Virgin Interactive facts for kids

Virgin Interactive was a British company that made and sold video games. It started in 1981 as Virgin Games Ltd. The company grew a lot in 1987 when it bought another game company called Mastertronic. Virgin Interactive was part of the larger Virgin Group. In 1994, its name officially changed to Virgin Interactive.

What Games Did They Make?

Virgin Interactive published games for many different computer and console systems. These included PCs, the Amiga, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, C64, Sega Master System, Sega Mega Drive, Sega Game Gear, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Saturn, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and Dreamcast.

Helping Game Creators

Virgin Interactive helped many game developers get their start. For example, Westwood Studios worked with them. Westwood Studios created the popular Command & Conquer Series and also made the PC version of Resident Evil. Another company they helped was Synergistic.

Many people who later worked at Shiny Entertainment also started at Virgin. This includes David Perry, who later helped create the famous game Earthworm Jim.

Some other talented people who worked at Virgin Interactive were:

• Tommy Tallarico, a well-known video game music composer.
• Doug TenNapel, an artist.
• David Bishop, a game designer.
• Bill Kroyer, an animator.
• Andy Luckey and Mike Dietz, who were also animators and artists.
• Andy Astor, a programmer.

How They Made Games Look Cool

In 1993, Virgin Interactive created a special way to make game graphics called "Digicel." This process was first planned for a game that was never released, called "Dynoblaze."

Key people who helped create Digicel included Dr. Stephen Clarke-Willson, David Perry, David Bishop, Bill Kroyer, Andy Luckey, Mike Dietz, and Andy Astor.

The first game to use this cool technology was Disney's Aladdin for the Sega Mega Drive/Sega Genesis. After that, it was used in other games like The Lion King video game.

Changes Over Time

In 1998, a group of managers, supported by Mark Dyne, bought the worldwide parts of Virgin Interactive. Mark Dyne became the new boss. The part of the company in the United States was sold to Electronic Arts. This happened when Electronic Arts bought Westwood Studios.

Later, a French game company called Titus Software bought Virgin Interactive's assets. On July 1, 2003, the name was changed to Avalon Interactive.

However, the Spanish part of Virgin Interactive, called Virgin Interactive España, was bought by Tim Chaney and Paco Encinas in May 2002. This Spanish branch became separate from the main company. It kept the Virgin brand name. In October 2002, it was renamed Virgin Play. This company is still the only part of the Virgin Group that works in the video game industry today.

Popular Games from Virgin Interactive

Here are some of the well-known games Virgin Interactive published:

• Falcon Patrol (1983)
• Doriath (1985)
• Hunter Patrol (1985)
• Dan Dare: Pilot of the Future (1986)
• Action Force (1987)
• Falcon Patrol II (1987)
• Action Force II (1988)
• Wonderland (1990)
• Realms (1991)
• Corporation (1991)
• M.C. Kids (1991)
• Dune II (1992)
• Global Gladiators (1992)
• The 7th Guest (1992)
• Jeep Jamboree: Off Road Adventure (1992)
• The Terminator (1992)
• Cannon Fodder (1993)
• Cool Spot (1993)
• Disney's Aladdin (1993)
• Lands of Lore series (1993)
• Reach for the Skies (1993)
• RoboCop Versus The Terminator (1993)
• Super Slap Shot (1993)
• Goal! (1994)
• Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994) (European PC version only)
• The Lion King (1994)
• Walt Disney's The Jungle Book (1994)
• Earthworm Jim (Europe only) (1994)
• Command & Conquer (1995)
• Cyberia 2 (1995)
• Hyper 3D Pinball (1995)
• Super Karts (1995)
• Zone Raiders (1995)
• World Masters Golf (1995)
• Command & Conquer: Red Alert (DOS Version Only) (1996)
• Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars (1996)
• Toonstruck (1996)
• Resident Evil (Europe and PC versions only, PC versions made by Westwood Studios) (1996)
• Agile Warrior F-111X (1997)
• Broken Sword II: The Smoking Mirror (1997)
• Subspace (1997)
• Mega Man X3 (Europe only) (1997)
• Nanotek Warrior (1997)
• Ignition (1997)
• Resident Evil 2 (Europe only) (1998)
• Magic & Mayhem (Europe only) (1998)
• Super Dany (Europe only) (1998)
• Dino Crisis (Europe only) (1999)
• Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (Europe only) (2000)
• Dino Crisis 2 (Europe only) (2000)
• Project Justice (Europe only) (2001)
• Screamer 4x4 (2001)
• Resident Evil: Gaiden (Europe only) (2001)
• Devil May Cry (Europe only) (2001)
• Now Games compilation series (1985-1988)

See also

In Spanish: Virgin Interactive para niños