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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Infogrames Studios Limited
| name = Infogrames Studios Limited
| logo = Gremlin Interactive Logo.svg
| logo = Gremlin Interactive Logo.svg
| logo_caption = Logo used from 1994 to 2000
| logo_caption = Logo used from 1994 to 2000
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| former_name = {{Unbulleted list|Gremlin Graphics Software Limited (1984–1994)|Gremlin Interactive Limited (1994–2000)}}
| former_name = {{Unbulleted list|Gremlin Graphics Software Limited (1984–1994)|Gremlin Interactive Limited (1994–2000)}}
| fate = Dissolved by parent, former employees formed [[Sumo Digital]]. Assets acquired by [[Zushi Games|Zoo Digital]], later reacquired by Urbanscan.
| fate = Dissolved by parent, former employees formed [[Sumo Digital]]. Assets acquired by [[Zushi Games|Zoo Digital]], later reacquired by Urbanscan.
| predecessor =
| predecessor =
| successor = [[Sumo Digital]]
| successor = [[Sumo Digital]]
| foundation = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1984}}
| foundation = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1984}}
| founder = {{Unbulleted list|Ian Stewart|Kevin Norburn}}
| founder = {{Unbulleted list|Ian Stewart|Kevin Norburn}}
| defunct = {{End date|df=yes|2003}}
| defunct = {{End date and age|df=yes|2003}}
| location_city = [[Sheffield]]
| location_city = [[Sheffield]]
| location_country = [[England]]
| location_country = [[England]]
| location =
| location =
| locations =
| locations =
| area_served =
| area_served =
| key_people = Paul Porter {{small|([[studio manager]])}}
| key_people = Paul Porter {{small|([[studio manager]])}}
| industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]
| industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]
| products =
| products =
| production =
| production =
| services =
| services =
| revenue =
| revenue =
| operating_income =
| operating_income =
| net_income =
| net_income =
| aum =
| aum =
| assets =
| assets =
| equity =
| equity =
| owner =
| owner =
| num_employees =
| parent = [[Infogrames]]
| num_employees =
| divisions =
| parent = [[Infogrames]]
| divisions =
| subsid =
| subsid =
| homepage =
| homepage =
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
'''Gremlin Graphics Software Limited''', later '''Gremlin Interactive Limited''' and ultimately '''Infogrames Studios Limited'''<ref name=house>{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/01805165|title=INFOGRAMES STUDIOS LIMITED - Overview (free company information from Companies House)|website=beta.companieshouse.gov.uk|access-date=2017-06-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722070622/https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/01805165|archive-date=2018-07-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> was a British [[software house]] based in [[Sheffield]], working mostly in the [[home computer]] market. Like many software houses established in the 1980s, their primary market was the [[8-bit]] range of computers such as the [[ZX Spectrum]], [[Amstrad CPC]], [[MSX]], [[Commodore 16]] and [[Commodore 64]]. The company was acquired by French [[video game publisher]] [[Infogrames]] in 1999 and was renamed Infogrames Studios in 2000. Infogrames Studios closed down in 2003.
'''Gremlin Graphics Software Limited''', later '''Gremlin Interactive Limited''' and ultimately '''Infogrames Studios Limited'''<ref name=house>{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/01805165|title=INFOGRAMES STUDIOS LIMITED Overview (free company information from Companies House)|website=beta.companieshouse.gov.uk|access-date=2017-06-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722070622/https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/01805165|archive-date=2018-07-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> was a British [[software house]] based in [[Sheffield]], working mostly in the [[home computer]] market. Like many software houses established in the 1980s, their primary market was the [[8-bit]] range of computers such as the [[ZX Spectrum]], [[Amstrad CPC]], [[MSX]], [[Commodore 16]] and [[Commodore 64]]. The company was acquired by French [[video game publisher]] [[Infogrames]] in 1999 and was renamed Infogrames Studios in 2000. Infogrames Studios closed down in 2003.


