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{{Short description|British video game developer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2013}}
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| name = Blitz Games Studios Limited
| name = Blitz Games Studios Limited
| logo = BlitzGamesStudios logo.svg
| logo = BlitzGamesStudios logo.svg
| former_name = {{Unbulleted list|class=nowrap|Dizzy Enterprises Limited (1990–1994)|Interactive Studios Limited (1994–1999)|Blitz Games Limited (1999–2008)}}
| type = [[Video game developer]]
| type = [[Privately held company|Private]]
| successor = [[Rebellion Warwick|Radiant Worlds]]
| foundation = 1990
| location = [[Leamington Spa]], [[Warwickshire]], [[England]], [[United Kingdom]]
| key_people = [[Oliver Twins|Philip Oliver, Andrew Oliver]], Richard Smithies
| num_employees = 230+<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/06/29/droplitz-drops-in-to-psn |title=Droplitz Drops in to PSN – PlayStation.Blog |publisher=Blog.us.playstation.com |accessdate=2013-09-13}}</ref>
| industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]
| industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]
| founded = {{Start date and age|1990}}
| divisions = [[Blitz Games]]<br>[[Blitz Arcade]]<br>[[Volatile Games]]<br>[[TruSim]]<br>Blitz Academy<br>BlitzTech
| founders = [[Oliver Twins|{{Unbulleted list|Andrew Oliver|Philip Oliver}}]]
| homepage = {{URL|http://www.blitzgamesstudios.com}}
| defunct = {{End date|2013|09|12}}
| fate = [[Dissolution (law)|Dissolved]]
| successor = [[Radiant Worlds]]
| hq_location_city = [[Leamington Spa]]
| hq_location_country = England
| key_people = {{Unbulleted list|class=nowrap|Philip Oliver ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])|Andrew Oliver ([[Chief technology officer|CTO]])|Richard Smithies ([[Chief operating officer|COO]])}}
| num_employees = 230+<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/06/29/droplitz-drops-in-to-psn |title=Droplitz Drops in to PSN – PlayStation.Blog |publisher=Blog.us.playstation.com |access-date=2013-09-13}}</ref>
| num_employees_year = 2009
| divisions = {{Unbulleted list|Blitz Games|Blitz Arcade|Volatile Games|TruSim|Blitz Academy|BlitzTech}}
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.blitzgames.com/}}
}}
}}


'''Blitz Games Studios Limited''' was a [[video game developer]] located in [[Leamington Spa]], United Kingdom best known for producing games such as ''[[The Fairly OddParents]]'', ''[[Bratz]]'', ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]'', ''[[The Biggest Loser]]'', and ''[[Karaoke Revolution]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Warr |first=Philippa |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-09/12/blitz-games-studio-closes |title=Blitz Games Studios announces closure after 23 years |publisher=Wired.co.uk |accessdate=2013-09-13 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915073849/http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-09/12/blitz-games-studio-closes |archivedate=15 September 2013}}</ref> It was founded by the [[Oliver Twins]], Andrew and Philip Oliver, in [[1990 in video gaming|1990]] as Interactive Studios. The twins had completed their first game in [[1984 in video gaming|1984]] and started developing titles for [[video game publisher]] [[Codemasters]] in 1985.
'''Blitz Games Studios Limited''' was a British [[video game developer]] based in [[Leamington Spa]]. Founded in 1990 by the [[Oliver Twins]], who ran the company until its closure in 2013, it is best known for producing games such as ''[[The Fairly OddParents]]'', ''[[Bratz]]'', ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]'', ''[[The Biggest Loser]]'', and ''[[Karaoke Revolution]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Warr |first=Philippa |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-09/12/blitz-games-studio-closes |title=Blitz Games Studios announces closure after 23 years |publisher=Wired.co.uk |access-date=2013-09-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915073849/http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-09/12/blitz-games-studio-closes |archive-date=15 September 2013}}</ref>

== Divisions ==


==Divisions==
===Blitz Games===
===Blitz Games===
[[Blitz Games]] created the games that the company first became well known for: family titles, often licensed on popular characters and existing [[intellectual property]].
Blitz Games created the games that the company first became well known for: family titles, often licensed on popular characters and existing [[intellectual property]].


