM!

This episode we will look back at the biggest stories in and around the video game industry in June 1994.  As always, we'll mostly be using magazine cover dates, and those are of course always a bit behind the actual events.

Alex Smith of They Create Worlds is our cohost.  Check out his podcast here: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/ and order his book here: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/book

Get us on your mobile device: Android:  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly92aWRlb2dhbWVuZXdzcm9vbXRpbWVtYWNoaW5lLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz iOS:      https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/video-game-newsroom-time-machine

And if you like what we are doing here at the podcast, don't forget to like us on your podcasting app of choice, YouTube, and/or support us on patreon! https://www.patreon.com/VGNRTM

Send comments on Mastodon @[email protected] Or twitter @videogamenewsr2 Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vgnrtm Or [email protected]

Links: If you don't see all the links, find them here:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/113403594

7 Minutes in Heaven: Space Ace (SNES) Video Version:  https://www.patreon.com/posts/113313328     https://www.mobygames.com/game/24930/space-ace/

Corrections: May 1994 Ep - https://www.patreon.com/posts/may-1994-110575391 Ethan's fine site The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/     https://www.reddit.com/r/playstation/comments/p5o3d0/1995_prelaunch_playstation_brochure_promotional/     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Sega_arcade_system_boards     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruis%27n_USA     https://youtu.be/nrUWIHasHPQ?si=vCitZXMwn3UdXXNZ      1994: Playmates sees video games as path to diversification     Playmates Toys wins with video games arm, South China Morning Post (Hong Kong), June 9, 1994, Section: BUSINESS; Pg. 2

Sega goes to Epcot     Sega is largest exhibitor at Disney's Innoventions Pavilion at Epcot Center; unveils model of 10,000 square foot exhibit at CES, Business Wire, June 22, 1994, Wednesday        https://youtu.be/xhBPuiPY8uY?si=vQVOuYF_Y2jQUzDE

Sega signs deals with Coca Cola and Hudson in Japan     Sega Makes Deals With Coke, Hudson, Newsbytes, June 3, 1994, Friday     Sega heads on-line telecom karaoke venture, Multimedia System Will Transmit Over ISDN Networks, The Nikkei Weekly (Japan), June 6, 1994      Sega announces massive bond issue     TOKYU TO ISSUE 40 BILLION yen IN BONDS, The Nikkei Weekly (Japan), June 13, 1994, Section: CORPORATE FINANCE; Pg. 16    Sega Enterprises to raise 100 bil. yen with CBs, Japan Economic Newswire, JUNE 8, 1994, WEDNESDAY

Siliwood fever has become a pandemic!     GEFFEN RECORDS AND JASMINE MULTIMEDIA DEBUT VID GRID, NEW MULTIMEDIA INTERACTIVE VIDEO GAME WITH LARGEST NUger 320 x 240 Video for Windows(TM) and Innovative Game Technology, PR Newswire, June 13, 1994, Monday - 08:30 Eastern Time         Online Services Compete For Attention, Newsbytes, June 16, 1994, Thursday     New Line Cinema and Havas form interactive joint venture, Business Wire, June 1, 1994     Fox Interactive Leaps Quickly Into Game Software Fray, Billboard, June 4, 1994     GTE Interactive Media makes public debut with introduction of innovative line of interactive electronic entertainment; Leading edge creative talent, proprietary technologies and four-year proven track record bring platform diverse, Business Wire, June 20, 1994, Monday     Time Warner Interactive and Byron Preiss Multimedia Co. ink a multi-title affiliate label distribution deal, Business Wire, June 29, 1994, Wednesday     SNL' Now Showing On GameTek CD-ROM, Billboard, June 11, 1994, Section: THE ENTER*ACTIVE FILE; Pg. 66     Disney Software to Top Christmas Wish Lists in '94, Business Wire, June 24, 1994, Friday     Virgin makes sale to Blockbuster, Financial Times (London,England), June 30, 1994, Thursday, Section: Pg. 29     Studios Put New Spin On Game Spinoffs, Billboard, June 18, 1994, Copyright 1994 Billboard Publications, Inc., Section: THE ENTER*ACTIVE FILE; Pg. 52          Full Moon Entertainment and Philips Media Games to partner in videogame development; Philips to transform feature films into games, Business Wire, June 28, 1994, Tuesday SPA and Shareware makers resist ISDA         Software Publishers To Rate Computer Games, Newsbytes, June 16, 1994, Thursday      Nostalgia and dissapointment mar ECTS     https://segaretro.org/File:Edge_UK_009.pdf   pg. 14        A New Generation Of Pac-Man Arrives, Billboard, June 4, 1994, Section: THE ENTER*ACTIVE FILE; Pg. 88      Bill Stealey to return     http://www.kultmags.com/Play%20Time/1994/Play%20Time%201994-06.rar   pg. 19      Howard Lincoln delivers CES keynote     King of the Video Game Jungle commands spotlight at Summer CES; Nintendo chairman to deliver keynote address and Nintendo to command largest exhibit space, Business Wire, June 23, 1994, Thursday           CES - Video Industry & 20's Hollywood Compared, Newsbytes, June 23, 1994, Thursday         It's All In The Games; Q&A With Nintendo's Howard Lincoln, Billboard, June 25, 1994      Acclaim announces Turok     Acclaim and Nintendo announce 64-bit video game system development agreement; Acclaim unveils first Valiant Comics title for Nintendo Ultra 64(TM), Business Wire, June 23, 1994, Thursday     Malibu Comics signs deal with Sony Imagesoft, Business Wire, June 23, 1994, Thursday

3DO to show 25 titles at CES     3DO TO SHOWCASE HOT NEW TITLES AT SCES; RETAILERS CALL 3DO A HIT WITH CONSUMERS, Business Wire, June 21, 1994, Tuesday

Japanese devs support 3DO     Video game software giants plan 3DO titles; Capcom to develop Super Street Fighter II Turbo for 3DO, Business Wire, June 23, 1994, Thursday

Goldstar launches 3DO system     GOLDSTAR MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY ENTRY CONTINUES WITH DEBUT OF 3DO INTERACTIVE MULTIPLAYER SYSTEM, PR Newswire, June 23, 1994

Jaguar games and peripherals on show     ATARI CORPORATION ANNOUNCES IT HAS THE RESOURCES IN PLACE TO FULFILL ITS BUSINESS PLAN FOR 1994, PR Newswire, June 29, 1994, Wednesday - 09:01 Eastern Time     ATARI CELEBRATES 150+ JAGUAR LICENSEES; EXPANDED LIST INCLUDES PROMINENT NEW NAMES, PR Newswire, June 23, 1994, Thursday - 07:55 Eastern Time

Jaguar goes multiplayer online     Phylon's simultaneous Voice-plus-Data technology in new Jaguar system, from Atari Corp., Business Wire, June 27, 1994, Monday     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_Jaguar

Atari finances sound for 94     ATARI CORPORATION ANNOUNCES IT HAS THE RESOURCES IN PLACE TO FULFILL ITS BUSINESS PLAN FOR 1994, PR Newswire, June 29, 1994, Wednesday - 09:01 Eastern Time

Sega looks to the younger set     Sega leverages its expertise in interactive technology to broaden its audience; new Sega Club joins the Sega toy division to attract new, younger customers, Business Wire, June 24, 1994, Friday

VirctorMaxx shows off first consumer level VR     CHICAGO COMPANY UNVEILS WORLD'S FIRST AFFORDABLE VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSET FOR HOME USE AT CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW, PR Newswire, June 21, 1994, Tuesday - 18:41 Eastern Time

Get fit with your SNES     One of the most eagerly awaited products of the year arrives at the, Consumer Electronics Show, courtesy of Life Fitness and Nintendo, Business Wire, June 22, 1994, Wednesday     Aura Systems enters into exclusive distribution agreement for Interactor and AuraSound products for the Australia and New Zealand market Business Wire, June 6, 1994, Monday           INTERACTIVE VIDEO GAME IS A HIT WITH BASEBALL ENTHUSIASTS, PR Newswire, June 21, 1994, Tuesday - 08:27 Eastern Time

Summer CES 95 gets new home     1995 - New Venue, New Name For Summer CES, Newsbytes, June 27, 1994, Monday      Redemption comes under suspicion in Oklahoma     Play Meter, June 1994, pg. 18