== History ==
== History ==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Gremlin Graphics logo 180px.png|thumb|left|Original ''Gremlin Graphics'' logo]] -->
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Gremlin Graphics logo 180px.png|thumb|left|Original ''Gremlin Graphics'' logo]] -->
The company, originally a computer store called Just Micro, was established as a software house in 1984 with the name Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd by Ian Stewart and Kevin Norburn<ref name="crashonline.org.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.crashonline.org.uk/18/gremlin.htm|title=CRASH 18 - Gremlin Graphics|website=www.crashonline.org.uk}}</ref> with [[US Gold|US Gold's]] Geoff Brown owning 75% of the company<ref name=storyofusgold>{{Cite book|last1=Wilkins|first1=Chris|title=The Story Of U.S. Gold|last2=Kean|first2=Roger M|publisher=Fusion Retro Books|year=2015|isbn=9780993131530|page=69}}</ref>{{rp|65}} until mid-1989.<ref name='newcomputerexpress5Aug89'>{{cite magazine |title=Snippets|magazine=New Computer Express|issue=|publisher=Future Publishing|date=5 August 1989|page=5|url=https://archive.org/details/NH2021_New_Computer_Express_Issue039.pdf/page/n4/mode/2up|access-date=5 December 2021}}</ref> Gremlin's early success was based on games such as ''[[Wanted: Monty Mole]]'' for the [[ZX Spectrum]] and ''[[Thing on a Spring]]'' for the [[Commodore 64]]. {{citation needed|date=November 2013}}
The company, originally a computer store called Just Micro, was established as a software house in 1984 with the name Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd by Ian Stewart and Kevin Norburn<ref name="crashonline.org.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.crashonline.org.uk/18/gremlin.htm|title=CRASH 18 Gremlin Graphics|website=www.crashonline.org.uk}}</ref> with [[US Gold|US Gold's]] Geoff Brown owning 75% of the company<ref name=storyofusgold>{{Cite book|last1=Wilkins|first1=Chris|title=The Story Of U.S. Gold|last2=Kean|first2=Roger M|publisher=Fusion Retro Books|year=2015|isbn=9780993131530|page=69}}</ref>{{rp|65}} until mid-1989.<ref name='newcomputerexpress5Aug89'>{{cite magazine |title=Snippets|magazine=New Computer Express|issue=|publisher=Future Publishing|date=5 August 1989|page=5|url=https://archive.org/details/NH2021_New_Computer_Express_Issue039.pdf/page/n4/mode/2up|access-date=5 December 2021}}</ref> Gremlin's early success was based on games such as ''[[Wanted: Monty Mole]]'' for the [[ZX Spectrum]] and ''[[Thing on a Spring]]'' for the [[Commodore 64]]. {{citation needed|date=November 2013}}


In 1994, it was renamed as Gremlin Interactive, now concentrating on the 16-bit, PC and console market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/sinclair/industry/publishers/gremlin.htm|title=Planet Sinclair: The Sinclair Industry: Publishers: Gremlin|website=www.nvg.ntnu.no}}</ref> Gremlin enjoyed major success with the ''[[Zool]]'' and ''[[Premier Manager]]'' series in the early 1990s, and then with ''[[Actua Soccer]]'', the first [[soccer|football]] game in full [[3D computer graphics|3D]]; other successful games included the ''[[Lotus (computer games)|Lotus]]'' racing series; a futuristic racing game, ''[[Motorhead (video game)|Motorhead]]''; a stunt car racing game, ''[[Fatal Racing]]'' (1995); and the 1998 flight simulator ''[[Hardwar (video game)|Hardwar]]''. Following [[Electronic Arts|EA]]'s success with the [[EA Sports]] brand, Gremlin also released their own sports videogame series, adding [[Golf]], [[Tennis]] and [[Ice Hockey]] to their ''[[Actua Sports]]'' series. During this time, they used a ''[[motif (music)|motif]]'' from the Siegfried Funeral March from ''[[Götterdämmerung]]'' as introductory music.
In 1994, it was renamed as Gremlin Interactive, now concentrating on the 16-bit, PC and console market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/sinclair/industry/publishers/gremlin.htm|title=Planet Sinclair: The Sinclair Industry: Publishers: Gremlin|website=www.nvg.ntnu.no}}</ref> Gremlin enjoyed major success with the ''[[Zool]]'' and ''[[Premier Manager]]'' series in the early 1990s, and then with ''[[Actua Soccer]]'', the first [[soccer|football]] game in full [[3D computer graphics|3D]]; other successful games included the ''[[Lotus (computer games)|Lotus]]'' racing series; a futuristic racing game, ''[[Motorhead (video game)|Motorhead]]''; a stunt car racing game, ''[[Fatal Racing]]'' (1995); and the 1998 flight simulator ''[[Hardwar (video game)|Hardwar]]''. Following [[Electronic Arts|EA]]'s success with the [[EA Sports]] brand, Gremlin also released their own sports videogame series, adding [[Golf]], [[Tennis]] and [[Ice Hockey]] to their ''[[Actua Sports]]'' series. During this time, they used a ''[[motif (music)|motif]]'' from the Siegfried Funeral March from ''[[Götterdämmerung]]'' as introductory music.
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The company was floated on the stock market to raise funds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bitmapbooks.co.uk/products/a-gremlin-in-the-works|title=A Gremlin in the Works|website=Bitmap Books}}</ref>
The company was floated on the stock market to raise funds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bitmapbooks.co.uk/products/a-gremlin-in-the-works|title=A Gremlin in the Works|website=Bitmap Books}}</ref>