===Blitz Arcade===
===Blitz Arcade===
''Blitz Arcade'' was founded in 2006 with a team of 35 people. It was focused on developing downloadable titles of a small scope.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stuart|first=Keith|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2009/mar/12/gameculture-playstation |title=Blitz Games Studios: altruism, recession and the arcade business |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=12 March 2009 |accessdate=13 November 2019}}</ref> Its first release was an [[Advergaming|advergame]] series created for the US [[Burger King]] chain. After that, Blitz Arcade turned its focus to downloadable titles and had success with its first game of this type: ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants: Underpants Slam]]''. They also developed shooter ''[[PowerUp Forever]]'', puzzler ''[[Droplitz]]'' and the [[3DTV]]-compatible beat 'em up ''[[Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/news/12810 |title=C3 Exclusive Interview &#124; Seeing Double: The Oliver Twins (Blitz Games Studios) #1 at Nintendo Cubed3 |publisher=Cubed3.com |accessdate=2013-09-13}}</ref>
''Blitz Arcade'' was founded in 2006 with a team of 35 people. It was focused on developing downloadable titles of a small scope.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stuart|first=Keith|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2009/mar/12/gameculture-playstation |title=Blitz Games Studios: altruism, recession and the arcade business |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=12 March 2009 |access-date=13 November 2019}}</ref> Its first release was an [[Advergaming|advergame]] series created for the US [[Burger King]] chain. After that, Blitz Arcade turned its focus to downloadable titles and had success with its first game of this type: ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants: Underpants Slam]]''. They also developed shooter ''[[PowerUp Forever]]'', puzzler ''[[Droplitz]]'' and the [[3DTV]]-compatible beat 'em up ''[[Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/news/12810 |title=C3 Exclusive Interview &#124; Seeing Double: The Oliver Twins (Blitz Games Studios) #1 at Nintendo Cubed3 |publisher=Cubed3.com |access-date=2013-09-13}}</ref>


===Volatile Games===
===Volatile Games===
'''Volatile Games''' was responsible for the company's mature games. The division dates from 2006.<ref name="moby">{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/company/volatile-games |title=Volatile Games |publisher=[[MobyGames]] |access-date=13 May 2018}}</ref> The company and the division ended in 2013.<ref name="history">{{cite web |url=https://volatilegames.com/ |title=U.K. Blitz Game Studios Closes After 23 Years |publisher=Volatile Games |access-date=13 May 2018}}</ref>
{{Infobox company
| name = Volatile Games
| logo = VolatileGames logo.svg
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| genre =
| foundation = 1990
| founder =
| successor = [[Rebellion Warwick|Radiant Worlds]]
| location_city =
| location_country =
| location = [[Warwickshire]], [[United Kingdom]]
| locations =
| area_served =
| key_people =
| industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]
| products =
| services =
| revenue =
| operating_income =
| net_income =
| assets =
| equity =
| owner =
| num_employees =
| parent = Blitz Games Studios
| divisions =
| subsid =
| slogan =
| homepage = [http://www.VolatileGames.com/ www.VolatileGames.com]
| footnotes =
| intl =
}}
'''Volatile Games''' was responsible for the company's mature games. The division dates from 2006.<ref name="moby">{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/company/volatile-games |title=Volatile Games |publisher=[[MobyGames]] |accessdate=13 May 2018}}</ref> The company and the division ended in 2013.<ref name="history">{{cite web |url=https://volatilegames.com/ |title=U.K. Blitz Game Studios Closes After 23 Years |publisher=Volatile Games |accessdate=13 May 2018}}</ref>


Video games created by this division include ''[[Reservoir Dogs (video game)|Reservoir Dogs]]'', runner-up in the 2006 [[BAFTA]] awards for Best Soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/site/page413.html |title=BAFTA Awards |publisher=Bafta.org |accessdate=2013-09-13}}</ref> Despite allowing the player to complete the game without firing a single shot, the game was considered so realistic in its depictions of violence that it was banned in Australia.<ref>{{cite web |author= 5:42PM PDT |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6153207.html?sid=6153207 |title=Reservoir Dogs game banned in Australia - GameSpot.com |publisher=Uk.gamespot.com |date=2006-08-25 |accessdate=2013-09-13 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930161148/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6153207.html?sid=6153207 |archivedate=30 September 2007}}</ref> They released ''[[Dead to Rights: Retribution]]'' on 27 April 2010.
Video games created by this division include ''[[Reservoir Dogs (video game)|Reservoir Dogs]]'', runner-up in the 2006 [[BAFTA]] awards for Best Soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/site/page413.html |title=BAFTA Awards |publisher=Bafta.org |access-date=2013-09-13}}</ref> Despite allowing the player to complete the game without firing a single shot, the game was considered so realistic in its depictions of violence that it was banned in Australia.<ref>{{cite web |author= 5:42PM PDT |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6153207.html?sid=6153207 |title=Reservoir Dogs game banned in Australia - GameSpot.com |publisher=Uk.gamespot.com |date=2006-08-25 |access-date=2013-09-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930161148/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6153207.html?sid=6153207 |archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref> They released ''[[Dead to Rights: Retribution]]'' on 27 April 2010.


A proposed game, ''[[Possession (video game)|Possession]]'', was cancelled.
A proposed game, ''[[Possession (video game)|Possession]]'', was cancelled.