Devs sign up to support 32X     Over two dozen of video game industry's leading software publishers commit to Sega's Genesis 32X; Sega leads all competitors in delivering full 32-bit action at low price, Business Wire, June 2, 1994      Sega signs Truemotion     Sega and Duck announce inclusion of "TrueMotion", Business Wire, June 21, 1994, Tuesday     https://wiki.multimedia.cx/index.php/Duck_TrueMotion_1

Sega starts affiliate label program     Sega launches affiliate label program with Rocket Science Games, Business Wire, June 23, 1994, Thursday

Next Gen duels it out on Japanese TV     https://segaretro.org/File:Edge_UK_009.pdf

Sony reveals PSX architecture details     Sony Computer Entertainment unveils technology behind new home video game system; LSI Logic's custom CPU to give PlayStation competitive edge in video game hardware market, Business Wire, June 15, 1994, Wednesday

Don't call Playstation a multimedia machine!     Sony soft-pedals high-tech game machine Multimedia Capabilities Outstrip Functions Of Current Software, The Nikkei Weekly (Japan), June 6, 1994

Alias Research to make Ultra 64 tools     Nintendo chooses Alias Research Inc. to create advanced content tools for 64-bit home video game system, Business Wire, June 9, 1994, Thursday           Alias To Develop 3-D Nintendo Graphics Tools, Newsbytes, June 15, 1994, Wednesday      Nintendo hints at 32 bit VR System     https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_59/page/n55/mode/2up

Newsweek declares 3DO DOA     Lost in Cyberspace, Newsweek, June 13, 1994 , UNITED STATES EDITION, Section: BUSINESS; Start-Ups; Pg. 40     SPECTRUM HOLOBYTE ISSUES CLARIFICATION, PR Newswire, June 9, 1994, Thursday - 08:00 Eastern Time

Jaguar software begins to trickle in     https://segaretro.org/File:Edge_UK_009.pdf   pg. 14      Blockbuster/THQ announces Catapult modem     Blockbuster/Davis Video Launch Phone-Based Game Co, Newsbytes, June 7, 1994, Tuesday

Sega wants to appeal to girls     Game Makers Finally Targeting Girls, Billboard, June 4, 1994, Section: THE ENTER*ACTIVE FILE; Pg. 88         https://segaretro.org/Sega_Girls_Task_Force        https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/5/27/18526122/sega-girls-task-force-female-players      Tiger Electronics rules handhelds     https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_59/page/n215/mode/2up      Amiga users wait with bated breath     https://archive.org/details/amazing-computing-magazine-1994-06/page/n7/mode/2up

Acorn delves into PC compatibility     https://segaretro.org/File:Edge_UK_009.pdf   pg. 18      Wing Commander goes FMV     https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_119/page/n13/mode/1up

TNG may be over, but the voyage continues on CDRom     Star Trek Next Generation CD-ROM For MPC, Newsbytes, June 9, 1994, Thursday

Pajitnov endorses Spectrum Holobyte games     ALEXEY PAJITNOV, CREATOR OF 'TETRIS(R),' TO ENDORSE SPECTRUM HOLOBYTE'S LINE OF COMPUTER PUZZLE GAMES, PR Newswire, June 10, 1994, Friday - 07:59 Eastern Time      Surf is UP     https://segaretro.org/File:Edge_UK_009.pdf   pg. 11

Japanese Ministry Council to review telecommunication regulations     Private council to consider multimedia rules, Report From Japan, June 22, 1994          Media Futures: Japan plays catch-up with US - At first sight advanced information networks might seem like another instance of Japan stealing a march on its competitors in a key new technology. The truth is rather different, Financial Times (London,England), June 13, 1994, Monday, Section: Pg. 15, Byline: By MICHIYO NAKAMOTO

Jurassic Park merch surpasses $1 Billion     JURASSIC PARK' MERCHANDISE SURPASSES $1 BILLION AT RETAIL WORLDWIDE; PRODUCTS CONTINUE TO STAMPEDE OUT OF RETAIL STORES, PR Newswire, June 1, 1994, Wednesday - 07:29 Eastern Time

Microsoft to bring interactive TV to  Japan     Microsoft and NTT Announce Interactive Television Agreement, Business Wire, June 22, 1994, Wednesda     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NetShow     NTT AND SILICON GRAPHICS TO BUILD INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA SERVICES SYSTEM FOR JAPAN PR Newswire, June 8, 1994, Wednesday - 00:36 Eastern Time         NTT links sight, sound - and companies Telephone giant forges far-flung alliances in effort to strengthen multimedia position, The Nikkei Weekly (Japan), June 27, 1994, Section: INDUSTRY DIGEST; Pg. 21

The Financial Times profiles Square     A role-play revolution - A Japanese businessman has found that a western approach to motivation has helped deliver spectacular results, Financial Times (London,England), June 28, 1994, Tuesday, London, Section: Management (The Growing Business); Pg. 14, Byline: By EMIKO TERAZONO

Comic book bubble burst fallout continues     https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_59/page/n213/mode/2up

Atari Games RIP (sorta)     Play Meter, June 1994, pg. 3

Recommended Links:

The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/ Gaming Alexandria: https://www.gamingalexandria.com/wp/ They Create Worlds: https://tcwpodcast.podbean.com/ Digital Antiquarian: https://www.filfre.net/ The Arcade Blogger: https://arcadeblogger.com/ Retro Asylum: http://retroasylum.com/category/all-posts/ Retro Game Squad: http://retrogamesquad.libsyn.com/ Playthrough Podcast: https://playthroughpod.com/ Retromags.com: https://www.retromags.com/ Games That Weren't - https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/

Sound Effects by Ethan Johnson of History of How We Play.

Copyright Karl Kuras

 

The boom of home computers and electronics in the 1970s and 1980s was as much a success of entrepreneurial endeavor and technological innovation, as it was of the blossoming worldwide supply chain.

One of the company's that made it all possible was WONG's International and our guest today, Raymond Yap was their representative in the UK. He helped make sure that the BBC Micro got into UK schools and traveled the world securing suppliers for all manner of electronics.

How did that business work? Where did his career lead after this? Raymond tells us of an amazing journey that includes not only manufacturing, but web startups and environmental education.

Recorded: March-June 2024

Get us on your mobile device:

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Or

[email protected]

Links:

https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1983-12-01/page/n14/mode/1up

https://www.wih.com.hk/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pong#Home_version

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_Micro

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MK14

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acorn_Computers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Curry_(businessman)

Copyright Karl Kuras

The home computer market implodes,  Atari announces 7800 & Console software dries up.

These stories and many more on this episode of the VGNRTM!

This episode we will look back at the biggest stories in and around the video game industry in June 1984.  As always, we'll mostly be using magazine cover dates, and those are of course always a bit behind the actual events.

Alex Smith of They Create Worlds is our cohost.  Check out his podcast here: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/ and order his book here: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/book

Get us on your mobile device: Android:  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly92aWRlb2dhbWVuZXdzcm9vbXRpbWVtYWNoaW5lLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz iOS:      https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/video-game-newsroom-time-machine

And if you like what we are doing here at the podcast, don't forget to like us on your podcasting app of choice, YouTube, and/or support us on patreon! https://www.patreon.com/VGNRTM

Send comments on Mastodon @[email protected] Or twitter @videogamenewsr2 Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vgnrtm Or [email protected]

Links: If you don't see all the links, find them here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/112063864

7 Minutes in Heaven: Summer Games Video Version:  https://www.patreon.com/posts/7-minutes-in-111922026     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Games_(video_game)     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_Summer_Olympics

Corrections: May 1984 Ep - https://www.patreon.com/posts/may-1984-108363601 Ethan's fine site The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/     https://forums.atariage.com/topic/283473-coleco-industries-inc-annual-quarterly-reports-1981-to-1986/     https://www.mobygames.com/company/1181/ientertainment-network-inc/     https://www.mobygames.com/company/56/imagic/     

1954:     MIDAC and MIDSAC premiered     Electronic Brain Shoots Dice, Plays Mean Game, The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) · 27 Jun 1954         https://www.retrogamedeconstructionzone.com/2021/07/midsac-pool-simulator.html        https://www.masswerk.at/nowgobang/2019/michigan-pool

1974:     Is Pong gambling?     While Pondering Decision, A Look at Evidence The Tampa Tribune (Tampa, Florida) · 04 Jun 1974, Tue

