New World Computing
Encyclopedia
New World Computing, Inc. was an American
computer game developer and publisher founded in 1984
by Jon Van Caneghem
, his wife, Michaela Van Caneghem, and Mark Caldwell. It was best known for its work on the Might and Magic
computer role-playing game series and its spin-offs, especially Heroes of Might and Magic
. The company was purchased by and became a division of The 3DO Company
on July 10, 1996.
Amidst financial turmoil, the 3DO Company laid off a large portion of the staff of New World Computing on April 15, 2002. While a smaller, core staff remained at New World Computing, the following year
saw little improvement in parent 3DO's situation, and the company filed for chapter 11
bankruptcy protection
in May of that year. Before dissolving later that year, 3DO sold the rights to the Might and Magic series to Ubisoft
. As an in-house development studio
of the 3DO Company, New World Computing ceased to exist with the dissolution of its parent organization.
. Released for the Apple II on June 1, 1986 with ports
for the Commodore 64
, Mac OS
, and MS-DOS
following a year later, the game was successful enough to warrant a sequel, Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World
, released for the Apple II and MS-DOS in 1988
.
The third installment, Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra
was released in 1991
and was the first game in the series designed specifically for MS-DOS-based computers, although ports were released for a variety of other systems, including the Mac OS
, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
, and the Sega Mega Drive
. Might and Magic III featured an entirely redesigned game engine
and 8-bit
VGA graphics.
The Might and Magic III engine was reused for the next two installments of the series, Might and Magic IV: Clouds of Xeen
and Might and Magic V: Darkside of Xeen
, released in 1992
and 1993
, respectively. When installed together, the two games became a single, omnibus-style title called World of Xeen. In 1994
, New World released an enhanced CD-ROM
version of World of Xeen featuring Red Book
CD audio and spoken dialogue. The Might and Magic III engine was used one final time for Swords of Xeen
, a continuation of World of Xeen produced by Catware under permission from New World Computing. Although it was never released as a standalone title, Swords of Xeen was included in numerous Might and Magic series compilations released by New World Computing and, later, the 3DO Company.
After a pause of five years
(during which time the Heroes of Might and Magic spin-off franchise was launched) New World returned to the Might and Magic series with Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven
, their first game to use 3D graphics, and the first to be released for Microsoft Windows
. Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor
(1999
) and Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer
(2000
) followed, using the same engine, but adding support for graphical hardware acceleration
. In late 2001
, Might and Magic VIII was released for the PlayStation 2
video game console in the Japan
ese market only, courtesy of developer Imagineer.
Also in 2001, New World and 3DO released Legends of Might and Magic
, a spin-off of the Might and Magic series. Originally conceived as an online multiplayer
action role-playing game
(and announced as such when it was unveiled at E3 in 2000), by the time of the game's release the following year it had evolved into a more traditional first-person shooter
.
The final (as of 2008) Might and Magic game was released in 2002
as Might and Magic IX
for Windows. Abandoning the now-dated Might and Magic VI engine in favor of the Lithtech
engine (also used in Legends of Might and Magic), Might and Magic IX was the first game to be rendered entirely in 3D. Unfortunately, the release of the game was rushed, and the finished product was received poorly by critics, who noted the numerous software bug
s remaining in the final release, most of which were not fully resolved by the sole patch
released before New World Computing's dissolution.
Before its bankruptcy, the 3DO Company produced two further spin-offs of the Might and Magic series: Crusaders of Might and Magic
and Warriors of Might and Magic
. Neither of these games was developed by New World Computing, however. Similarly, a number of Might and Magic spin-off titles have been produced since the dissolution of New World Computing by Ubisoft
and its associates. Obviously, New World Computing was involved in the production of none of these (including Dark Messiah of Might and Magic
).
, New World Computing released King's Bounty
, a turn-based
tactical role-playing game
, for the Apple II
, MS-DOS
, Mac OS
, the Commodore 64
, and the Amiga
. The game, designed by New World co-founder Jon Van Caneghem, was subsequently modified to include real-time
elements and ported
to the Sega Mega Drive
video game console
. Four years later
, New World would revisit the basic mechanics of the home-computer versions of King's Bounty with Heroes of Might and Magic: A Strategic Quest, released for MS-DOS
. In 1996
, an enhanced
version of the game was released for Windows 95
.
Following the success of the first Heroes game, New World released Heroes of Might and Magic II for Windows 95
and Mac OS
. An expansion pack
, entitled The Price of Loyalty was designed by Cyberlore Studios
and released by New World Computing in 1997
for Windows 95 only. The combined game and its expansion were subsequently re-released together as Heroes of Might and Magic II Gold.
In 1999
, Heroes of Might and Magic III was released for Windows and Mac OS. The Windows release was quickly followed by the Armageddon's Blade
expansion pack later that year and The Shadow of Death
expansion pack in early 2000
. Neither of the two expansion packs were released separately for Mac OS, although an omnibus release, entitled Heroes of Might and Magic III Complete was released for both Windows and Mac OS shortly thereafter. Loki Software
produced a Linux
port of the original Heroes III in 2000, but neither of the two expansions were made available.