In 1997, Gremlin acquired [[Imagitec Design]]<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Gremlin Buy Imagitec|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|issue=18 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]] |date=April 1997|page=7}}</ref> and [[DMA Design]] (creators of ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' and ''[[Lemmings (video game)|Lemmings]]''). In 1999, they themselves were bought by [[Infogrames]] for around [[British Pound|£]]24 million <ref>{{cite web|url=http://startups.co.uk/zoo-digital-ian-stewart/|title=Zoo Digital: Ian Stewart - Startups.co.uk: Starting a business advice and business ideas}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CGN/is_1999_March_25/ai_54207493 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050322032848/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CGN/is_1999_March_25/ai_54207493 |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 March 2005 |title=Infogrames Buys UK Games Company Gremlin &#124; Computergram International &#124; Find Articles at BNET.com |publisher=Findarticles.com |access-date=2 November 2009 |year=1999}}</ref> and renamed "Infogrames Sheffield House". Infogrames closed the studio in 2003. The building they latterly occupied near Devonshire Green has since been demolished when Infogrames Sheffield House was supposed to be renamed "Atari Sheffield House". In October 2003, [[Zushi Games|Zoo Digital]], the successor company to Gremlin, purchased the company's assets from the now-named [[Atari SA|Atari]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.investegate.co.uk/zoo-digital-group/rns/acquisition/200310010700113796Q/ | title=Investegate &#124;Zoo Digital Group Announcements &#124; Zoo Digital Group: Acquisition }}</ref>
In 1997, Gremlin acquired [[Imagitec Design]]<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Gremlin Buy Imagitec|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|issue=18 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]] |date=April 1997|page=7}}</ref> and [[DMA Design]] (creators of ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' and ''[[Lemmings (video game)|Lemmings]]''). In 1999, they themselves were bought by [[Infogrames]] for around [[British Pound|£]]24 million <ref>{{cite web|url=http://startups.co.uk/zoo-digital-ian-stewart/|title=Zoo Digital: Ian Stewart Startups.co.uk: Starting a business advice and business ideas}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CGN/is_1999_March_25/ai_54207493 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050322032848/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CGN/is_1999_March_25/ai_54207493 |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 March 2005 |title=Infogrames Buys UK Games Company Gremlin &#124; ''Computergram International'' &#124; Find Articles at BNET.com |publisher=Findarticles.com |access-date=2 November 2009 |year=1999}}</ref> and renamed "Infogrames Sheffield House". Infogrames closed the studio in 2003. The building they latterly occupied near Devonshire Green has since been demolished when Infogrames Sheffield House was supposed to be renamed "Atari Sheffield House". In October 2003, [[Zushi Games|Zoo Digital]], the successor company to Gremlin, purchased the company's assets from the now-named [[Atari SA|Atari]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.investegate.co.uk/zoo-digital-group/rns/acquisition/200310010700113796Q/ | title=Investegate &#124;Zoo Digital Group Announcements &#124; Zoo Digital Group: Acquisition | access-date=6 January 2022 | archive-date=4 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104023118/https://www.investegate.co.uk/zoo-digital-group/rns/acquisition/200310010700113796Q/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>


Following the administration of Zoo Digital (later renamed Zushi Games), Gremlin Interactive's catalogue and name were bought up by Ian Stewart's new company Urbanscan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2011/07/22/gremlin-graphics-presents-bounders-world-and-the-return-of-super-cars-88959/|title=Gremlin Graphics presents: Bounder's World and the return of Super Cars|date=22 July 2011}}</ref>
Following the administration of Zoo Digital (later renamed Zushi Games), Gremlin Interactive's catalogue and name were bought up by Ian Stewart's new company Urbanscan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2011/07/22/gremlin-graphics-presents-bounders-world-and-the-return-of-super-cars-88959/|title=Gremlin Graphics presents: Bounder's World and the return of Super Cars|date=22 July 2011}}</ref>