===TruSim===
===TruSim===
''TruSim'' was the [[serious game]]s division. The idea was to bring commitment to training through video games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/business/playtime-at-work-3100313 |title=Playtime at work |work=[[Coventry Telegraph]] |date=7 March 2008|accessdate=13 November 2019}}</ref> It is best known for its work on medical-related training programs including the award-winning Interactive Trauma Trainer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iecs.bham.ac.uk/hit/sg_research.htm |title=School of Electronic, Electrical and Computer Engineering - University of Birmingham |publisher=Iecs.bham.ac.uk |accessdate=2013-09-13}}</ref>
''TruSim'' was the [[serious game]]s division. The idea was to bring commitment to training through video games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/business/playtime-at-work-3100313 |title=Playtime at work |work=[[Coventry Telegraph]] |date=7 March 2008|access-date=13 November 2019}}</ref> It is best known for its work on medical-related training programs including the award-winning Interactive Trauma Trainer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iecs.bham.ac.uk/hit/sg_research.htm |title=School of Electronic, Electrical and Computer Engineering - University of Birmingham |publisher=Iecs.bham.ac.uk |access-date=2013-09-13}}</ref>


===BlitzTech===
===BlitzTech===
Line 73: Line 47:


====Virtual Experience Company====
====Virtual Experience Company====
Past projects include the [[Tintern Abbey]] [[virtual tour]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ancient abbey's virtual world|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_east/2958778.stm|date=3 June 2003|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=29 July 2009}}</ref> The company was acquired by Blitz Games at the end of 2006 but was sold back to former owner Mike Gogan in May 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Virtual Experience Company Parts From Blitz Games Studios|url=http://seriousgames.ning.com/group/gamesandvirtualworldsforcultureandheritage/forum/topics/630751:Topic:40217|date=7 May 2008|publisher=[[Serious Games]]|accessdate=29 July 2009}}</ref>
Past projects include the [[Tintern Abbey]] [[virtual tour]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ancient abbey's virtual world|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_east/2958778.stm|date=3 June 2003|work=BBC News|access-date=29 July 2009}}</ref> The company was acquired by Blitz Games at the end of 2006 but was sold back to former owner Mike Gogan in May 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Virtual Experience Company Parts From Blitz Games Studios|url=http://seriousgames.ning.com/group/gamesandvirtualworldsforcultureandheritage/forum/topics/630751:Topic:40217|date=7 May 2008|publisher=[[Serious Games]]|access-date=29 July 2009}}</ref>