From 2000 to 2001
, New World Computing used a limited version of the Heroes of Might and Magic III game engine
in a series of eight episodic titles released under the Heroes Chronicles
umbrella. Two of these games (The World Tree and The Fiery Moon) were only available for online download to consumers who purchased other installments of the series.
In 2001, an enhanced remake of the original King's Bounty was released for the PlayStation 2
video game console. The game was marketed as part of the Heroes franchise and released under the title Heroes of Might and Magic: Quest for the Dragon Bone Staff
.
Heroes of Might and Magic IV
was released for Windows in 2002
alongside Might and Magic IX, and featured a major overhaul of the series' gameplay. Like the previous Heroes game, two expansion packs were released: The Gathering Storm in late 2002, and The Winds of War in 2003
. The Winds of War was the last title to be developed by New World Computing prior to its dissolution following the bankruptcy of 3DO.
Subsequent games in the Heroes of Might and Magic series were developed by Nival Interactive and released by Ubisoft
. In addition, the rights to the King's Bounty name were purchased in 2007
by Russian publisher 1C Company
, who released King's Bounty: The Legend
the following year
(developed by Katauri Interactive).
, developed by Delta Tao Software
, and Empire Deluxe by Mark Baldwin and Bob Rakowsky. After being absorbed into the 3DO Company, New World Computing devoted its energies solely to game development, and worked exclusively on the Might and Magic franchise thereafter.
In 1989, New World Computing developed the satirical game Nuclear War
, based on the Flying Buffalo
card game of the same name. While this was not particularly successful from a financial perspective, it was notable as a departure from the company's traditional field of computer role-playing games.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
computer game developer and publisher founded in 1984
1984 in video gaming
-Notable releases:* May 10, King's Quest , the first animated adventure game, the first in the King's Quest series, and the first to use the AGI engine.* June 4, Nintendo releases Donkey Kong 3...
by Jon Van Caneghem
Jon Van Caneghem
Jon Van Caneghem is an American video game director, designer and producer. He is best known for launching development studio New World Computing in 1983, making his design debut in 1986 with Might and Magic Book One: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum...
, his wife, Michaela Van Caneghem, and Mark Caldwell. It was best known for its work on the Might and Magic
Might and Magic
Might and Magic is a series of role-playing video games from New World Computing, which in 1996 became a subsidiary of The 3DO Company...
computer role-playing game series and its spin-offs, especially Heroes of Might and Magic
Heroes of Might and Magic
Heroes of Might and Magic is a series of video games originally created and developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing. As part of the Might and Magic franchise, the series changed ownership when NWC was acquired by 3DO and again when 3DO closed down and sold the rights to Ubisoft...
. The company was purchased by and became a division of The 3DO Company
The 3DO Company
The 3DO Company , also known as 3DO , was a video game company...
on July 10, 1996.
Amidst financial turmoil, the 3DO Company laid off a large portion of the staff of New World Computing on April 15, 2002. While a smaller, core staff remained at New World Computing, the following year
2003 in video gaming
-Events:*February 27 — Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences hosts 6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards; inducts Yu Suzuki of Sega to the AIAS Hall of Fame....
saw little improvement in parent 3DO's situation, and the company filed for chapter 11
Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code
Chapter 11 is a chapter of the United States Bankruptcy Code, which permits reorganization under the bankruptcy laws of the United States. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is available to every business, whether organized as a corporation or sole proprietorship, and to individuals, although it is most...
bankruptcy protection
Bankruptcy in the United States
Bankruptcy in the United States is governed under the United States Constitution which authorizes Congress to enact "uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States." Congress has exercised this authority several times since 1801, most recently by adopting the Bankruptcy...
in May of that year. Before dissolving later that year, 3DO sold the rights to the Might and Magic series to Ubisoft
Ubisoft
Ubisoft Entertainment S.A. is a major French video game publisher and developer, with headquarters in Montreuil, France. The company has a worldwide presence with 25 studios in 17 countries and subsidiaries in 26 countries....
. As an in-house development studio
Video game developer
A video game developer is a software developer that creates video games. A developer may specialize in a certain video game console, such as Nintendo's Wii, Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 3, or may develop for a variety of systems, including personal computers.Most developers also...
of the 3DO Company, New World Computing ceased to exist with the dissolution of its parent organization.
Might and Magic
The first Might and Magic game, Might and Magic Book One: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum, was programmed by Jon Van Caneghem for over a three year period ending in 19861986 in video gaming
-Events:-Notable releases:*Namco releases Sky Kid Deluxe, Hopping Mappy, Toy Pop, The Return of Ishtar, which is the sequel to Tower of Druaga, Genpei Tōma Den, and Rolling Thunder....
. Released for the Apple II on June 1, 1986 with ports
Porting
In computer science, porting is the process of adapting software so that an executable program can be created for a computing environment that is different from the one for which it was originally designed...
for the Commodore 64
Commodore 64
The Commodore 64 is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Commodore International in January 1982.Volume production started in the spring of 1982, with machines being released on to the market in August at a price of US$595...
, Mac OS
Mac OS
Mac OS is a series of graphical user interface-based operating systems developed by Apple Inc. for their Macintosh line of computer systems. The Macintosh user experience is credited with popularizing the graphical user interface...