The Gremlin trademarks (including the g Gremlin logo) are now owned by [[Warner Bros.|Warner Bros Entertainment]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=GREMLIN UK00001122987 |url=https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmcase/page/Results/1/UK00001122987 |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=trademarks.ipo.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=GREMLIN UK00001313745 |url=https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmcase/page/Results/1/UK00001313745 |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=trademarks.ipo.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=g Gremlin UK00002032262 |url=https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmcase/page/Results/1/UK00002032262 |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=trademarks.ipo.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref>
The Gremlin trademarks (including the g Gremlin logo) are now owned by [[Warner Bros.|Warner Bros Entertainment]].

Asad Habib one of the software testers and lead software testers from Gremlin Interactive Carver Street premises went onto form, after 17 years in the games industry Steel City Interactive also based in sheffield and 1 of the 3 CoFounders. Their first project being the world's biggest boxing video game and Successor to Fight Night Champion "Undisputed". https://www.ign.com/articles/undisputed-early-access-hands-on-preview


<ref>{{Cite web |title=GREMLIN - UK00001122987 |url=https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmcase/page/Results/1/UK00001122987 |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=trademarks.ipo.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=GREMLIN - UK00001313745 |url=https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmcase/page/Results/1/UK00001313745 |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=trademarks.ipo.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=g Gremlin - UK00002032262 |url=https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmcase/page/Results/1/UK00002032262 |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=trademarks.ipo.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref>


== Key staff ==
== Key staff ==
Gremlin staff had included:
Gremlin staff had included:
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Kevin Bulmer]] - Designer/graphics artist
* [[Kevin Bulmer]] Designer/graphics artist
* Jon Harrison - Designer/graphics artist
* Jon Harrison Designer/graphics artist
* Gary Priest - Programmer
* Gary Priest Programmer
* Bill Allen - Programmer
* Bill Allen Programmer
* Richard Stevenson - Programmer
* Richard Stevenson Programmer
* David Martin - Marketing Director
* David Martin Marketing Director
* [[Ben Daglish]] - Outsourced Musician
* [[Ben Daglish]] Outsourced Musician
* Ade Carless - Designer/graphics artist
* Ade Carless Designer/graphics artist
* Shaun McClure - Graphics artist / Art Resource Manager
* Shaun McClure Graphics artist / Art Resource Manager
* [[Antony Crowther]] ('Ratt') - Designer, programmer<ref name="crashonline.org.uk"/>
* [[Antony Crowther]] ('Ratt') Designer, programmer<ref name="crashonline.org.uk"/>
* Asad Habib - Lead Tester
* Asad Habib Lead Tester
* Paul Whitehead - Tester / Designer
* Paul Whitehead Tester / Designer
* Ian Stewart - Managing director<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.retrogamesmaster.co.uk/gremlin-founder-ian-stewart/|title=Gremlin founder Ian Stewart – RETRO GAMESMASTER|website=www.retrogamesmaster.co.uk|date=3 September 2016 }}</ref>
* Ian Stewart Managing director<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.retrogamesmaster.co.uk/gremlin-founder-ian-stewart/|title=Gremlin founder Ian Stewart – RETRO GAMESMASTER|website=www.retrogamesmaster.co.uk|date=3 September 2016 }}</ref>
* Kevin Norburn - Operations director
* Kevin Norburn Operations director
* [[Patrick Phelan (composer)|Patrick Phelan]] - Software manager/sound engineer
* [[Patrick Phelan (composer)|Patrick Phelan]] Software manager/sound engineer
* Chris Harvey - Lead console programmer
* Chris Harvey Lead console programmer
* Wayne Laybourn - Artist
* Wayne Laybourn Artist
* Chris Shrigley - Designer / Programmer<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gremlinarchive.com/?s=chris+shrigley|title=Search Results for "chris shrigley" – The Gremlin Graphics Archive|first=Mark James Hardisty|last=@hardistymark|website=www.gremlinarchive.com}}</ref>
* Chris Shrigley Designer / Programmer<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gremlinarchive.com/?s=chris+shrigley|title=Search Results for "chris shrigley" – The Gremlin Graphics Archive|first=Mark James Hardisty|last=@hardistymark|website=www.gremlinarchive.com}}</ref>
* Peter Harrap - Programmer<ref name="crashonline.org.uk"/>
* Peter Harrap Programmer<ref name="crashonline.org.uk"/>
* Chris Kerry - Programmer<ref name="crashonline.org.uk"/>
* Chris Kerry Programmer<ref name="crashonline.org.uk"/>
* Shaun Hollingworth - Programmer<ref name="crashonline.org.uk"/>
* Shaun Hollingworth Programmer<ref name="crashonline.org.uk"/>
* MicroProjects Ltd (Jason Perkins, Mark Rogers, Anthony Clarke)
* MicroProjects Ltd (Jason Perkins, Mark Rogers, Anthony Clarke)
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}
* Richard Hall - Production Manager
* Richard Hall Production Manager