Grand Trak 10 cracks 1000         https://archive.org/details/cashbox36unse_1/page/37/mode/1up?view=theater     https://archive.org/details/cashbox36unse_2/page/35/mode/1up

US coinop exports boom         https://archive.org/details/cashbox36unse_3/page/38/mode/1up

Smithsonian displays coinop machines     https://archive.org/details/cashbox36unse_3/page/39/mode/1up

1984: Home computer boom busts     https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/04/business/the-expected-boom-in-home-computers-fails-to-materialize.html?searchResultPosition=1

Atari HQ gets mass layoffs     Atari Layoffs Start At Home Office, The New York Times, June 1, 1984, Friday, Late City Final Edition, Section: Section D; Page 3, Column 5; Financial Desk      https://books.google.de/books?id=wS4EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA78&dq=infoworld%201984%20june&hl=de&pg=PA9#v=onepage&q=infoworld%201984%20june&f=false

Commodore raises prices     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-3/page/n1/mode/2up

Top Commodore Execs go to Tramel     Computer market is Commodore's battleground, Financial Times (London,England), June 8, 1984, Friday, Section: SECTION II; International Companies; Pg. 17, Byline: BY LOUISE KEHOE IN SAN FRANCISCO

Philips announces new division     https://archive.org/details/happycomputer-magazine-1984-06/page/n7/mode/2up

Coleco returns to profitability     No Headline In Original, The Associated Press, June 14, 1984, Thursday, PM cycle, Section: Business News

Hasbro buys MB     Playthings June 1984, pg. 9 Mattel gets financial boost     Playthings June 1984, pg. 9         BUSINESS PEOPLE ;Mattel, Solely in Toys,Combines Management, The New York Times, June 7, 1984, Thursday, Late City Final Edition,Section: Section D; Page 2, Column 5; Financial Desk, Byline: By Kenneth N. Gilpin

General Instruments revenue 66% down     No Headline In Original, Communications Daily, June 13, 1984, Wednesday, Section: NOTEBOOK; Vol. 4, No. 115; Pg. 8

More hardware companies fail     AT&T to introduce personal computer; Kaypro mystery; UNIX-ability; Thinking ahead, The San Diego Union-Tribune, June 25, 1984 Monday, Section: BUSINESS; Pg. C-11, Byline: Dan Berger, Staff Writer

More Software companies fail     https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-06-21/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater

Argus buys Quicksilva     https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-06-07/mode/1up?view=theater

Gillette buys into Datasoft     https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_4.3/page/n15/mode/2up     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gillette

Smaller publishers find strength in numbers     https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_4.3/page/n15/mode/2up     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamix

Marketing will save us!     Orwell, Chaplin and the high-tech hype; U.S. personal computers, Financial Times (London,England), June 14, 1984, Thursday, Section: SECTION I; The Management Page: Marketing; Pg. 20, byline: BY LOUISE KEHOE

Atari announces 7800     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-3       https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_7800     Still looking for a niche; Gearing up for battle with Apple and IBM, Industry Week, June 25, 1984, Section: NEWS ANALYSIS; Home Computers; Pg. 16, Byline: By MICHAEL A. VERESPEJ

Atari introduces MindLink at CES     "Retailers, Manufacturers View Gadgets At 4-Day Show, The Associated Press, June 3, 1984, Sunday, AM cycle, Section: Domestic News        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_Mindlink         Video Explosion On the Way For Buyers, U.S. News & World Report, June 18, 1984, Section: Pg. 56. Byline: By MARY GALLIGAN

Atari announces more expensive computer for Q4     No Headline In Original, The New York Times, June 4, 1984, Monday, Late City Final Edition,Section: Section D; Page 5, Column 1; Financial Desk       https://www.atari-computermuseum.de/1450xld.htm

Commodore unveils Plus/4     No Headline In Original, The New York Times, June 4, 1984, Monday, Late City Final Edition,Section: Section D; Page 5, Column 1; Financial Desk

Rick Dyer shows off Halcyon!     Laser game's creator beams, The San Diego Union-Tribune, June 2, 1984 Saturday, Section: LIFESTYLE; Pg. D-1, Byline: Mark Sauer, Staff Writer        https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-sun-rick-dyer-aftermath-of-c/86522500/

Intellivision won't make it to CES    

Computer games galore shown at CES     https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-06-21/page/n11/mode/1up?view=theater

Digital Audio is coming to floppies     https://books.google.de/books?id=vi4EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA5&dq=infoworld%201984%20june&hl=de&pg=PA9#v=onepage&q=infoworld%201984%20june&f=false      https://tekkiepix.com/compusonics-2

Konami goes to Europe     Konami will tap European market, The Japan Economic Journal, June 26, 1984, Section: SERVICE/LEISURE/FOOD; Pg. 17

Animatronics may save small coinop venues     Replay June 1984, pg. 129     Play Meter June 1, 1984, pg. 43        https://berksnostalgia.com/gadgets-restaurant-berkshire-mall/

Console game releases dry up     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-3/page/n12/mode/1up      UK computer sales boom     https://archive.org/details/home-computing-weekly-066/mode/1up?view=theater

QL software drought continues     https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-06-28/mode/1up?view=theater

Imagic gets a facelift     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-3/page/n11/mode/2up        https://www.mobygames.com/company/56/imagic/        https://www.mobygames.com/company/7630/bantam-software/         Spinnaker gets serious about bookware     https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-06-21/page/n11/mode/1up?view=theater         https://books.google.de/books?id=wi4EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA7&dq=infoworld%201984%20june&hl=de&pg=PA42#v=onepage&q=infoworld%201984%20june&f=false      Activision to distribute Gamestar      https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-3/page/n11/mode/2up      Boulder Dash license worth $1.3 million         https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_4.3/page/n15/mode/2up

Thorn EMI gets HESWare rights     https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-06-21/mode/1up?view=theater       https://www.mobygames.com/company/7034/thorn-emi-computer-software/        https://books.google.de/books?id=wi4EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA7&dq=infoworld%201984%20june&hl=de&pg=PA14#v=onepage&q=infoworld%201984%20june&f=false     https://www.mobygames.com/game/9358/dragonfire/cover/group-139555/cover-394849/         https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-06-28/page/n3/mode/2up?view=theater

Ultimate snubs move to budget pricing     https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-06-07/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater

Imagine sells game library     https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-06-14/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater

20th Century Fox licenses TV shows     https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-06-21/mode/1up?view=theater        https://www.mobygames.com/game/56197/automan/          https://www.mobygames.com/game/38810/the-fall-guy/

Epyx announces Activity Toys     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-3/page/n11/mode/2up

Epyx lets the Ruskies join in Olympic fever     No Headline In Original, PR Newswire, June 14, 1984, Thursday, Dateline: SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 14

Wizardry gets enhanced     https://www.atarimania.com/utility-atari-400-800-xl-xe-financial-cookbook_27176.html

EA wants to help cook your books     https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-3/page/n3/mode/2up        https://www.atarimania.com/utility-atari-400-800-xl-xe-financial-cookbook_27176.html

Rand McNally wants to search your roads     https://archive.org/details/Ahoy_Issue_06_1984-06_Ion_International_US/page/n5/mode/2up

Osborne goes budget     https://books.google.de/books?id=wy4EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA5&dq=infoworld%201984%20june&hl=de&pg=PA9#v=onepage&q=infoworld%201984%20june&f=false     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paperback_Software

64er magazine interviews crackers     https://archive.org/details/64er_1984_06/page/12/mode/2up      BellSouth looking to team up with Commodore     No Headline In Original, Communications Daily, June 18, 1984, Monday, Section: NOTEBOOK; Vol. 4, No. 118; Pg. 7

Mail Order Pro makes payments easier     https://books.google.de/books?id=wS4EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA78&dq=infoworld%201984%20june&hl=de&pg=PA15#v=onepage&q=infoworld%201984%20june&f=false     https://books.google.de/books?id=wS4EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA78&dq=infoworld%201984%20june&hl=de&pg=PA30#v=onepage&q=infoworld%201984%20june&f=false      Telematch gives up on consoles     https://archive.org/details/TeleMatch.N12.Computer.1984.06-KCz.pdf/mode/1up      Dennis D. Groth settles      DENNIS-D-GROTH; Comments on settlement of SEC complaint, Business Wire, June 05, 1984, Tuesday        Atari Executive Settles Stock Sale Charge, The Associated Press, June 6, 1984, Wednesday, PM cycle, Section: Domestic News