, and MS-DOS
MS-DOS
MS-DOS is an operating system for x86-based personal computers. It was the most commonly used member of the DOS family of operating systems, and was the main operating system for IBM PC compatible personal computers during the 1980s to the mid 1990s, until it was gradually superseded by operating...
following a year later, the game was successful enough to warrant a sequel, Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World
Might and Magic II: Gates To Another World
Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World is a computer role-playing game. It is the sequel to the game Might and Magic: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum.-Background:...
, released for the Apple II and MS-DOS in 1988
1988 in video gaming
-Events:*June — Nintendo releases the last issue of "Nintendo fun club news";*July — Nintendo releases the first issue of Nintendo Power magazine.-Notable releases:*January 8, Konami releases Super Contra....
.
The third installment, Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra
Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra
Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra is the third game in the role-playing game series Might and Magic. Released in 1991, it is the predecessor to Might and Magic IV: Clouds of Xeen and the sequel to Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World....
was released in 1991
1991 in video gaming
-Notable releases:*Microprose creates Civilization, Sid Meier's most successful game .*Electronic Arts releases James Pond 2 and Road Rash for Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, starting a series of games that were popular in the 1990s....
and was the first game in the series designed specifically for MS-DOS-based computers, although ports were released for a variety of other systems, including the Mac OS
Mac OS
Mac OS is a series of graphical user interface-based operating systems developed by Apple Inc. for their Macintosh line of computer systems. The Macintosh user experience is credited with popularizing the graphical user interface...
, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a 16-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia , and South America between 1990 and 1993. In Japan and Southeast Asia, the system is called the , or SFC for short...
, and the Sega Mega Drive
Sega Mega Drive
The Sega Genesis is a fourth-generation video game console developed and produced by Sega. It was originally released in Japan in 1988 as , then in North America in 1989 as Sega Genesis, and in Europe, Australia and other PAL regions in 1990 as Mega Drive. The reason for the two names is that...
. Might and Magic III featured an entirely redesigned game engine
Game engine
A game engine is a system designed for the creation and development of video games. There are many game engines that are designed to work on video game consoles and personal computers...
and 8-bit
8-bit color
8-bit color graphics is a method of storing image information in a computer's memory or in an image file, such that each pixel is represented by one 8-bit byte. The maximum number of colors that can be displayed at any one time is 256....
VGA graphics.
The Might and Magic III engine was reused for the next two installments of the series, Might and Magic IV: Clouds of Xeen
Might and Magic IV: Clouds of Xeen
Might and Magic IV: Clouds of Xeen is the fourth installment in the Might and Magic series by New World Computing.-Plot:Might and Magic IV focuses on the events that had occurred after Might and Magic III. Trouble is stirring on the Nacelle world of Xeen...
and Might and Magic V: Darkside of Xeen
Might and Magic V: Darkside of Xeen
Might and Magic V: Darkside of Xeen is a science fantasy computer role-playing game, published and developed for multiple platforms by New World Computing in 1993...
, released in 1992
1992 in video gaming
-Events:-Notable releases:* Gremlin Graphics releases Zool, Amiga's answer to Mario and Sonic. It goes on to become the best selling Commodore Amiga game, boosting the already popular computer to be the leading gaming machine in Europe....
and 1993
1993 in video gaming
-Events:*March — In Sweden, the Swedish video game magazine Super PLAY starts. The original name is Super Power.*Midway Games embroiled in controversy for its game Mortal Kombat from 1992 when the game is launched for video game consoles in 1993....
, respectively. When installed together, the two games became a single, omnibus-style title called World of Xeen. In 1994
1994 in video gaming
-Events:*Nintendo calls this year "1994: The Year of the Cartridge".*Nintendo Australia Pty. Ltd, the Australian subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd is established and opened by Hiroshi Yamauchi and effectively ends Mattel Australia's distribution of Nintendo's products throughout Australia.*"Project...
, New World released an enhanced CD-ROM
CD-ROM
A CD-ROM is a pre-pressed compact disc that contains data accessible to, but not writable by, a computer for data storage and music playback. The 1985 “Yellow Book” standard developed by Sony and Philips adapted the format to hold any form of binary data....
version of World of Xeen featuring Red Book
Red Book (audio CD standard)
Red Book is the standard for audio CDs . It is named after one of the Rainbow Books, a series of books that contain the technical specifications for all CD and CD-ROM formats.The first edition of the Red Book was released in 1980 by Philips and Sony; it was adopted by the Digital Audio Disc...
CD audio and spoken dialogue. The Might and Magic III engine was used one final time for Swords of Xeen
Swords of Xeen
Swords of Xeen is a computer role-playing game developed by Catware and published by New World Computing. It was initially released in 1995 as a "bonus scenario" in the Might and Magic Trilogy compilation . Subsequently, it was also included in several series anthologies...
, a continuation of World of Xeen produced by Catware under permission from New World Computing. Although it was never released as a standalone title, Swords of Xeen was included in numerous Might and Magic series compilations released by New World Computing and, later, the 3DO Company.
After a pause of five years
1998 in video gaming
-Events:*Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences hosts 1st Annual Interactive Achievement Awards; inducts Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo to the AIAS Hall of Fame*British Academy of Film and Television Arts hosts the 1st annual BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards...
