MobyGamesis a commercial website that catalogs information onvideo gamesand the people and companies behind them viacrowdsourcing.This includes nearly 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[2]The site is supported by banner ads and a small number of people paying to become patrons.[3]Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It is currently owned byAtari SA.
 Logo since March 2014 | |
Screenshot  Frontpage as of April 2012[update] | |
Type of site | Gaming |
|---|---|
| Available in | English |
| Owner | Atari SA |
| Founder(s) | Jim Leonard Brian Hirt[1] |
| URL | mobygames |
| Commercial | Yes |
| Registration | Optional |
| Launched | March 1, 1999[1] |
| Current status | Online |
Overview
editThe database began with games forIBM PC compatibles.After two years, consoles such as thePlayStation,were added. Older console systems were added later. Coverage ofarcade video gameswas added in January 2014 andmainframe computergames in June 2017.[4]
Edits and submissions go through a leisurely verification process by volunteer "approvers". The approval process can range from immediate (minutes) to gradual (days or months).[5]The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copyediting.[6]
Registered users can rate and review any video game. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integratedforum.Each listed game can have its own subforum.
History
edit
MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999 by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, then joined by David Berk 18 months later, three friends since high school.[7]Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience.
In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased byGameFlyfor an undisclosed amount.[8]This was announced to the communitypost factumand a few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.
On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San-Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site forfan-madevideo gamebox art).[9]Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel.[10]
On November 24, 2021,Atari SAannounced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11]The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^abYarwood, Jack (March 1, 2024)."Video Game Database MobyGames Celebrates 25 Years".Time Extension.Hookshot Media.RetrievedMarch 1,2024.
- ^"MobyGames Stats".MobyGames.RetrievedSeptember 18,2019.
- ^"MobyGames Patrons".MobyGames.RetrievedDecember 25,2022.
- ^"New(ish!) on MobyGames – the Mainframe platform".MobyGames.com.Blue Flame Labs. June 18, 2017.RetrievedJuly 6,2017.
- ^ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?".MobyGames.com.Blue Flame Labs. March 30, 2014.RetrievedJanuary 19,2016.
- ^ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices".MobyGames.com.Blue Flame Labs. January 6, 2016.RetrievedJanuary 19,2016.
- ^"20 Years of MobyGames".Oldskooler Ramblings.February 28, 2019.RetrievedMay 11,2022.
- ^"Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media".Gamasutra. February 7, 2011. Archived fromthe originalon February 9, 2011.
- ^Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013)."MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned".Polygon.RetrievedJanuary 1,2014.
- ^Wawro, Alex (December 31, 2013)."Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner".Gamasutra.RetrievedJanuary 1,2014.
- ^"Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames".
- ^"Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support".March 8, 2022.RetrievedMarch 8,2022.
- ^"Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million".VGC.March 9, 2022.RetrievedMay 11,2022.