Taito settles with Entex     Replay June 1984, pg. 30

FCC Gives Sanyo go ahead for antenna-less TV     FCC OKs low-cost cable-only TV sets, United Press International, June 15, 1984, Friday, BC cycle, Section: Financial, Byline: By SYDNEY SHAW

Tax breaks may be hurting home computer sales     TAX SHIFT MAY AID SALE OF LOW-COST COMPUTERS, The New York Times, June 19, 1984, Tuesday, Late City Final Edition, Section: Section D; Page 13, Column 3; Financial Desk, Byline: By DAVID E. SANGER         https://www.atarimagazines.com/creative/v10n1/172_Writing_it_off_how_to_de.php         https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deficit_Reduction_Act_of_1984

Computerland to go to China     https://books.google.de/books?id=wy4EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA5&dq=infoworld%201984%20june&hl=de&pg=PA15#v=onepage&q=infoworld%201984%20june&f=false      Laserdiscs are coming to Saturday morning     Playthings June 1984, pg. 54

Zap the Rise and Fall of Atari reviewed     https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/24/books/thinking-machines-and-their-people.html?searchResultPosition=1   

Steven Spielberg finds permanent home at Universal     The Wizard of Wonderland, Newsweek, June 4, 1984, UNITED STATES EDITION, Section: MOVIES; Pg. 79, Byline: JACK KROLL with DAVID T. FRIENDLY in Los Angeles

RIP Dragon 32     https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-06-07/mode/2up?view=theater        https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-06-28/mode/1up?view=theater          Breaking news!!     Warner negotiating sale of Atari to      Paper Says Warner Negotiating to Sell Atari, The Associated Press, June 30, 1984, Saturday, AM cycle, Section: Domestic News

Recommended Links:

The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/ Gaming Alexandria: https://www.gamingalexandria.com/wp/ They Create Worlds: https://tcwpodcast.podbean.com/ Digital Antiquarian: https://www.filfre.net/ The Arcade Blogger: https://arcadeblogger.com/ Retro Asylum: http://retroasylum.com/category/all-posts/ Retro Game Squad: http://retrogamesquad.libsyn.com/ Playthrough Podcast: https://playthroughpod.com/ Retromags.com: https://www.retromags.com/ Games That Weren't - https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/

Sound Effects by Ethan Johnson of History of How We Play.

Copyright Karl Kuras

 

The dawn of the home computer seemed to usher in the death of computing's networked past dominated by dumb terminals connected to mainframes, but a few visionaries foresaw a world in which the microcomputer technology invading millions of homes could be connected and the data networks already in consumer hands, such as cable TV and telephones, could usher in a new way of connecting people and distributing software.

Our guest, Larry J. Dunlap, was one such pioneer. The company he cofounded, The Games Network almost brought that dream to the world but tragically came up short.

Larry tells us of his early days as a musician, a recording entrepreneur, his entry into computing, the spectacular rise of The Games Network, its fall, and life after failure, his reinvention as an online game developer and today, as a novelist.

A fascinating life as told by a true storyteller.

Oh, and TV's Robin, Burt Ward, and D&D co-creator Dave Arnesson also play roles.

Recorded: September 2022

Get us on your mobile device:

Android: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly92aWRlb2dhbWVuZXdzcm9vbXRpbWVtYWNoaW5lLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

iOS: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/video-game-newsroom-time-machine

And if you like what we are doing here at the podcast, don't forget to like us on your podcasting app of choice, YouTube, and/or support us on patreon!

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Send comments on twitter @videogamenewsr2

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Links:

If you can't see all the links, find them here:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/larry-j-dunlap-108388905

https://larryjdunlap.com/

https://archive.org/details/Video_Games_Volume_1_Number_05_1983-02_Pumpkin_Press_US/page/n69/mode/2up

https://www.discogs.com/artist/822821-Stark-Naked-And-The-Car-Thieves

Replay August 19982, pg. 66

Gordon Walton Part 2 - EA - Origin

https://www.patreon.com/posts/53726080

Gordon Walton Part 1 - Epyx - Konami - Harpoon - Gametek

https://www.patreon.com/posts/52644122

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Arneson

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_Corporation

https://www.nytimes.com/1983/08/24/business/briefs-119250.html?searchResultPosition=1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halt_and_Catch_Fire_(TV_series)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burt_Ward

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Popeil

http://imperialwars.com/

http://intelgames.com/

Copyright Karl Kuras

 

Nintendo and Sega financials dissapoint Sony gets ready for NextGen Venture money goes ga-ga over silliwood

These stories and many more on this episode of the VGNRTM!

This episode we will look back at the biggest stories in and around the video game industry in May 1994.  As always, we'll mostly be using magazine cover dates, and those are of course always a bit behind the actual events.

Alex Smith of They Create Worlds is our cohost.  Check out his podcast here: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/ and order his book here: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/book or get it in the Humble Bundle here: https://www.humblebundle.com/books/game-programming-taylor-francis-books

Get us on your mobile device: Android:  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly92aWRlb2dhbWVuZXdzcm9vbXRpbWVtYWNoaW5lLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz iOS:      https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/video-game-newsroom-time-machine

And if you like what we are doing here at the podcast, don't forget to like us on your podcasting app of choice, YouTube, and/or support us on patreon! https://www.patreon.com/VGNRTM

Send comments on Mastodon @[email protected] Or twitter @videogamenewsr2 Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vgnrtm Or [email protected]

Links: If you don't see all the links, find them here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/110575391

7 Minutes in Heaven: Rebel Assault (SegaCD) Video Version:  https://www.patreon.com/posts/7-minutes-in-may-110535204     https://www.mobygames.com/game/272/star-wars-rebel-assault/     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_Rebel_Assault

Corrections: April 1994 Ep - https://www.patreon.com/posts/april-1994-107563816 Ethan's fine site The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/      1994-05: Console market in a slump     Edge 8, May 1994 pg. 18

Panasonic tries to save 3DO     Edge 8, May 1994 pg. 16     https://x.com/blakejharrisNYC/status/1168364212139307008

Nintendo loosens minimum cart order rules in Japan     "Nintendo easing iron grip on programmers Video-Game Giant Halves Minimum Cartridge Order, The Nikkei Weekly (Japan), May 2, 1994, Section: INDUSTRY; Pg. 8

Nintendo stock keeps dropping     Nintendo shares no fun in 1994 - Emiko Terazono on reaction to the gamemaker's revised forecasts, Financial Times (London,England), May 6, 1994, Friday, London; Section: World Stock Markets; Pg. 39, Byline: By EMIKO TERAZONO

Nintendo is a top earner     TOYOTA RETURNS AS NO.1 INCOME EARNER IN JAPAN, Jiji Press Ticker Service, MAY 18, 1994, WEDNESDAY,Dateline: TOKYO, MAY 18

Sega profits plunge     Sega Enterprises reports 22.7% pretax profit fall, Japan Economic Newswire, MAY 19, 1994, THURSDAY

Sony Computer Entertainment of America formed     https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/19/business/company-news-sony-starts-a-division-to-sell-game-machines.html?searchResultPosition=1

3DO shares collapse     https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/21/business/company-news-shares-of-3do-fall-by-another-18.html

Nintendo profits plunge... more     Nintendo suffers first profit decline in 10 years,Japan Economic Newswire,MAY 23, 1994, MONDAY     Nintendo reports solid earnings despite strong yen; outlines exciting new software plans for 1994, Business Wire, May 23, 1994, Monday

THQ sales collapse     T-HQ announces first-quarter results, Business Wire, May 11, 1994, Wednesday     Absolute Entertainment reports first quarter results, Business Wire, May 10, 1994, Tuesday

EA/Broderbund merger collapses     No Headline In Original, Consumer Electronics, May 9, 1994, Section: NOTEBOOK, Vol. 34, No. 19     https://archive.org/details/Electronic-Games-1994-05/page/n21/mode/1up?view=theater     https://www.smoliva.com/2024/08/07/what-the-learning-company-taught-us-about-the-history-of-computer-software/

Davidson & Associates buys Chaos Studios     https://archive.org/details/Electronic-Games-1994-05/page/n17/mode/1up?view=theater      Fox Interactive launches     Twentieth Century Fox establishes new interactive multimedia division; new division to utilize News Corp. resources, Business Wire, May 20, 1994, Friday