(during which time the Heroes of Might and Magic spin-off franchise was launched) New World returned to the Might and Magic series with Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven
Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven
Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven, commonly abbreviated to Might and Magic VI or simply MM6, is a role-playing video game developed by New World Computing and published by 3DO in 1998...
, their first game to use 3D graphics, and the first to be released for Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
. Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor
Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor
Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor is a role playing game published in 1999 by 3DO and developed by New World Computing, and is the predecessor of Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer...
(1999
1999 in video gaming
-Events:*British Academy of Film and Television Arts hosts the 2nd annual BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards*March – Game Over republished as “Game Over: Press Start to Continue”...
) and Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer
Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer
Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer is a computer role-playing game developed for Microsoft Windows by New World Computing and released in 2000 by the 3DO Company. It is the eighth game in the Might and Magic series...
(2000
2000 in video gaming
-Events:* May 11–13 — 6th annual Electronic Entertainment Expo ; the 3rd annual Game Critics Awards for the Best of E³* June 26 — International Game Developers Association renamed from Computer Game Developers Association...
) followed, using the same engine, but adding support for graphical hardware acceleration
Hardware acceleration
In computing, Hardware acceleration is the use of computer hardware to perform some function faster than is possible in software running on the general-purpose CPU...
. In late 2001
2001 in video gaming
-Events:* Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences hosts the 4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards; inducts John Carmack of id Software to the AIAS Hall of Fame...
, Might and Magic VIII was released for the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
video game console in the Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese market only, courtesy of developer Imagineer.
Also in 2001, New World and 3DO released Legends of Might and Magic
Legends of Might and Magic
Legends of Might and Magic is a first-person shooter video game developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing and published by the 3DO Company in 2001. As a spin-off of the Might and Magic franchise, Legends has a fantasy theme...
, a spin-off of the Might and Magic series. Originally conceived as an online multiplayer
Online game
An online game is a game played over some form of computer network. This almost always means the Internet or equivalent technology, but games have always used whatever technology was current: modems before the Internet, and hard wired terminals before modems...
action role-playing game
Action role-playing game
Action role-playing games form a loosely defined sub-genre of role-playing video games that incorporate elements of action or action-adventure games, emphasizing real-time action where the player has direct control over characters, instead of turn-based or menu-based combat...
(and announced as such when it was unveiled at E3 in 2000), by the time of the game's release the following year it had evolved into a more traditional first-person shooter
First-person shooter
First-person shooter is a video game genre that centers the gameplay on gun and projectile weapon-based combat through first-person perspective; i.e., the player experiences the action through the eyes of a protagonist. Generally speaking, the first-person shooter shares common traits with other...
.
The final (as of 2008) Might and Magic game was released in 2002
2002 in video gaming
The year 2002 in video gaming saw the release of many games to sixth-generation video game consoles, predominately, the Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox.-Events:...
as Might and Magic IX
Might and Magic IX
Might and Magic IX is a computer role-playing game, the last developed by New World Computing for Microsoft Windows and released in 2002 by the 3DO Company. It is the sequel to Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer...
for Windows. Abandoning the now-dated Might and Magic VI engine in favor of the Lithtech
Lithtech
Lithtech is a game engine which was initially developed by Monolith Productions in collaboration with Microsoft. Monolith later formed a separate company, LithTech Inc., to deal with further advancements of the engine technology and currently, after a change of its corporate identity, LithTech Inc...
engine (also used in Legends of Might and Magic), Might and Magic IX was the first game to be rendered entirely in 3D. Unfortunately, the release of the game was rushed, and the finished product was received poorly by critics, who noted the numerous software bug
Software bug
A software bug is the common term used to describe an error, flaw, mistake, failure, or fault in a computer program or system that produces an incorrect or unexpected result, or causes it to behave in unintended ways. Most bugs arise from mistakes and errors made by people in either a program's...
s remaining in the final release, most of which were not fully resolved by the sole patch
Patch (computing)
A patch is a piece of software designed to fix problems with, or update a computer program or its supporting data. This includes fixing security vulnerabilities and other bugs, and improving the usability or performance...
released before New World Computing's dissolution.
Before its bankruptcy, the 3DO Company produced two further spin-offs of the Might and Magic series: Crusaders of Might and Magic
Crusaders of Might and Magic
Crusaders of Might and Magic is a third-person action/RPG video game developed and published by 3DO's Austin, Texas studio and Redwood Shores studio . Different versions of the game were released for both Microsoft Windows and the PlayStation...
and Warriors of Might and Magic
Warriors of Might and Magic
-Important notes:It was released on three different consoles generating three totally different games. Although they all follow a similar storyline each game was unique, for instance they all had their own unique levels and monsters...
. Neither of these games was developed by New World Computing, however. Similarly, a number of Might and Magic spin-off titles have been produced since the dissolution of New World Computing by Ubisoft
Ubisoft
Ubisoft Entertainment S.A. is a major French video game publisher and developer, with headquarters in Montreuil, France. The company has a worldwide presence with 25 studios in 17 countries and subsidiaries in 26 countries....
and its associates. Obviously, New World Computing was involved in the production of none of these (including Dark Messiah of Might and Magic
Dark Messiah of Might and Magic
Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, additionally subtitled Elements on Xbox 360, is a first-person action game developed by Arkane Studios and Floodgate Entertainment. Kuju Entertainment developed the multiplayer mode...