====Blitz 1UP====
====Blitz 1UP====
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== Games ==
== Games ==
Games created or published by Interactive Studios/Blitz Games Studios include:
Games created or published by Interactive Studios/Blitz Games Studios include:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
|-
*''[[Shrek Alarm]]'' (2013)
! Year
*''[[Paper Titans]]'' (2013)
! Title
*''[[Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two]]'' (2012)
! Platforms
*''Kumo Lumo'' (2012)
|-
*''[[Puss in Boots (video game)|Puss in Boots]]'' (2011)
| 1996
*''[[Michael Phelps: Push the Limit]]'' (2011)
*''[[SpongeBob's Surf & Skate Roadtrip]]'' (2011)
| ''[[Firo & Klawd]]''
| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[MS-DOS]]
*''[[Fantastic Pets]]'' (2011)
|-
*''[[Yoostar 2]]'' (2011)
| rowspan="2" | 1998
*''[[Droplitz Delight]]'' (2010)
| ''[[WarGames: Defcon 1]]''
*''[[SFG Soccer: Football Fever]]'' (2010) - Published by [[Blitz 1UP]]
| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
*''[[The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout]]'' (2010)
|-
*''[[The Biggest Loser Challenge]]'' (2010)
| ''[[Glover (video game)|Glover]]''
*''[[Dead to Rights: Retribution]]'' (2010)
| [[Nintendo 64]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
*''[[All Star Karate]]'' (2010)
|-
*''[[Biggest Loser]]'' (2009)
| 1999
*''[[Karaoke Revolution]]'' (2009)
| ''[[Action Man]]: Mission Xtreme''
*''[[iCarly (video game)|iCarly]]'' (2009)
| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
*''[[KrissX]]'' (2009) - Published by [[Blitz 1UP]]
|-
*''[[Fluttabyes]]'' (2009)- Published by [[Blitz 1UP]]
| rowspan="4" | 2000
*''[[Mole Control]]'' (2009)- Published by [[Blitz 1UP]]
| ''[[Action Man]]: Destruction X''
*''[[Clover: A Curious Tale]]'' (2009)- Published by [[Blitz 1UP]]
| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
*''[[Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao]]'' (Q4 2009)
|-
*''[[Droplitz]]'' (Q3 2009)
| ''The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea''
*''[[PowerUp Forever]]'' (2008)
| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
*''[[Buccaneer: The Pursuit of Infamy]]'' (2008)- Published by [[Blitz 1UP]]
|-
*''[[Karaoke Revolution|Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2]]'' (2008)
| ''[[Frogger 2: Swampy's Revenge]]''
*''[[Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?#Video game|Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Make the Grade]]'' (2008)
| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Dreamcast]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
*''[[Bratz Girlz Really Rock (video game)|Bratz Girlz Really Rock]]'' (2008)
|-
*''[[Tak and the Guardians of Gross]]'' (2008)
| ''[[Chicken Run (video game)|Chicken Run]]''
*''Project Aftermath'' (2008)- Published by [[Blitz 1UP]]
| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Dreamcast]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Game Boy Color]]
*''[[Karaoke Revolution|Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore]]'' (2008) <!--Blitz's website lists the release year as 2007; this is incorrect. According to Xbox.com and MobyGames.com, it is 2008.-->
|-
*''[[SpongeBob SquarePants: Underpants Slam]]''<ref>{{cite web|author=LarryZ. |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/spongebobunderpantsslam?q=spongebob%20slam |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: Underpants Slam! for Xbox 360 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |date=2007-12-26 |accessdate=2013-09-13}}</ref> (2007)
| rowspan="3" | 2001
*''[[SpongeBob's Atlantis SquarePantis (video game)|SpongeBob's Atlantis SquarePantis]]'' (2007)
*''[[Bratz: The Movie (video game)]]'' (2007)
| ''[[The Mummy Returns#Video game|The Mummy Returns]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]]
*''[[Karaoke Revolution|Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol]]'' (2007)
|-
*''[[Big Bumpin']]'' (2006)
| ''[[Cubix - Robots for Everyone: Race 'N Robots]]''
*''[[PocketBike Racer]]'' (2006)
| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Game Boy Color]]
*''[[Sneak King]]'' (2006)
|-
*''[[SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab]]'' (2006)
| ''[[Fuzion Frenzy]]''
*''[[Bratz: Forever Diamondz (video game)|Bratz: Forever Diamondz]]'' (2006)
| [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]
*''[[Reservoir Dogs (video game)|Reservoir Dogs]]'' (2006)
|-
*''[[Pac-Man World 3]]'' (2005)
| rowspan="4" | 2002
*''[[Bratz: Rock Angelz (video game)|Bratz: Rock Angelz]]'' (2005)
| ''Cubix - Robots for Everyone: Clash 'N Bash''
*''[[The Fairly OddParents: Shadow Showdown]]'' (2004)
| [[Game Boy Advance]]
*''[[Bad Boys: Miami Takedown]]'' (2004)
|-
*''[[Barbie Horse Adventures: Wild Horse Rescue]]'' (2003)
*''[[The Fairly OddParents: Breakin' Da Rules]]'' (2003)
| ''[[Lilo & Stitch: Trouble in Paradise]]''
| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
*''[[Cubix Robots for Everyone: Showdown]]'' (2003)
|-
*''[[Zapper: One Wicked Cricket]]'' (2002)
*''[[Taz: Wanted]]'' (2002)
| ''[[Taz: Wanted]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[GameCube]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
*''[[Lilo & Stitch: Trouble in Paradise]]'' (2002)
|-
*''[[Fuzion Frenzy]]'' (2001)
| ''[[Zapper: One Wicked Cricket]]''
*''[[The Mummy Returns#Video game|The Mummy Returns]]'' (2001)
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[GameCube]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
*''[[Chicken Run (video game)|Chicken Run]]'' (2000)
|-
*''The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea'' (2000)
| rowspan="3" | 2003
*''[[Frogger 2: Swampy's Revenge]]'' (2000)
| ''[[Cubix Robots for Everyone: Showdown]]''
*''[[Action Man]]: Destruction X'' (2000)
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[GameCube]]
*''[[Action Man]]: Mission Xtreme'' (1999)
|-
*''[[Glover (video game)|Glover]]'' (1999)
*''[[WarGames: Defcon 1|WarGames: Defcon 1]]'' (1998)
| ''[[The Fairly OddParents: Breakin' Da Rules]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[GameCube]]
}}
|-
| ''[[Barbie Horse Adventures#Wild Horse Rescue|Barbie Horse Adventures: Wild Horse Rescue]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2004
| ''[[Bad Boys: Miami Takedown]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[GameCube]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|-
| ''[[The Fairly OddParents: Shadow Showdown]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[GameCube]]
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2005
| ''[[Bratz: Rock Angelz (video game)|Bratz: Rock Angelz]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[GameCube]]
|-
| ''[[Pac-Man World 3]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[GameCube]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[PlayStation Portable]]
|-
| rowspan="6" | 2006
| ''[[Reservoir Dogs (video game)|Reservoir Dogs]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|-
| ''[[Bratz: Forever Diamondz (video game)|Bratz: Forever Diamondz]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[GameCube]]
|-
| ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[Wii]], [[GameCube]]
|-
| ''[[Sneak King]]''
| [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Xbox 360]]
|-
| ''[[PocketBike Racer]]''
| [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Xbox 360]]
|-
| ''[[Big Bumpin']]''
| [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Xbox 360]]
|-
| rowspan="4" | 2007
| ''[[Karaoke Revolution|Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]]
|-
| ''[[Bratz: The Movie (video game)|Bratz: The Movie]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[Wii]]
|-
| ''[[SpongeBob's Atlantis SquarePantis (video game)|SpongeBob's Atlantis SquarePantis]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[Wii]]
|-
| ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants: Underpants Slam]]''
| [[Xbox 360]]
|-
| rowspan="8" | 2008
| ''[[Karaoke Revolution|Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore]]'' <!--Blitz's website lists the release year as 2007; this is incorrect. According to Xbox.com and MobyGames.com, it is 2008.-->
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Wii]]
|-
| ''Project Aftermath''
| [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|-
| ''[[Tak and the Guardians of Gross]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[Wii]]
|-
| ''[[Bratz: Girlz Really Rock (video game)|Bratz: Girlz Really Rock]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]], [[Wii]]
|-
| ''[[Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?#Video game|Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Make the Grade]]''
| [[Xbox 360]]
|-
| ''[[Karaoke Revolution|Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2]]''
| [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Wii]]
|-
| ''[[Buccaneer: The Pursuit of Infamy]]''
| [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|-
| ''[[PowerUp Forever]]''
| [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]]
|-
| rowspan="7" | 2009
| ''[[Droplitz]]''
| [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[iOS]]
|-
| ''[[Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao]]''
| [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]]
|-
| ''KrissX''
| [[Xbox 360]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Mac (computer)|Mac]]
|-
| ''[[iCarly (video game)|iCarly]]''
| [[Wii]], [[Nintendo DS]]
|-
| ''[[Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?#Video game|Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Game Time]]''
| [[Xbox 360]]
|-
| ''[[Karaoke Revolution]]''
| [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Wii]]
|-
| ''[[The Biggest Loser]]''
| [[Wii]]
|-
| rowspan="9" | 2010
| ''Fluttabyes''
| [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|-
| ''Clover: A Curious Tale''
| [[Xbox 360]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|-
| ''Mole Control''
| [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|-
| ''All Star Karate''
| [[Wii]]
|-
| ''[[Dead to Rights: Retribution]]''
| [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]]
|-
| ''[[The Biggest Loser Challenge]]''
| [[Wii]]
|-
| ''[[The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout]]''
| [[Xbox 360]]
|-
| ''SFG Soccer: Football Fever''
| [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|-
| ''Droplitz Delight''
| [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]]
|-
| rowspan="6" | 2011
| ''[[Your Doodles Are Bugged!]]''
| [[Xbox 360]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|-
| ''[[Yoostar#Yoostar 2|Yoostar 2]]''
| [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Mac (computer)|Mac]]
|-
| ''[[Fantastic Pets]]''
| [[Xbox 360]]
|-
| ''[[SpongeBob's Surf & Skate Roadtrip]]''
| [[Xbox 360]]
|-
| ''Michael Phelps: Push the Limit''
| [[Xbox 360]]
|-
| ''[[Puss in Boots (video game)|Puss in Boots]]''
| [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Wii]]
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2012
| ''Kumo Lumo''
| [[iOS]]
|-
| ''[[Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two]]''
| [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Wii]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[PlayStation Vita]], [[Wii U]]
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2013
| ''[[Paper Titans]]''
| [[iOS]]
|-
| ''Shrek Alarm''
| [[iOS]]
|-
|2015
| ''Valedo Home''
| [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]]
|-
|
| ''Raceline CC''
| [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]]
|}