Fall of Park Place profiled     https://archive.org/details/Electronic-Games-1994-05/page/n9/mode/1up?view=theater

Forbes profiles Id     Profits from the underground, Forbes, May 9, 1994,Section: COMPUTERS/COMMUNICATIONS INTERACTIVE MEDIA; Parameters; Commentary; Pg. 176, Byline: BY ANDREW J. KESSLER      AOU lacks premieres     Edge 8, May 1994 pg. 8

Saturn to become an arcade Titan     Edge 8, May 1994 pg. 7       https://segaretro.org/Sega_Titan_Video        Play Meter, May 1994, pg. 16         https://segaretro.org/Batman_Forever_(arcade)

Namco consolidates     Play Meter, May 1994, pg. 12

Atari links up with Bally     Edge 8, May 1994 pg. 13

Virtuality goes to Japan     British high-tech game maker to enter Japan, Japan Economic Newswire, MAY 6, 1994, FRIDAY     Https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakayama_Marina_City#Minor_attractions     Play Meter May 1994, pg. 251

Sony delivers devtools     Edge 8, May 1994 pg. 13

Sega disses Jupiter for Mars     Edge 8, May 1994 pg. 6

DMA signs up with Nintendo     Nintendo and U.K.-based DMA design announce Project Reality agreement; 64-bit home games to debut in fall 1995, Business Wire, May 2, 1994, Monday

Nintendo smashes myths     https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_058_May_1994/page/n31/mode/1up?view=theater

Howard Lincoln to deliver CES keynote     Playthings May 1994, pg. 22

Laseractive drops price     Pelican Brief,' Pakula Classics Due From Warner, Billboard, May 7, 1994, Section: HOME VIDEO; Laser Scans; Pg. 96, Byline: by Chris McGowan         https://youtu.be/qSdfj5O-N1Q?si=Wx7ZJ_Yvc6MafKSK

NEC taps out of 3D race     Edge 8, May 1994 pg. 14

NEC gives PC Engine another lease on life     Edge 8, May 1994 pg. 15

Sigma Designs to bring Jaguar to PC     Sigma To Make Atari Jaguar Titles Run On PC, Newsbytes, May 3, 1994, Tuesday

Reinventing the Z-Machine is apparently Rocket Science     Platform battle, Forbes, May 9, 1994, Section: COMPUTERS/COMMUNICATIONS INTERACTIVE MEDIA; Pg. 168, Byline: By Nikhil Hutheesing

Silliwood gold rush continues...     Sillywood, Forbes, May 9, 1994, Section: MANAGEMENT/CORPORATE STRATEGIES; Pg. 46, Byline: By Lisa Gubernick and Nikhil Hutheesing     Rocket Science takes off with funding from Sega Enterprises and Bertelsmann Music Group; 10-month-old start up attracts major corporate investors, Business Wire, May 18, 1994, Wednesday

Penn & Teller sign up with Absolute     PENN & TELLER, THOSE 'BAD BOYS OF MAGIC,' MAKE THEIR VIDEO GAME DEBUT WITH ABSOLUTE ENTERTAINMENT, Business Wire, May 19, 1994, Thursday      CD-i gets John Cleese     No Headline In Original, Consumer Electronics, May 2, 1994, Section: NOTEBOOK; Vol. 34, No. 18; Pg. 13      Argonaut working on 3D accelerator     Edge 8, May 1994 pg. 19     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARC_(processor)

Sirius introduces 5 ft. 10 pack     CD-ROM publishers unite-users benefit; introductory 5 ft. 10 Pak. flies from shelves, Business Wire, May 3, 1994, Tuesday       https://worldroms.com/5-ft-10-pak-volume-1-details.html

Commodore advertises CD32.. in the US?         https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_058_May_1994/page/n10/mode/1up?view=theater

Commodore developing RISC CPU     https://archive.org/details/amiga-computing-magazine-073/page/n33/mode/2up      Commodore shows off CD drive at Cebit     Amiga Format 59, pg. 24

C64S launches     https://archive.org/details/64er_1994_05/page/n35/mode/1up         https://www.c64-wiki.de/wiki/C64s

CPC emulation comes to PC     Amstrad Action 104, pg. 8        https://cpc-emu.org/news.html

Sega Channel to launch in Japan     Sega to provide to provide videogames on cable TV, Report From Japan, May 3, 1994,Section: Business

Silicon Graphics founder teams up with Mosaic devs     https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/07/business/new-venture-in-cyberspace-by-silicon-graphics-founder.html?searchResultPosition=8

Lexis Nexis to get SEC filings     https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/11/business/company-news-agreement-to-utilize-sec-data.html?searchResultPosition=18

Computer biz to dominate Akihabara     Akihabara shifting to 'computer town' amid recession, Japan Economic Newswire, MAY 4, 1994, WEDNESDAY, Byline: Hisa Miyatake

Rewritable carts coming to Blockbuster     Sega and NewLeaf to test video game software delivery system that eliminates retailer stock-outs, Business Wire, May 31, 1994, Tuesday        https://segaretro.org/Game_Factory

Copying goes legit in the UK with EDOS     https://commodore.software/downloads?task=download.send&id=15005:commodore-format-issue-44&catid=721   pg. 22          https://blog.amigaguru.com/edos-the-software-on-demand-of-the-80s/        http://amigaguru.com/Games/EDOS_MAGAZINE_1991-1992__ENGLISH.pdf         https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/63955/EDOS/     https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/SC121687/filing-history?page=1      Psytronik keeps the C64 alive     https://commodore.software/downloads?task=download.send&id=15005:commodore-format-issue-44&catid=721  pg. 8        https://www.psytronik.net/

Lieberman picks IDSA over SPA     SENATORS WARN ON GAME RATINGS, Consumer Electronics, May 9, 1994, Section: THIS WEEK'S NEWS, Vol. 34, No. 19

Alpex faces off against Nintendo in court     https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/16/business/patents-108332.html?searchResultPosition=30     https://itlaw.fandom.com/wiki/Alpex_Computer_v._Nintendo

Japanese Copyright change scuttled     https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/19/business/japan-likely-to-retain-curb-on-software-raiding.html?searchResultPosition=33      Jean-Claude Van Damme to headline Street Fighter movie     https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_058_May_1994/page/n171/mode/1up?view=theater

Multimedia-centric horror film captures Zeitgeist     https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/01/movies/film-taking-the-children-like-your-mom-said-beware-sweet-serial-ads-931985.html?searchResultPosition=4

Virgin to release Music compilation CD      Billboard previews music's digital future     In The Brave New Technological World, Music Uses And Publishing Possibilities Seem Endless, Billboard, May 7, 1994, Section: MUSIC PUBLISHING; Spotlight; Pg. 76, Byline: BY MARILYN A. GILLEN

Green Jelly wants to ooze all over multimedia     Green Jelly's Land Of Ooz: Zoo Act Opens Vid Facility, Billboard,May 21, 1994,Section: Pg. 1,Byline: BY DEBORAH RUSSELL

 

Recommended Links:

The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/ Gaming Alexandria: https://www.gamingalexandria.com/wp/ They Create Worlds: https://tcwpodcast.podbean.com/ Digital Antiquarian: https://www.filfre.net/ The Arcade Blogger: https://arcadeblogger.com/ Retro Asylum: http://retroasylum.com/category/all-posts/ Retro Game Squad: http://retrogamesquad.libsyn.com/ Playthrough Podcast: https://playthroughpod.com/ Retromags.com: https://www.retromags.com/ Games That Weren't - https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/

Sound Effects by Ethan Johnson of History of How We Play.

Copyright Karl Kuras

30 years ago: #Nintendo and #Sega financials disappoint, #Sony gets ready for NextGen & Venture money goes ga-ga over #Silliwood

These stories and many more on the VGNRTM!

https://www.patreon.com/posts/110575391

Sinclair ships QLs,

Atari looks hopeful &

Jack is BACK!

These stories and many more on this episode of the VGNRTM!

This episode we will look back at the biggest stories in and around the video game industry in May 1984.

As always, we'll mostly be using magazine cover dates, and those are of course always a bit behind the actual events.