).
Heroes of Might and Magic
In 19901990 in video gaming
-Notable releases:*Bonk's Adventure is released for NEC's TurboGrafx-16 and is the first US appearance of Bonk, the mascot of the TurboGrafx-16.*February 12 — Nintendo releases the NES game Super Mario Bros. 3 in North America...
, New World Computing released King's Bounty
King's Bounty
King's Bounty is a turn-based fantasy computer and video game designed by Jon Van Caneghem of New World Computing in 1990. The game follows the player's character, a hero of King Maximus, appointed with the job of retrieving the Sceptre of Order from the forces of chaos, led by Arech Dragonbreath...
, a turn-based
Turn-based strategy
A turn-based strategy game is a strategy game where players take turns when playing...
tactical role-playing game
Tactical role-playing game
A tactical role-playing game is a type of video game which incorporates elements of traditional role-playing video games and strategy games. In Japan these games are known as , a designation which might seem peculiar to native English speakers...
, for the Apple II
Apple II
The Apple II is an 8-bit home computer, one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputer products, designed primarily by Steve Wozniak, manufactured by Apple Computer and introduced in 1977...
, MS-DOS
MS-DOS
MS-DOS is an operating system for x86-based personal computers. It was the most commonly used member of the DOS family of operating systems, and was the main operating system for IBM PC compatible personal computers during the 1980s to the mid 1990s, until it was gradually superseded by operating...
, Mac OS
Mac OS
Mac OS is a series of graphical user interface-based operating systems developed by Apple Inc. for their Macintosh line of computer systems. The Macintosh user experience is credited with popularizing the graphical user interface...
, the Commodore 64
Commodore 64
The Commodore 64 is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Commodore International in January 1982.Volume production started in the spring of 1982, with machines being released on to the market in August at a price of US$595...
, and the Amiga
Amiga
The Amiga is a family of personal computers that was sold by Commodore in the 1980s and 1990s. The first model was launched in 1985 as a high-end home computer and became popular for its graphical, audio and multi-tasking abilities...
. The game, designed by New World co-founder Jon Van Caneghem, was subsequently modified to include real-time
Real-time strategy
Real-time strategy is a sub-genre of strategy video game which does not progress incrementally in turns. Brett Sperry is credited with coining the term to market Dune II....
elements and ported
Porting
In computer science, porting is the process of adapting software so that an executable program can be created for a computing environment that is different from the one for which it was originally designed...
to the Sega Mega Drive
Sega Mega Drive
The Sega Genesis is a fourth-generation video game console developed and produced by Sega. It was originally released in Japan in 1988 as , then in North America in 1989 as Sega Genesis, and in Europe, Australia and other PAL regions in 1990 as Mega Drive. The reason for the two names is that...
video game console
Video game console
A video game console is an interactive entertainment computer or customized computer system that produces a video display signal which can be used with a display device to display a video game...
. Four years later
1995 in video gaming
-Events:*May 11 – Introduction of trade magazine GameWeek *May 11-16 — The 1st annual Electronic Entertainment Expo is held in Los Angeles, California...
, New World would revisit the basic mechanics of the home-computer versions of King's Bounty with Heroes of Might and Magic: A Strategic Quest, released for MS-DOS
MS-DOS
MS-DOS is an operating system for x86-based personal computers. It was the most commonly used member of the DOS family of operating systems, and was the main operating system for IBM PC compatible personal computers during the 1980s to the mid 1990s, until it was gradually superseded by operating...
. In 1996
1996 in video gaming
-Notable releases:*January 29 — Duke Nukem 3D, successor to the simple side-scrolling originals, and a genre-redefining title for first person shooters....
, an enhanced
Enhanced remake
A video game remake is a game closely adapted from an earlier title, usually for the purpose of modernizing a game for newer hardware and contemporary audiences. Typically, a remake shares essentially the same title, fundamental gameplay concepts, and story elements of the original game...
version of the game was released for Windows 95
Windows 95
Windows 95 is a consumer-oriented graphical user interface-based operating system. It was released on August 24, 1995 by Microsoft, and was a significant progression from the company's previous Windows products...
.
Following the success of the first Heroes game, New World released Heroes of Might and Magic II for Windows 95
Windows 95
Windows 95 is a consumer-oriented graphical user interface-based operating system. It was released on August 24, 1995 by Microsoft, and was a significant progression from the company's previous Windows products...
and Mac OS
Mac OS
Mac OS is a series of graphical user interface-based operating systems developed by Apple Inc. for their Macintosh line of computer systems. The Macintosh user experience is credited with popularizing the graphical user interface...
. An expansion pack
Expansion pack
An expansion pack, expansion set, or supplement is an addition to an existing role-playing game, tabletop game or video game. These add-ons usually add new game areas, weapons, objects, and/or an extended storyline to a complete and already released game...