== Awards ==
== Awards ==
'''2007'''
'''2007'''
*Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2007 - Favourite Videogame – SpongeBob SquarePants Creature from the Krusty Krab
* Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2007 - Favourite Videogame – SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab
*Edge award for Training and Development of young people
* Edge award for Training and Development of young people
*ICT Excellence in Skills
* ICT Excellence in Skills
*Blitz Games wins Develop Industry Excellence Award for Business Development
* Blitz Games wins Develop Industry Excellence Award for Business Development
*Cannes Titanium Grand Prix Award for the Burger King games
* Cannes Titanium Grand Prix Award for the Burger King games
*Golden Clio Award for Burger King games
* Golden Clio Award for Burger King games


'''2006'''
'''2006'''
*Blitz Games CEO Philip Oliver named Best Industry Player by [[The Independent Games Developers Association|TIGA]] [http://www.tiga.org/index.php?action=showNewsDetails&newsId=39]
* Blitz Games CEO Philip Oliver named Best Industry Player by [[The Independent Games Developers Association|TIGA]] [http://www.tiga.org/index.php?action=showNewsDetails&newsId=39]
*Warwickshire Employer of Choice Awards 2006 for creating an exceptional working environment [https://web.archive.org/web/20080607234635/http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/Web/corporate/pages.nsf/Links/504E3FCF32EB39C28025723E003C4E25].
* Warwickshire Employer of Choice Awards 2006 for creating an exceptional working environment [https://web.archive.org/web/20080607234635/http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/Web/corporate/pages.nsf/Links/504E3FCF32EB39C28025723E003C4E25].