Alex Smith of They Create Worlds is our cohost. Check out his podcast here:

https://www.theycreateworlds.com/

and order his book here:

https://www.theycreateworlds.com/book

or get it in the Humble Bundle here:

https://www.humblebundle.com/books/game-programming-taylor-francis-books

Get us on your mobile device:

Android: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly92aWRlb2dhbWVuZXdzcm9vbXRpbWVtYWNoaW5lLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

iOS: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/video-game-newsroom-time-machine

And if you like what we are doing here at the podcast, don't forget to like us on your podcasting app of choice, YouTube, and/or support us on patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/VGNRTM

Send comments on Mastodon @[email protected]

Or

twitter @videogamenewsr2

Or

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vgnrtm

Or

[email protected]

Links:

If you don't see all the links, find them here:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/108363601

7 Minutes in Heaven: Rescue on Fractalus

Video Version: https://www.patreon.com/posts/108357926

 https://www.mobygames.com/game/11726/rescue-on-fractalus/

Corrections:

April 1984 Ep - https://www.patreon.com/posts/april-1984-106448718

Ethan's fine site The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/

 https://archive.org/details/cashbox35unse_42/page/50/mode/1up?view=theater

 https://www.quora.com/What-was-Alan-Kays-experience-like-working-at-Apple

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_TopView

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smalltalk

1974:

New York Court rules pinball is a game of skill

 https://archive.org/details/cashbox35unse_45/page/51/mode/1up?view=theater

Atari opens another Game Center

 https://archive.org/details/cashbox35unse_45/page/50/mode/1up?view=theater  

 https://web.archive.org/web/20191123025509/https://www.ataricompendium.com/archives/documents/press_kits/atari_leisure_time_game_center.pdf

Bally buys Alladin's Castle

 https://archive.org/details/cashbox36unse/page/43/mode/1up

1984:

Morgan predicts profitability by July 1

 Atari expects to return to surplus this year. Financial Times (London,England), May 22, 1984, Tuesday, Section: SECTION II; International Companies; Pg. 21, Byline: BY LOUISE KEHOE IN SAN FRANCISCO

 National News in Brief, United Press International, May 22, 1984, Tuesday, PM cycle, Section: Domestic News, Dateline: SANTA CLARA, Calif.

Ross predicts Warner profitability

 No Headline In Original, The Associated Press, May 24, 1984, Thursday, BC cycle, Section: Business News

Atari confirms negotiations with Philips

 Discussions with Philips; ATARITEL TO DELAY ENTRY INTO HIGH-TECH PHONE MARKET, Communications Daily, May 29, 1984, Tuesday, Section: Vol. 4, No. 104; Pg. 2

 

Atari announces more layoffs and plant closing

 "Computer Giant Furloughs Middle Managers, The Associated Press, May 31, 1984, Thursday, AM cycle, Section: Domestic News, Dateline: SUNNYVALE, Calif.

 Atari to end Hong Kong venture, Financial Times (London,England), ,May 31, 1984, Thursday, Section: SECTION II; International Companies; Pg. 19, Byline: BY LOUISE KEHOE IN SAN FRANCISCO"

Alan Kay goes to Apple

 https://www.nytimes.com/1984/05/03/business/key-atari-scientist-switches-to-apple.html?searchResultPosition=1

Jack is back

 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-17/mode/1up?view=theater

Tramel Technology founded

 https://mcurrent.name/atarihistory/tramel_technology.html

Commodore exec exodus continues

 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-24/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater

Gulf and Western sells Sega

 "COMPUTER SERVICES OBTAINS 70 PCT STAKE IN SEGA ENTERPRISES, Jiji Press Ticker Service, MAY 21, 1984, MONDAY, Dateline: TOKYO, MAY 21

No Headline In Original, PR Newswire, May 21, 1984, Monday"

Bally profits plummet

 https://archive.org/details/cashbox46unse_15/page/29/mode/1up?view=theater

Mattel secures new financing

 Mattel Agrees To Give Up 45 Percent of Its Voting Stock, The Associated Press, May 4, 1984, Friday, AM cycle, Section: Business News

 https://www.nytimes.com/1984/05/04/business/mattel-sets-restructuring.html?searchResultPosition=1

Coleco issues new debt

 Troubled Game Manufacturer Rasing $50 Million With Debentures, The Associated Press,May 9, 1984, Wednesday, AM cycle, Section: Business News

Coleco backlog is enormous

 Toy and Hobby World, May 1984, pg. 8

Coleco gets new ad agency

 Ketchum Scores Coleco; Demands Cash Up Front From Shaky ClientADWEEKMay 21, 1984, Eastern Edition, Byline: By Debbie Seaman

Hasbro buys Milton Bradley

 https://www.nytimes.com/1984/05/05/business/rival-gets-milton-bradley.html?searchResultPosition=1

Toys R Us sales grow, but not thanks to games

 No Headline In Original, PR Newswire, May 2, 1984, Wednesday, Dateline: ROCHELLE PARK, N.J., May 2

 

Japanese Coinop makers go after North American Pirates

 https://archive.org/details/cashbox46unse_16/page/30/mode/1up?view=theater    

 https://archive.org/details/cashbox46unse_17/page/n29/mode/1up

Century's CVS gets new lease on life

 Play Meter May 1, 1984, pg. 21

 https://www.arcade-museum.com/company/crown-vending

 

Bankers learn not to finance games

 Selling Repossessed Items Is a Banker's Nightmare; Want to Buy a Trawler, Bordello, or Video Game?, The American Banker, May 30, 1984, Wednesday, Section: BACK PAGE; Pg. 24, Byline: Special to the American Banker, Dateline: ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.

Activision sales collapse

 No Headline In Original, United Press International, May 3, 1984, Thursday, BC cycle, Section: Financial, Dateline: MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.

Video Games aren't DEAD!

 https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-2/page/30/mode/1up

 

Atari announces 7800

 Atari Unveils Video Game Expandable into Computer, The Associated Press,May 21, 1984, Monday, BC cycle,Section: Business News

 ATARI; Unveils advanced video game that is expandable to introductory computer, Business Wire, May 21, 1984, Monday

 

Adam owner frustration grows

 https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-2/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater

MSX adopts 3.5 inch disks

 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-31/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater

Activision signs deal with Pony

 ACTIVISION; Signs licensing agreement with Pony Inc. for Japanese markets, Business Wire, May 30, 1984, Wednesday, Dateline: MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.

MSX coming to UK

 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-24/mode/1up?view=theater

Dragon to announce MSX machine

 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-31/mode/1up?view=theater

 https://tromax.webnode.es/   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_MSX  

Philips and Thompson want to set new standard

 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-03/mode/1up?view=theater

Amstrad development fracas revealed

 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-03/page/n11/mode/1up?view=theater

Acorn announces ABM

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acorn_Business_Computer   https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-03/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater

First QL's go out to customers

 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-03/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater

Popular Computing Weekly gets their QL!

 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-10/page/n4/mode/1up

 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-17/page/n15/mode/1up

 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-31/page/n22/mode/1up?view=theater

Sir Clive passes on Delorean plant

 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-24/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater

Computer games take CES by storm

 https://archive.org/details/Creative_Computing_1984-05/page/n135/mode/1up?view=theater

 

Mac software arrives

 https://archive.org/details/Creative_Computing_1984-05/page/n207/mode/2up?view=theater

First Origin games get tested

 https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-2/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater

Lucasfilm Games Premieres

 https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-2   Lucasfilm ''force'' enters video game market, United Press International, May 9, 1984, Wednesday, AM cycle, Section: Domestic News, Byline: By JOHN M. LEIGHTY

British devs embrace C64

 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-31/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater

USGold launches with Aztec Challenge and Forbidden Forest

 https://archive.org/details/computer-and-videogames-031/page/n15/mode/2up   https://archive.org/details/computer-and-videogames-031/page/n32/mode/1up?view=theater    

 https://archive.org/details/computer-and-videogames-031/page/n41/mode/1up?view=theater   

 https://archive.org/details/computer-and-videogames-031/page/n59/mode/1up?view=theater

 https://archive.org/details/CommodoreHorizonsIssue051984May300dpi/page/n23/mode/2up?view=theater

Evil Dead coming to the C64

 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-17/mode/1up?view=theater

Leisure Games wants you to go to Jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200

 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-05-03/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater    

 https://www.mobygames.com/company/2715/leisure-genius/

Games Network warns that Bankruptcy is looming

 Computer Taken by Creditor; GAMES NETWORK INSOLVENT, SAYS BANKRUPTCY IS NEAR, Communications Daily, May 17, 1984, Thursday,Section: Vol. 4, No. 97; Pg. 2

 

Adam Magazine to arrive

 https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-2/page/25/mode/1up

 

Australia recognizes Copyright

 ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC NEWS IN BRIEF, Copyright 1984 Jiji Press Ltd.Jiji Press Ticker Service, MAY 30, 1984, WEDNESDAY

Sanders income booms while royalty revenue dips SANDERS-ASSOCIATES; Financial resultsBusiness WireMay 21, 1984, Monday, Dateline: NASHUA, N.H.