, entitled The Price of Loyalty was designed by Cyberlore Studios
Cyberlore Studios
Cyberlore Studios was a developer of computer games based in Northampton, Massachusetts. The company was founded by Lester Humphreys, Ken Grey, and Herb Perez. Since 1992, they produced expansion packs for MechWarrior 4, Heroes of Might and Magic II, and Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness...
and released by New World Computing in 1997
1997 in video gaming
-Events:*October 4 — Gunpei Yokoi dies after a double car accident.*November – Interactive Entertainment Merchants Association launched.*3rd annual E3...
for Windows 95 only. The combined game and its expansion were subsequently re-released together as Heroes of Might and Magic II Gold.
In 1999
1999 in video gaming
-Events:*British Academy of Film and Television Arts hosts the 2nd annual BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards*March – Game Over republished as “Game Over: Press Start to Continue”...
, Heroes of Might and Magic III was released for Windows and Mac OS. The Windows release was quickly followed by the Armageddon's Blade
Heroes of Might and Magic III: Armageddon's Blade
Heroes of Might and Magic III: Armageddon's Blade is the first of two expansion packs for the turn-based strategy game Heroes of Might and Magic III. It was developed by New World Computing for Microsoft Windows and released by the 3DO Company in 1999....
expansion pack later that year and The Shadow of Death
Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death
Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death is the second of two expansion packs for the turn-based strategy game Heroes of Might and Magic III. It was developed by New World Computing for Microsoft Windows and released by the 3DO Company in 2000...
expansion pack in early 2000
2000 in video gaming
-Events:* May 11–13 — 6th annual Electronic Entertainment Expo ; the 3rd annual Game Critics Awards for the Best of E³* June 26 — International Game Developers Association renamed from Computer Game Developers Association...
. Neither of the two expansion packs were released separately for Mac OS, although an omnibus release, entitled Heroes of Might and Magic III Complete was released for both Windows and Mac OS shortly thereafter. Loki Software
Loki Software
Loki Software, Inc. was a software firm based in Tustin, California, United States, that ported several video games from Microsoft Windows to Linux...
produced a Linux
Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
port of the original Heroes III in 2000, but neither of the two expansions were made available.
From 2000 to 2001
2001 in video gaming
-Events:* Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences hosts the 4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards; inducts John Carmack of id Software to the AIAS Hall of Fame...
, New World Computing used a limited version of the Heroes of Might and Magic III game engine
Game engine
A game engine is a system designed for the creation and development of video games. There are many game engines that are designed to work on video game consoles and personal computers...
in a series of eight episodic titles released under the Heroes Chronicles
Heroes Chronicles
Heroes Chronicles is a series of turn-based strategy video games developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing and published by the 3DO Company. The series was intended to introduce a new audience, such as casual gamers, to the Heroes of Might and Magic series...
umbrella. Two of these games (The World Tree and The Fiery Moon) were only available for online download to consumers who purchased other installments of the series.
In 2001, an enhanced remake of the original King's Bounty was released for the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
video game console. The game was marketed as part of the Heroes franchise and released under the title Heroes of Might and Magic: Quest for the Dragon Bone Staff
Heroes of Might and Magic: Quest for the Dragon Bone Staff
Heroes of Might and Magic: Quest for the Dragon Bone Staff is a 2001 video game released on the PlayStation 2. Though 3DO did not advertise it as such, the game is an enhanced remake of King's Bounty. It is primarily a graphics enhancement and it appears that little of the text has actually changed...
.
Heroes of Might and Magic IV
Heroes of Might and Magic IV
Heroes of Might and Magic IV is a turn-based strategy game developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing and published by the 3DO Company for Microsoft Windows-based personal computers in 2002. A Macintosh port was subsequently developed by Contraband Entertainment and released by the...
was released for Windows in 2002
2002 in video gaming
The year 2002 in video gaming saw the release of many games to sixth-generation video game consoles, predominately, the Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox.-Events:...
alongside Might and Magic IX, and featured a major overhaul of the series' gameplay. Like the previous Heroes game, two expansion packs were released: The Gathering Storm in late 2002, and The Winds of War in 2003
2003 in video gaming
-Events:*February 27 — Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences hosts 6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards; inducts Yu Suzuki of Sega to the AIAS Hall of Fame....
. The Winds of War was the last title to be developed by New World Computing prior to its dissolution following the bankruptcy of 3DO.
Subsequent games in the Heroes of Might and Magic series were developed by Nival Interactive and released by Ubisoft
Ubisoft
Ubisoft Entertainment S.A. is a major French video game publisher and developer, with headquarters in Montreuil, France. The company has a worldwide presence with 25 studios in 17 countries and subsidiaries in 26 countries....
. In addition, the rights to the King's Bounty name were purchased in 2007
2007 in video gaming
-Events:*March 14: Microsoft announces Games for Windows - Live, a version of Xbox Live for the Windows platform. The service launched on May 8.*March 27: Microsoft announces the new "Xbox 360 Elite" stock-keeping unit . The revision comes with a bigger hard drive and the ability to output HDMI...
by Russian publisher 1C Company
1C Company
1C Company is one of the largest independent Russian software developers and publishers. Its headquarters are in Moscow, Russia. It is best known outside of the former Soviet Union as a video game developer whose presence has come to dominate events like the KRI, and whose products have begun to...