==Closure==
==Closure==
On 12 September 2013, the company announced that it was closing after 23 years of business.<ref name="bbc">{{cite web|last=Lee |first=Dave |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24066065 |title=UK games developer Blitz Games Studios shuts down |publisher=bbc.co.uk |date=2013-09-12 |accessdate=2013-09-15}}</ref> The closure came as a result of the company struggling to raise money to support future development projects, with the demise of [[THQ]], a major client, said by Philip Oliver to have hit the company particularly hard.<ref name="bbc" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Yin-Poole|first1=Wesley|title=There have been a lot of men crying, including me|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-09-12-there-have-been-a-lot-of-men-crying-including-me|accessdate=8 August 2017|work=Eurogamer|date=12 September 2013}}</ref> The company is reported to have owed £2.2 million to staff and creditors.<ref>{{cite news|title=Creditors owed £2.2m after games firm collapse|url=http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/creative/2m-debts-leamington-based-blitz-games-6237612|accessdate=8 August 2017|work=Birmingham Post|date=24 October 2013}}</ref>
On 12 September 2013, the company announced that it was closing after 23 years of business.<ref name="bbc">{{cite web|last=Lee |first=Dave |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24066065 |title=UK games developer Blitz Games Studios shuts down |publisher=bbc.co.uk |date=2013-09-12 |access-date=2013-09-15}}</ref> The closure came as a result of the company struggling to raise money to support future development projects, with the demise of [[THQ]], a major client, said by Philip Oliver to have hit the company particularly hard.<ref name="bbc" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Yin-Poole|first1=Wesley|title=There have been a lot of men crying, including me|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-09-12-there-have-been-a-lot-of-men-crying-including-me|access-date=8 August 2017|work=Eurogamer|date=12 September 2013}}</ref> The company is reported to have owed £2.2 million to staff and creditors.<ref>{{cite news|title=Creditors owed £2.2m after games firm collapse|url=http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/creative/2m-debts-leamington-based-blitz-games-6237612|access-date=8 August 2017|work=Birmingham Post|date=24 October 2013}}</ref>


The Oliver brothers along with the former company's [[Chief operating officer|COO]] Richard Smithies almost immediately formed a new company, [[Radiant Worlds]], in the same town, and were reported to have recruited up to 50 former Blitz staff.<ref name="indie">{{cite news|first=David |last=Crookes |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/ukbased-blitz-games-studios-to-close-after-23-years-8814834.html |title=UK-based Blitz Games Studios to close after 23 years - News - Gadgets & Tech |newspaper=The Independent |date=2013-07-29 |accessdate=2013-09-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/205800/Defunct_Blitz_Games_Studios_returns_as_Radiant_Worlds.php|title=Defunct Blitz Games Studios returns as Radiant Worlds|last=Rose|first=Mike|date=27 November 2013|work=[[Gamasutra]]|publisher=Think Services|accessdate=27 November 2013}}</ref>
The Oliver brothers along with the former company's [[Chief operating officer|COO]] Richard Smithies almost immediately formed a new company, [[Radiant Worlds]], in the same town, and were reported to have recruited up to 50 former Blitz staff.<ref name="indie">{{cite news|first=David |last=Crookes |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/ukbased-blitz-games-studios-to-close-after-23-years-8814834.html |title=UK-based Blitz Games Studios to close after 23 years - News - Gadgets & Tech |newspaper=The Independent |date=2013-07-29 |access-date=2013-09-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/205800/Defunct_Blitz_Games_Studios_returns_as_Radiant_Worlds.php|title=Defunct Blitz Games Studios returns as Radiant Worlds|last=Rose|first=Mike|date=27 November 2013|work=[[Gamasutra]]|publisher=Think Services|access-date=27 November 2013}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Official website|http://www.BlitzGamesStudios.com/|Blitz Games Studios official website}}
* [https://www.blitzgames.com/ Official website]
*[http://www.mobygames.com/company/blitz-games-limited Blitz Games] entry at [[MobyGames]]
* {{MobyGames company|blitz-games-studios-ltd}}
*[http://www.olivertwins.com OliverTwins.com - a website about the company's founders.]
*[http://www.virtualexperience.co.uk Virtual Experience Company]


{{Blitz}}
{{Blitz}}


[[Category:British companies established in 1990]]
[[Category:Companies based in Leamington Spa]]
[[Category:Defunct companies of England]]
[[Category:Defunct companies of England]]
[[Category:Defunct video game companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video game companies disestablished in 2013]]
[[Category:Video game companies established in 1990]]
[[Category:Video game development companies]]
[[Category:Video game development companies]]
[[Category:Companies based in Leamington Spa]]
[[Category:British companies established in 1990]]
[[Category:Video game companies established in 1990]]
[[Category:Video game companies disestablished in 2013]]
[[Category:Defunct video game companies of the United Kingdom]]