 

Battlefield Earth gets a soundtrack

 https://archive.org/details/cashbox46unse_15/page/n31/mode/1up?view=theater

Recommended Links:

The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/

Gaming Alexandria: https://www.gamingalexandria.com/wp/

They Create Worlds: https://tcwpodcast.podbean.com/

Digital Antiquarian: https://www.filfre.net/

The Arcade Blogger: https://arcadeblogger.com/

Retro Asylum: http://retroasylum.com/category/all-posts/

Retro Game Squad: http://retrogamesquad.libsyn.com/

Playthrough Podcast: https://playthroughpod.com/

Retromags.com: https://www.retromags.com/

Games That Weren't - https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/

Sound Effects by Ethan Johnson of History of How We Play.

Copyright Karl Kuras

In the earliest days of the gaming biz, Human Engineered Software was a trailblazer, bringing big names like Jeff Minter to the US.  The company's founder, Jay Balakrishnan, is a serial entrepreneur who not only would help create the mass market for software at retail but would also have a long and storied career in games beyond Hes ware with such companies as Radical Entertainment and Dynamics.   I spoke to Jay in November and December of 2023, and after a few technical hiccups we finally got a connection going and we jump right into that today, so don't worry that I don't start things off with my traditional chronology obsessed focus, we'll wrap around and cover the whole story as we go along.  Enjoy!

Recorded: November-December 2023

Get us on your mobile device: Android:  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly92aWRlb2dhbWVuZXdzcm9vbXRpbWVtYWNoaW5lLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz iOS:      https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/video-game-newsroom-time-machine

And if you like what we are doing here at the podcast, don't forget to like us on your podcasting app of choice, YouTube, and/or support us on patreon! https://www.patreon.com/VGNRTM

Send comments on twitter @videogamenewsr2 Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vgnrtm Or [email protected]

Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Engineered_Software https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Minter https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_Becker https://archive.org/details/ArticleHESWARESignsNimoy https://archive.org/details/HESWARESpokesmanLeonardNimoyAndJayBalakrishanAt1984CES https://www.mobygames.com/game/76/shamus/ https://archive.org/details/HESWARENewInvestmentsPressRelease https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VisiCalc https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vizastar https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radical_Entertainment https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamix https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WildTangent https://www.mobygames.com/person/27385/jay-balakrishnan/credits/ https://www.straight.com/article-87384/indies-may-just-take-over-the-gaming-world https://www.straight.com/article/hollywood-touch-may-be-too-much-for-games https://www.bcbusiness.ca/industries/general/vancouver-gaming-industry-digital-warfare/ https://ataripodcast.libsyn.com/antic-interview-285-jay-balakrishnan-hesware https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaybalakrishnan

Copyright Karl Kuras

Nintendo bows to Blockbuster,

Commodore enters liquidation &

Acclaim-Midway divorce gets messy!

 

These stories and many more on this episode of the VGNRTM!

 

This episode we will look back at the biggest stories in and around the video game industry in April 1994.

As always, we'll mostly be using magazine cover dates, and those are of course always a bit behind the actual events.

 

Alex Smith of They Create Worlds is our cohost.  Check out his podcast here:

https://www.theycreateworlds.com/

and order his book here:

https://www.theycreateworlds.com/book

 

Get us on your mobile device:

Android:  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly92aWRlb2dhbWVuZXdzcm9vbXRpbWVtYWNoaW5lLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

iOS:  https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/video-game-newsroom-time-machine

 

And if you like what we are doing here at the podcast, don't forget to like us on your podcasting app of choice, YouTube, and/or support us on patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/VGNRTM

 

Send comments on Mastodon @[email protected]

Or

twitter @videogamenewsr2

Or

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vgnrtm

Or

[email protected]

 

Links:

If you don't see all the links, find them here:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/107563816

 

7 Minutes in Heaven: Rocko's Modern Life

Video Version:  https://www.patreon.com/posts/7-minutes-in-107343911

    https://www.mobygames.com/game/37843/rockos-modern-life-spunkys-dangerous-day/

 

Corrections:

March 1994 Ep - https://www.patreon.com/posts/march-1994-105189897

Ethan's fine site The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/

    https://x.com/chrisgr93091552

 

    

1994:

Ataris settle with Nintendo

    https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/26/business/company-news-time-warner-increases-its-stake-in-atari.html

    Nintendo and Atari Games reach settlement in long-running court case; litigation settlement ends five-year court battle and restores Atari's status as Nintendo licensee, Business Wire, March 24, 1994, Thursday

    ATARI CORP. AND NINTENDO REACH SETTLEMENT IN PATENT INFRINGEMENT CASE, PR Newswire, March 24, 1994, Thursday - 19:44 Eastern Time

    Atari Corp. falsely characterizes Nintendo/Atari settlement, Business Wire, March 25, 1994, Friday

    https://archive.org/details/AtariCorporationAnnualReport1992/page/n12/mode/1up

    https://archive.org/details/AtariCorporationAnnualReport1993/page/n33/mode/1up

    https://patents.google.com/patent/US4445114A/en

 

Nintendo gives in to rentals

    Nintendo Reverses Stand, Will Play The Rental Game, Billboard, April 30, 1994, Section: Pg. 6

 

Nintendo finally pays Galoob

    GALOOB TO RECEIVE $16.1 MILLION PAYMENT FROM NINTENDO TODAY, PR Newswire, April 11, 1994, Monday - 09:11 Eastern Time

 

EA and Broderbund to merge

    https://archive.org/details/Electronic-Games-1994-04/page/n9/mode/1up?view=theater

 

Pearson buys Software Toolworks

    https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/01/business/pearson-enters-multimedia-software-arena.html

    https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/12/business/market-place-the-choices-are-few-for-investing-in-software-aimed-at-children.html?searchResultPosition=17

 

Paramount teams up with Davidson & Associates

    https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/13/business/the-media-business-software-plan-for-paramount.html?searchResultPosition=18

    https://www.avid.wiki/Davidson/Simon_%26_Schuster

 

Warner consolidates

    https://archive.org/details/cashbox57unse_29/page/30/mode/1up?view=theater

 

TSR and SSI call it quits

    https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_117/page/n11/mode/2up

 

WMS to buy Tradewest

    BUSINESS BRIEFS: WMS INDUSTRIES INC TO ACQUIRE TRADEWEST IN HOME-VIDEO PUSH, WALL STREET JOURNAL, April 6, 1994, Wednesday, Section: Section B; Page 4, Column 5    

    WMS Industries to acquire Tradewest Inc., Business Wire, April 5, 1994, Tuesday

 

Acclaim signs deal for Batman Sequel

    WARNER BROS. AND ACCLAIM ANNOUNCE 'BATMAN FOREVER' PACT; Blockbuster Motion Picture to be Released in 1995, Business Wire, April 26, 1994, Tuesday  

    SEGA SELECTS ACCLAIM AS FIRST U.S. PUBLISHER TO USE PROPRIETARY TITAN TECHNOLOGY FOR COIN-OP GAMES AND HIGH-END SEGA HOME HARDWARE PLATFORMS, Business Wire, April 7, 1994, Thursday

    Big Movers in the Stock Market, The Associated Press, April 7, 1994, Thursday, AM cycle

 

MGM signs up with Sega

    MGM, SEGA TO DEVELOP INTERACTIVE VIDEO GAMES, Extel Examiner, April 29, 1994, Friday - 03:15 Eastern Time

 

Could Disney buy a major games publisher?