, who released King's Bounty: The Legend
King's Bounty: The Legend
King's Bounty: The Legend is a 2008 video game, based on the King's Bounty property that was developed 18 years earlier by New World Computing...
the following year
2008 in video gaming
Notable events of 2008 in video gaming. See also history of video games. The release dates listed in this article are the games' original release dates.-Events:...
(developed by Katauri Interactive).
Other games
Throughout its existence, New World Computing focused primarily on the Might and Magic series and its various spin-offs. Early in its existence, however, the company was involved in the development of several unrelated computer games, typically in the computer role-playing game genre. The company also served as the publisher for a number of games, including Spaceward Ho!Spaceward Ho!
Spaceward Ho! is a turn-based science fiction computer strategy game that was written by Peter Commons, designed by Joe Williams and published by Delta Tao Software. The first version was released in 1990, and further upgrades followed regularly; the current version, 5.0.5, was released on July...
, developed by Delta Tao Software
Delta Tao Software
Delta Tao Software is a small software developer and publisher focusing on games for Macintosh, though some of its more popular products have been ported to Windows, Linux, and other platforms.-History:...
, and Empire Deluxe by Mark Baldwin and Bob Rakowsky. After being absorbed into the 3DO Company, New World Computing devoted its energies solely to game development, and worked exclusively on the Might and Magic franchise thereafter.
In 1989, New World Computing developed the satirical game Nuclear War
Nuclear War (computer game)
Nuclear War is a single player turn-based strategy game developed by New World Computing and released for the Amiga in 1989 and later for MS-DOS. It presents a satirical, cartoonish nuclear battle between five world powers, in which the winner is whoever retains some population when everyone else...
, based on the Flying Buffalo
Flying Buffalo
Flying Buffalo Incorporated is a Scottsdale, Arizona game company that publishes role playing games, card games, gaming materials, and runs Play-by-mail games....
card game of the same name. While this was not particularly successful from a financial perspective, it was notable as a departure from the company's traditional field of computer role-playing games.
Published works
| Title | Year | Developer | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Might and Magic: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum Might and Magic: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum Might and Magic Book One: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum is an early computer role-playing game released for the Apple II, IBM PC, NES and a number of other platforms, and is the first game in the Might and Magic series... |
1986 | ||
| Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World Might and Magic II: Gates To Another World Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World is a computer role-playing game. It is the sequel to the game Might and Magic: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum.-Background:... |
1988 | ||
| Nuclear War Nuclear War (computer game) Nuclear War is a single player turn-based strategy game developed by New World Computing and released for the Amiga in 1989 and later for MS-DOS. It presents a satirical, cartoonish nuclear battle between five world powers, in which the winner is whoever retains some population when everyone else... |
1989 | ||
| King's Bounty King's Bounty King's Bounty is a turn-based fantasy computer and video game designed by Jon Van Caneghem of New World Computing in 1990. The game follows the player's character, a hero of King Maximus, appointed with the job of retrieving the Sceptre of Order from the forces of chaos, led by Arech Dragonbreath... |
1990 | ||
| Tunnels & Trolls: Crusaders of Khazan Tunnels & Trolls: Crusaders of Khazan Crusaders of Khazan is a computer adaptation of the tabletop role-playing game Tunnels and Trolls, developed and published by New World Computing in 1990 for the PC, FM Towns, PC-88 anc PC-98... |
1990 | ||
| The Faery Tale Adventure The Faery Tale Adventure The Faery Tale Adventure is a 1987 role-playing video game by MicroIllusions.-Story:The game is based around the quest of three brothers to retrieve the talisman stolen by the forces of evil and return it to their home village Holm... |
1991 | ||
| Joe and Mac | 1991 | ||
| Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra is the third game in the role-playing game series Might and Magic. Released in 1991, it is the predecessor to Might and Magic IV: Clouds of Xeen and the sequel to Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World.... |
1991 | ||
| Planet's Edge Planet's Edge Planet's Edge is a space science fiction role-playing video game developed by New World Computing with Neal Hallford as the lead designer. The game's plot centers on investigating the sudden disappearance of planet Earth, by venturing out into the universe from a moon base... |
1991 | ||
| Might and Magic IV: Clouds of Xeen Might and Magic IV: Clouds of Xeen Might and Magic IV: Clouds of Xeen is the fourth installment in the Might and Magic series by New World Computing.-Plot:Might and Magic IV focuses on the events that had occurred after Might and Magic III. Trouble is stirring on the Nacelle world of Xeen... |
1992 | ||
| Spaceward Ho! Spaceward Ho! Spaceward Ho! is a turn-based science fiction computer strategy game that was written by Peter Commons, designed by Joe Williams and published by Delta Tao Software. The first version was released in 1990, and further upgrades followed regularly; the current version, 5.0.5, was released on July... |
1992 | ||
| Empire Deluxe | 1993 | ||
| Empire Deluxe Scenarios | 1993 | ||
| Might and Magic V: Darkside of Xeen Might and Magic V: Darkside of Xeen Might and Magic V: Darkside of Xeen is a science fantasy computer role-playing game, published and developed for multiple platforms by New World Computing in 1993... |
1993 | ||
| Hammer of the Gods | 1994 | ||