Latest revision as of 08:03, 5 August 2024

Blitz Games Studios Limited
Formerly
  • Dizzy Enterprises Limited (1990–1994)
  • Interactive Studios Limited (1994–1999)
  • Blitz Games Limited (1999–2008)
Company typePrivate
IndustryVideo games
Founded1990; 34 years ago (1990)
Founders
  • Andrew Oliver
  • Philip Oliver
DefunctSeptember 12, 2013 (2013-09-12)
FateDissolved
SuccessorRadiant Worlds
Headquarters
Leamington Spa
,
England
Key people
  • Philip Oliver (CEO)
  • Andrew Oliver (CTO)
  • Richard Smithies (COO)
Number of employees
230+[1] (2009)
Divisions
  • Blitz Games
  • Blitz Arcade
  • Volatile Games
  • TruSim
  • Blitz Academy
  • BlitzTech
Websitewww.blitzgames.com

Blitz Games Studios Limited was a British video game developer based in Leamington Spa. Founded in 1990 by the Oliver Twins, who ran the company until its closure in 2013, it is best known for producing games such as The Fairly OddParents, Bratz, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Biggest Loser, and Karaoke Revolution.[2]

Divisions

[edit]

Blitz Games

[edit]

Blitz Games created the games that the company first became well known for: family titles, often licensed on popular characters and existing intellectual property.

Blitz Arcade

[edit]

Blitz Arcade was founded in 2006 with a team of 35 people. It was focused on developing downloadable titles of a small scope.[3] Its first release was an advergame series created for the US Burger King chain. After that, Blitz Arcade turned its focus to downloadable titles and had success with its first game of this type: SpongeBob SquarePants: Underpants Slam. They also developed shooter PowerUp Forever, puzzler Droplitz and the 3DTV-compatible beat 'em up Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao.[4]

Volatile Games

[edit]

Volatile Games was responsible for the company's mature games. The division dates from 2006.[5] The company and the division ended in 2013.[6]

Video games created by this division include Reservoir Dogs, runner-up in the 2006 BAFTA awards for Best Soundtrack.[7] Despite allowing the player to complete the game without firing a single shot, the game was considered so realistic in its depictions of violence that it was banned in Australia.[8] They released Dead to Rights: Retribution on 27 April 2010.

A proposed game, Possession, was cancelled.

TruSim

[edit]

TruSim was the serious games division. The idea was to bring commitment to training through video games.[9] It is best known for its work on medical-related training programs including the award-winning Interactive Trauma Trainer.[10]

BlitzTech

[edit]

BlitzTech created and licensed the game development engine and toolchain.

Earlier divisions

[edit]

Virtual Experience Company

[edit]

Past projects include the Tintern Abbey virtual tour.[11] The company was acquired by Blitz Games at the end of 2006 but was sold back to former owner Mike Gogan in May 2008.[12]

Blitz 1UP

[edit]

In 2008 Blitz Games Studios launched the Blitz1UP programme to help independent developers bring their games to market. The programme provided free help and advice on all aspects of game production as well as crowd sourced QA. The programme was closed in 2011 and was replaced by IndieCity, an online indie game marketplace.

Games

[edit]

Games created or published by Interactive Studios/Blitz Games Studios include:

Year Title Platforms
1996 Firo & Klawd PlayStation, Windows, MS-DOS
1998 WarGames: Defcon 1 PlayStation, Windows
Glover Nintendo 64, PlayStation, Windows
1999 Action Man: Mission Xtreme PlayStation
2000 Action Man: Destruction X PlayStation, Windows
The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea PlayStation
Frogger 2: Swampy's Revenge PlayStation, Dreamcast, Windows
Chicken Run PlayStation, Dreamcast, Windows, Game Boy Color
2001 The Mummy Returns PlayStation 2
Cubix - Robots for Everyone: Race 'N Robots PlayStation, Game Boy Color
Fuzion Frenzy Xbox
2002 Cubix - Robots for Everyone: Clash 'N Bash Game Boy Advance
Lilo & Stitch: Trouble in Paradise PlayStation, Windows
Taz: Wanted PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Windows
Zapper: One Wicked Cricket PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Windows
2003 Cubix Robots for Everyone: Showdown PlayStation 2, GameCube
The Fairly OddParents: Breakin' Da Rules PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube
Barbie Horse Adventures: Wild Horse Rescue PlayStation 2, Xbox
2004 Bad Boys: Miami Takedown PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Windows
The Fairly OddParents: Shadow Showdown PlayStation 2, GameCube
2005 Bratz: Rock Angelz PlayStation 2, GameCube
Pac-Man World 3 PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Windows, PlayStation Portable
2006 Reservoir Dogs PlayStation 2, Xbox, Windows
Bratz: Forever Diamondz PlayStation 2, GameCube
SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab PlayStation 2, Wii, GameCube
Sneak King Xbox, Xbox 360
PocketBike Racer Xbox, Xbox 360
Big Bumpin' Xbox, Xbox 360
2007 Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol PlayStation 2
Bratz: The Movie PlayStation 2, Wii
SpongeBob's Atlantis SquarePantis PlayStation 2, Wii
SpongeBob SquarePants: Underpants Slam Xbox 360
2008 Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii
Project Aftermath Windows
Tak and the Guardians of Gross PlayStation 2, Wii
Bratz: Girlz Really Rock PlayStation 2, Wii
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Make the Grade Xbox 360
Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2 PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii
Buccaneer: The Pursuit of Infamy Windows
PowerUp Forever PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
2009 Droplitz PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, iOS
Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
KrissX Xbox 360, Windows, Mac
iCarly Wii, Nintendo DS
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Game Time Xbox 360
Karaoke Revolution PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii
The Biggest Loser Wii
2010 Fluttabyes Windows
Clover: A Curious Tale Xbox 360, Windows
Mole Control Windows
All Star Karate Wii
Dead to Rights: Retribution PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
The Biggest Loser Challenge Wii
The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout Xbox 360
SFG Soccer: Football Fever Windows
Droplitz Delight iOS, Android
2011 Your Doodles Are Bugged! Xbox 360, Windows
Yoostar 2 PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, Mac
Fantastic Pets Xbox 360
SpongeBob's Surf & Skate Roadtrip Xbox 360
Michael Phelps: Push the Limit Xbox 360
Puss in Boots PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii
2012 Kumo Lumo iOS
Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Windows, PlayStation Vita, Wii U
2013 Paper Titans iOS
Shrek Alarm iOS
2015 Valedo Home iOS, Android
Raceline CC iOS, Android

Awards

[edit]

2007

  • Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2007 - Favourite Videogame – SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab
  • Edge award for Training and Development of young people
  • ICT Excellence in Skills
  • Blitz Games wins Develop Industry Excellence Award for Business Development
  • Cannes Titanium Grand Prix Award for the Burger King games
  • Golden Clio Award for Burger King games

2006

  • Blitz Games CEO Philip Oliver named Best Industry Player by TIGA [1]
  • Warwickshire Employer of Choice Awards 2006 for creating an exceptional working environment [2].

Closure

[edit]

On 12 September 2013, the company announced that it was closing after 23 years of business.[13] The closure came as a result of the company struggling to raise money to support future development projects, with the demise of THQ, a major client, said by Philip Oliver to have hit the company particularly hard.[13][14] The company is reported to have owed £2.2 million to staff and creditors.[15]

The Oliver brothers along with the former company's COO Richard Smithies almost immediately formed a new company, Radiant Worlds, in the same town, and were reported to have recruited up to 50 former Blitz staff.[16][17]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Droplitz Drops in to PSN – PlayStation.Blog". Blog.us.playstation.com. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
  2. ^ Warr, Philippa. "Blitz Games Studios announces closure after 23 years". Wired.co.uk. Archived from the original on 15 September 2013. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
  3. ^ Stuart, Keith (12 March 2009). "Blitz Games Studios: altruism, recession and the arcade business". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  4. ^ "C3 Exclusive Interview | Seeing Double: The Oliver Twins (Blitz Games Studios) #1 at Nintendo Cubed3". Cubed3.com. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
  5. ^ "Volatile Games". MobyGames. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  6. ^ "U.K. Blitz Game Studios Closes After 23 Years". Volatile Games. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  7. ^ "BAFTA Awards". Bafta.org. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
  8. ^ 5:42PM PDT (25 August 2006). "Reservoir Dogs game banned in Australia - GameSpot.com". Uk.gamespot.com. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 13 September 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ "Playtime at work". Coventry Telegraph. 7 March 2008. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  10. ^ "School of Electronic, Electrical and Computer Engineering - University of Birmingham". Iecs.bham.ac.uk. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
  11. ^ "Ancient abbey's virtual world". BBC News. 3 June 2003. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
  12. ^ "The Virtual Experience Company Parts From Blitz Games Studios". Serious Games. 7 May 2008. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
  13. ^ a b Lee, Dave (12 September 2013). "UK games developer Blitz Games Studios shuts down". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 15 September 2013.
  14. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (12 September 2013). "There have been a lot of men crying, including me". Eurogamer. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
  15. ^ "Creditors owed £2.2m after games firm collapse". Birmingham Post. 24 October 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
  16. ^ Crookes, David (29 July 2013). "UK-based Blitz Games Studios to close after 23 years - News - Gadgets & Tech". The Independent. Retrieved 15 September 2013.
  17. ^ Rose, Mike (27 November 2013). "Defunct Blitz Games Studios returns as Radiant Worlds". Gamasutra. Think Services. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
[edit]
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