== Video games ==
== Video games ==
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===As Gremlin Interactive===
===As Gremlin Interactive===
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*''Monty Mole'' series (1984-1990)
*''Monty Mole'' series (1984–1990)
**''[[Wanted: Monty Mole]]'' (1984)
**''[[Wanted: Monty Mole]]'' (1984)
**''[[Monty Is Innocent]]'' (1985)
**''[[Monty Is Innocent]]'' (1985)
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*''[[Gary Lineker's Superstar Soccer]]'' (1987)
*''[[Gary Lineker's Superstar Soccer]]'' (1987)
*''[[Technocop]]'' (1988)
*''[[Technocop]]'' (1988)
*''Motor Massacre'' (1988)
*''[[Road Raider|Motor Massacre]]'' (1988)
*''[[Dark Fusion]]'' (1988)
*''[[Dark Fusion]]'' (1988)
*''[[Mickey Mouse: The Computer Game]]'' (1988)
*''[[Mickey Mouse: The Computer Game]]'' (1988)
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*''[[Switchblade (video game)|Switchblade]]'' (1989)
*''[[Switchblade (video game)|Switchblade]]'' (1989)
**''[[Switchblade II]]'' (1991)
**''[[Switchblade II]]'' (1991)
*''[[Lotus (video game series)|Lotus]]'' series (1990-1992)
*''[[Lotus (video game series)|Lotus]]'' series (1990–1992)
**''Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge'' (1990)
**''Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge'' (1990)
**''Lotus Turbo Challenge 2'' (1991)
**''Lotus Turbo Challenge 2'' (1991)
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*''[[HeroQuest (video game)|HeroQuest]]'' (1991)
*''[[HeroQuest (video game)|HeroQuest]]'' (1991)
**''[[HeroQuest II: Legacy of Sorasil]]'' (1994)
**''[[HeroQuest II: Legacy of Sorasil]]'' (1994)
*''[[BSS Jane Seymour]]'' (aka ''Spacewrecked'') (1990)
*''Spacewrecked: 14 Billion Light Years from Earth'' (1990)
*''[[Team Suzuki (video game)|Team Suzuki]]'' (1991)
*''[[Utopia: The Creation of a Nation]]'' (1991)
*''[[Utopia: The Creation of a Nation]]'' (1991)
*''[[Harlequin (video game)|Harlequin]]'' (1992)
*''[[Harlequin (video game)|Harlequin]]'' (1992)
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*''[[Nigel Mansell's World Championship Racing]]'' (1992)
*''[[Nigel Mansell's World Championship Racing]]'' (1992)
*''[[Plan 9 from Outer Space (video game)|Plan 9 from Outer Space]]'' (1992)
*''[[Plan 9 from Outer Space (video game)|Plan 9 from Outer Space]]'' (1992)
*''[[Premier Manager]]'' series (1992-2000)
*''[[Premier Manager]]'' series (1992–2000)
**''[[Premier Manager (video game)|Premier Manager]]'' (1992)
**''[[Premier Manager (video game)|Premier Manager]]'' (1992)
**''[[Premier Manager 2]]'' (1993)
**''[[Premier Manager 2]]'' (1993)
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*''[[Race Days]]'' (1994)
*''[[Race Days]]'' (1994)
*''[[Shadow Fighter (video game)|Shadow Fighter]]'' (1994)
*''[[Shadow Fighter (video game)|Shadow Fighter]]'' (1994)
*''[[Actua Sports]]'' series (1995-1999)
*''[[Actua Sports]]'' series (1995–1999)
**''[[Actua Soccer]]'' (1995)
**''[[Actua Soccer]]'' (1995)
**''[[Actua Golf]]'' (1996)
**''[[Actua Golf]]'' (1996)
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|-
|-
| ''[[Hogs of War]]''
| ''[[Hogs of War]]''
| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Microsoft Windows]]
| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|-
|-
| ''PGA European Tour Golf''
| ''PGA European Tour Golf''
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| rowspan="2" | {{Dts|2001}}
| rowspan="2" | {{Dts|2001}}
| ''[[UEFA Challenge]]''
| ''[[UEFA Challenge]]''
| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Microsoft Windows]]
| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|-
|-
| ''[[Wacky Races: Starring Dastardly and Muttley]]''
| ''[[Wacky Races: Starring Dastardly and Muttley]]''
Line 237: Line 233:
| rowspan="2" | {{Dts|2003}}
| rowspan="2" | {{Dts|2003}}
| ''[[Superman: Shadow of Apokolips]]''
| ''[[Superman: Shadow of Apokolips]]''
| rowspan="2" | [[Nintendo GameCube]]
| rowspan="2" | [[GameCube]]
|-
|-
| ''Micro Machines'' (2002)
| ''Micro Machines'' (2002)
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== External links ==
== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19970119095452/http://www.gremlin.co.uk/ Wayback Archive]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19970119095452/http://www.gremlin.co.uk/ Wayback Archive]
* [http://www.mobygames.com/company/infogrames-studios-ltd Gremlin Interactive profile] from [[MobyGames]]
* [http://www.mobygames.com/company/infogrames-studios-ltd Gremlin Interactive profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318032522/http://www.mobygames.com/company/infogrames-studios-ltd |date=18 March 2017 }} from [[MobyGames]]