    Will Disney Chart More Adventurous Course in Wells' Absence?, The Associated Press, April 11, 1994, Monday, PM cycle, Section: Business News, Byline: By E. SCOTT RECKARD, Associated Press Writers

 

Living Books buys Dr. Seuss rights

    https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/22/business/the-media-business-dr-seuss-rights-are-sold.html?searchResultPosition=34

 

US announces Special 301 trade action against China

    NINTENDO OF AMERICA STATEMENT ON SPECIAL 301 ACTION BY USTR, PR Newswire, April 30, 1994, Saturday - 19:04 Eastern Time

 

Japan misses chip import target

    Newsbyte, US Japan Chip Wars Heat Up - Again! 01/03/94, WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 3 (NB)

 

Japanese toy wholesale system under pressure

    Big stores rile small retailers with bargain toy price strategy, Industry's retail pricing structure said to have been undermined, The Nikkei Weekly (Japan), April 18, 1994, Section: INDUSTRY; Pg. 9

    

AFTRA signs deal with EA

    https://archive.org/details/Electronic-Games-1994-04/page/n11/mode/1up?view=theater

 

Sega disses Summer CES

    https://archive.org/details/Electronic-Games-1994-04/page/n11/mode/1up?view=theater

    

Dedicated cabs rule UK ATEI show

    https://archive.org/details/edge-007-april-1994/page/8/mode/1up?view=theater

    

American Laser goes CDRom

    Play Meter, April 1994, pg. 14 & Acme 13

 

Midway takes page from Capcom's playbook

    https://archive.org/details/cashbox57unse_28/page/30/mode/1up?view=theater

 

AMOA teams up with Ross Perot's EDS

    Play Meter, April 1994, pg. 1, 66A   

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claw_(video_game)#Development  

    EDS' EARNINGS RISE 13 PERCENT IN FIRST QUARTER, PR Newswire, April 27, 1994, Wednesday - 16:29 Eastern Time

    

Saturn to launch with Jupiter

    https://archive.org/details/edge-007-april-1994/page/6/mode/1up?view=theater

 

Jaguar UK launch botched

    https://archive.org/details/edge-007-april-1994/page/13/

    https://archive.org/details/edge-007-april-1994/page/17/

 

3DO prospects in Japan look good

    So far, 3DO multiplayer living up to hype, Matsushita Claims It Sold 40,000 Of Long-Awaited Machines In First 3 Days, The Nikkei Weekly (Japan), April 4, 1994,Section: INDUSTRY DIGEST; Pg. 9, Byline: BY MASATO ISHIZAWA Staff writer

    https://vgsales.fandom.com/wiki/Fifth_generation_of_video_games

 

3DO licenses tech to Toshiba for GPS

    3DO. TOSHIBA TIE UP ON NAVIGATION SYSTEM, Jiji Press Ticker Service, APRIL 12, 1994, TUESDAY

 

3DO kicks off US ad campaign

    3DO Kicks Off National Advertising Campaign, Business Wire, April 25, 1994, Monday  

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W67sqPQ9u0

 

MSU gives Konix Multisystem a second go

    https://archive.org/details/edge-007-april-1994/page/14/mode/1up?view=theater   

    https://www.konixmultisystem.co.uk/index.php?id=archive   

    https://www.konixmultisystem.co.uk/index.php?id=msu

 

Japanese devs not waiting for Nintendo

    https://archive.org/details/edge-007-april-1994/page/13/mode/1up?view=theater

    

Capcom to support 3DO and PSX

    https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_057_April_1994/page/n159/mode/1up?view=theater

 

Virgin to support CDi

    https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_057_April_1994/page/n159/mode/1up?view=theater

 

Tower Records ditches CDi and Gameboy

    Tower Video Dumps CD-I; VSDA Adds Game Seminars, Billboard, April 30, 1994, Section: HOME VIDEO; Shelf Talk; Pg. 72

 

Lethal Enforcers comes to the SNES

    https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_057_April_1994/page/n171/mode/1up?view=theater

 

Nintendo censorship strikes again

    https://archive.org/details/Electronic-Games-1994-04/page/n11/mode/1up?view=theater

    

Sega announces MegaJet is coming home!

    https://archive.org/details/ElectronicGamingMonthly_201902/Electronic%20Gaming%20Monthly%20Issue%20057%20%28April%201994%29/page/n63/mode/2up

    https://consolemods.org/wiki/Master_System:Master_System_Model_Differences#Master_System_Super_Compact/Master_System_Girl_(1994)

    

Commodore pulls out of World of Commodore-Amiga show

    https://archive.org/details/amiga-computing-magazine-072/page/n13/mode/1up

    

Commodore announces liquidation

    Commodore Scuttles Ship, The Associated Press, April 29, 1994, Friday, AM cycle

    

IBM agrees to make Cyrix chips

    https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/15/business/ibm-agrees-to-make-chips-designed-by-cyrix.html?searchResultPosition=19

 

EA sees big upswing in CDRom sales

    Company Results Roundup, Newsbytes, April 29, 1994, Friday

 

Could CDRom usurp video games?

    PC GAMES COULD CAPTURE SEGA, NINTENDO CUSTOMERS, WALL STREET JOURNAL,April 27, 1994, Wednesday, Section B; Page 1, Column 5, Byline: BY JOSEPH PEREIRA

Argonaut, Cirrus and Diamond team up for PC 3D API standard    

    3-D GRAPHICS ALLIANCE FOR PC GAMES ANNOUNCED BY DIAMOND COMPUTER SYSTEMS, CIRRUS LOGIC AND ARGONAUT SOFTWARE, PR Newswire, April 25, 1994, Monday - 09:02 Eastern Time    

    https://blazingrender.net/

 

3Dlabs and Creative team up for PC 3D API standard

    3Dlabs announces alliance with Creative Technology; Customized GLiNT processor to bring interactive 3D graphics to multimedia desktops, Business Wire, April 18, 1994, Monday

 

Spectrum Holobyte bets on fractals

    Fractals to put the squeeze on the game industry, Business Wire, April 13, 1994, Wednesday    

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fractal_compression#Implementations

 

Microprose dumps Adventure engine

    https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_117/page/n11/mode/2up

 

Maxis wants to turn SimCity into a sandbox

    https://archive.org/details/game-developer-april-1994/page/n5/mode/1up?view=theater

 

Doom leaves Edge unimpressed

    https://archive.org/details/edge-007-april-1994/page/60/mode/1up?view=theater

    

Newscorp buys Kesmai

    Murdoch's News Corp. to acquire Kesmai Corp; Global media company positions Delphi to deliver the next wave of online interactive multimedia, Business Wire, April 25, 1994, Monday

 

AOL swamped by new signups

    https://archive.org/details/Electronic-Games-1994-04/page/n9/mode/1up?view=theater

    https://archive.org/details/Electronic-Games-1994-04/page/n15/mode/1up?view=theater   

    https://archive.org/details/edge-007-april-1994/page/92/mode/1up?view=theater

 

Game Developer magazines debuts

    https://archive.org/details/game-developer-april-1994/page/n3/mode/1up

    

Second round of video game violence hearings lack fireworks

    Play Meter, April 1994, pg. 12

 

Data East beats Capcom in court

    Play Meter, April 1994, pg. 1

 

Ads in software patented

    https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/08/business/company-news-patent-dispute-brewing-on-software-use-of-ads.html    

    https://medium.com/swlh/how-i-screwed-a-patent-troll-out-of-a-billion-dollars-2849cb3e248a  

    https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/ed/d8/f2/387782f38818da/US5105184.pdf

    https://www.nytimes.com/1994/12/08/business/us-revokes-cotton-patents-after-outcry-from-industry.html

    

Study finds no link between video violence and juvenile delinquency

    Offenders do not watch more violence, The Times, April 11, 1994, Monday, Section: Home news, Byline: Alexandra Frean, Media Correspondent

Middlesex University offers Gaming degrees    

    https://archive.org/details/PC-Player-German-Magazine-1994-04/page/n13/mode/2up   

    https://retrocdn.net/images/7/7f/CVG_UK_149.pdf pg. 14

 

RIP 3' disks

    https://archive.org/details/amstrad-action-103/page/n7/mode/2up

 

Recommended Links:

 

The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/

Gaming Alexandria: https://www.gamingalexandria.com/wp/

They Create Worlds: https://tcwpodcast.podbean.com/

Digital Antiquarian: https://www.filfre.net/

The Arcade Blogger: https://arcadeblogger.com/

Retro Asylum: http://retroasylum.com/category/all-posts/

Retro Game Squad: http://retrogamesquad.libsyn.com/

Playthrough Podcast: https://playthroughpod.com/

Retromags.com: https://www.retromags.com/

Games That Weren't - https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/

Sound Effects by Ethan Johnson of History of How We Play.

Copyright Karl Kuras