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

Revision as of 12:43, 22 June 2024

Infogrames Studios Limited
Formerly
  • Gremlin Graphics Software Limited (1984–1994)
  • Gremlin Interactive Limited (1994–2000)
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryVideo games
Founded1984; 40 years ago (1984)
Founder
  • Ian Stewart
  • Kevin Norburn
Defunct2003; 21 years ago (2003)
FateDissolved by parent, former employees formed Sumo Digital. Assets acquired by Zoo Digital, later reacquired by Urbanscan.
SuccessorSumo Digital
Headquarters,
Key people
Paul Porter (studio manager)
ParentInfogrames

Gremlin Graphics Software Limited, later Gremlin Interactive Limited and ultimately Infogrames Studios Limited[1] was a British software house based in Sheffield, working mostly in the home computer market. Like many software houses established in the 1980s, their primary market was the 8-bit range of computers such as the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, MSX, Commodore 16 and Commodore 64. The company was acquired by French video game publisher Infogrames in 1999 and was renamed Infogrames Studios in 2000. Infogrames Studios closed down in 2003.

History

The company, originally a computer store called Just Micro, was established as a software house in 1984 with the name Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd by Ian Stewart and Kevin Norburn[2] with US Gold's Geoff Brown owning 75% of the company[3]: 65  until mid-1989.[4] Gremlin's early success was based on games such as Wanted: Monty Mole for the ZX Spectrum and Thing on a Spring for the Commodore 64. [citation needed]

In 1994, it was renamed as Gremlin Interactive, now concentrating on the 16-bit, PC and console market.[5] Gremlin enjoyed major success with the Zool and Premier Manager series in the early 1990s, and then with Actua Soccer, the first football game in full 3D; other successful games included the Lotus racing series; a futuristic racing game, Motorhead; a stunt car racing game, Fatal Racing (1995); and the 1998 flight simulator Hardwar. Following EA's success with the EA Sports brand, Gremlin also released their own sports videogame series, adding Golf, Tennis and Ice Hockey to their Actua Sports series. During this time, they used a motif from the Siegfried Funeral March from Götterdämmerung as introductory music.

The company was floated on the stock market to raise funds.[6]

In 1997, Gremlin acquired Imagitec Design[7] and DMA Design (creators of Grand Theft Auto and Lemmings). In 1999, they themselves were bought by Infogrames for around £24 million [8][9] and renamed "Infogrames Sheffield House". Infogrames closed the studio in 2003. The building they latterly occupied near Devonshire Green has since been demolished when Infogrames Sheffield House was supposed to be renamed "Atari Sheffield House". In October 2003, Zoo Digital, the successor company to Gremlin, purchased the company's assets from the now-named Atari.[10]

Following the administration of Zoo Digital (later renamed Zushi Games), Gremlin Interactive's catalogue and name were bought up by Ian Stewart's new company Urbanscan.[11]

The Gremlin trademarks (including the g Gremlin logo) are now owned by Warner Bros Entertainment.[12][13][14]

Key staff

Gremlin staff had included:

  • Kevin Bulmer – Designer/graphics artist
  • Jon Harrison – Designer/graphics artist
  • Gary Priest – Programmer
  • Bill Allen – Programmer
  • Richard Stevenson – Programmer
  • David Martin – Marketing Director
  • Ben Daglish – Outsourced Musician
  • Ade Carless – Designer/graphics artist
  • Shaun McClure – Graphics artist / Art Resource Manager
  • Antony Crowther ('Ratt') – Designer, programmer[2]
  • Asad Habib – Lead Tester
  • Paul Whitehead – Tester / Designer
  • Ian Stewart – Managing director[15]
  • Kevin Norburn – Operations director
  • Patrick Phelan – Software manager/sound engineer
  • Chris Harvey – Lead console programmer
  • Wayne Laybourn – Artist
  • Chris Shrigley – Designer / Programmer[16]
  • Peter Harrap – Programmer[2]
  • Chris Kerry – Programmer[2]
  • Shaun Hollingworth – Programmer[2]
  • MicroProjects Ltd (Jason Perkins, Mark Rogers, Anthony Clarke)
  • Richard Hall – Production Manager

Video games

As Gremlin Interactive

As Infogrames Sheffield House

Year Title Platform(s) Publisher(s)
1999 PGA European Tour Golf PlayStation Infogrames
2000 Premier Manager 2000
Hogs of War PlayStation, Windows
PGA European Tour Golf Nintendo 64
Wacky Races Dreamcast
2001 UEFA Challenge PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Windows
Wacky Races: Starring Dastardly and Muttley PlayStation 2
2002 Slam Tennis PlayStation 2, Xbox
Superman: Shadow of Apokolips PlayStation 2
Micro Machines PlayStation 2, Xbox
2003 Superman: Shadow of Apokolips GameCube
Micro Machines (2002)

See also

  • Sumo Digital: Game developer founded by former members of Gremlin management.
  • Martech: Video game publisher founded in the 1980s by David Martin.

References

  1. ^ "INFOGRAMES STUDIOS LIMITED – Overview (free company information from Companies House)". beta.companieshouse.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 22 July 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e "CRASH 18 – Gremlin Graphics". www.crashonline.org.uk.
  3. ^ Wilkins, Chris; Kean, Roger M (2015). The Story Of U.S. Gold. Fusion Retro Books. p. 69. ISBN 9780993131530.
  4. ^ "Snippets". New Computer Express. Future Publishing. 5 August 1989. p. 5. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
  5. ^ "Planet Sinclair: The Sinclair Industry: Publishers: Gremlin". www.nvg.ntnu.no.
  6. ^ "A Gremlin in the Works". Bitmap Books.
  7. ^ "Gremlin Buy Imagitec". Sega Saturn Magazine. No. 18. Emap International Limited. April 1997. p. 7.
  8. ^ "Zoo Digital: Ian Stewart – Startups.co.uk: Starting a business advice and business ideas".
  9. ^ "Infogrames Buys UK Games Company Gremlin | Computergram International | Find Articles at BNET.com". Findarticles.com. 1999. Archived from the original on 22 March 2005. Retrieved 2 November 2009.
  10. ^ "Investegate |Zoo Digital Group Announcements | Zoo Digital Group: Acquisition". Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
  11. ^ "Gremlin Graphics presents: Bounder's World and the return of Super Cars". 22 July 2011.
  12. ^ "GREMLIN – UK00001122987". trademarks.ipo.gov.uk. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  13. ^ "GREMLIN – UK00001313745". trademarks.ipo.gov.uk. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  14. ^ "g Gremlin – UK00002032262". trademarks.ipo.gov.uk. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  15. ^ "Gremlin founder Ian Stewart – RETRO GAMESMASTER". www.retrogamesmaster.co.uk. 3 September 2016.
  16. ^ @hardistymark, Mark James Hardisty. "Search Results for "chris shrigley" – The Gremlin Graphics Archive". www.gremlinarchive.com.