| Inherit the Earth: Quest for the Orb Inherit the Earth: Quest for the Orb Inherit the Earth: Quest for the Orb is a computer game, developed by The Dreamers Guild and published by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing.... |
1994 | ||
| Iron Cross | 1994 | ||
| Might and Magic: World of Xeen (enhanced CD) | 1994 | ||
| Zephyr | 1994 | ||
| Anvil of Dawn Anvil of Dawn Anvil of Dawn is a 1995 fantasy role-playing video game developed by DreamForge Intertainment and published by New World Computing.-Game:The game was released 1995 for MS-DOS and was one of the last of the classical DOS RPG's with blockstep movements and semi-3D environment. The game presents a... |
1995 | ||
| Heroes of Might and Magic Heroes of Might and Magic (computer game) Heroes of Might and Magic: A Strategic Quest is a turn-based strategy game developed and published by New World Computing in 1995 for MS-DOS. A spin-off of New World Computing's Might and Magic series of computer role-playing games, the success of Heroes of Might and Magic led to a number of... |
1995 | ||
| Multimedia Celebrity Poker | 1995 | ||
| Swords of Xeen Swords of Xeen Swords of Xeen is a computer role-playing game developed by Catware and published by New World Computing. It was initially released in 1995 as a "bonus scenario" in the Might and Magic Trilogy compilation . Subsequently, it was also included in several series anthologies... |
1995 | ||
| Wetlands Wetlands (video game) Wetlands is a 1995 computer game developed by created by Hypnotix, Inc. and published by New World Computing for DOS.The sci-fi storyline is set in the distant future, after the icecaps have melted and the entire earth has become a "waterworld"... |
1995 | ||
| Mind Games | 1995 | ||
| Chaos Overlords Chaos Overlords -External links:*... |
1996 | ||
| Empire II: The Art of War | 1996 | ||
| Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars is a turn-based strategy video game developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing and published in 1996 by the 3DO Company. The game is the second installment of the Heroes of Might and Magic series and is typically credited as the... |
1996 | ||
| Spaceward Ho! IV | 1996 | ||
| Wages of War | 1996 | ||
| Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Price of Loyalty | 1997 | ||
| Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven, commonly abbreviated to Might and Magic VI or simply MM6, is a role-playing video game developed by New World Computing and published by 3DO in 1998... |
1998 | ||
| Arcomage Arcomage Arcomage is a computerized card game produced by The 3DO Company. It originated as a minigame in Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor and Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer, in which it was used to gamble for in-game money or to complete a quest to win games in every tavern. 3DO later... |
1999 | ||
| Heroes of Might and Magic III | 1999 | ||
| Heroes of Might and Magic III: Armageddon's Blade Heroes of Might and Magic III: Armageddon's Blade Heroes of Might and Magic III: Armageddon's Blade is the first of two expansion packs for the turn-based strategy game Heroes of Might and Magic III. It was developed by New World Computing for Microsoft Windows and released by the 3DO Company in 1999.... |
1999 | ||
| Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor is a role playing game published in 1999 by 3DO and developed by New World Computing, and is the predecessor of Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer... |
1999 | ||
| Heroes Chronicles: Clash of the Dragons Heroes Chronicles Heroes Chronicles is a series of turn-based strategy video games developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing and published by the 3DO Company. The series was intended to introduce a new audience, such as casual gamers, to the Heroes of Might and Magic series... |
2000 | ||
| Heroes Chronicles: Conquest of the Underworld Heroes Chronicles Heroes Chronicles is a series of turn-based strategy video games developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing and published by the 3DO Company. The series was intended to introduce a new audience, such as casual gamers, to the Heroes of Might and Magic series... |
2000 | ||
| Heroes Chronicles: Masters of the Elements Heroes Chronicles Heroes Chronicles is a series of turn-based strategy video games developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing and published by the 3DO Company. The series was intended to introduce a new audience, such as casual gamers, to the Heroes of Might and Magic series... |
2000 | ||
| Heroes Chronicles: Warlords of the Wastelands Heroes Chronicles Heroes Chronicles is a series of turn-based strategy video games developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing and published by the 3DO Company. The series was intended to introduce a new audience, such as casual gamers, to the Heroes of Might and Magic series... |
2000 | ||
| Heroes Chronicles: The World Tree Heroes Chronicles Heroes Chronicles is a series of turn-based strategy video games developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing and published by the 3DO Company. The series was intended to introduce a new audience, such as casual gamers, to the Heroes of Might and Magic series... (download only) |
2000 | ||
| Heroes Chronicles: The Fiery Moon Heroes Chronicles Heroes Chronicles is a series of turn-based strategy video games developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing and published by the 3DO Company. The series was intended to introduce a new audience, such as casual gamers, to the Heroes of Might and Magic series... (download only) |
2000 | ||
| Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death is the second of two expansion packs for the turn-based strategy game Heroes of Might and Magic III. It was developed by New World Computing for Microsoft Windows and released by the 3DO Company in 2000... |
2000 | ||
| Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer is a computer role-playing game developed for Microsoft Windows by New World Computing and released in 2000 by the 3DO Company. It is the eighth game in the Might and Magic series... |
2000 | ||
| Heroes Chronicles: The Final Chapters Heroes Chronicles Heroes Chronicles is a series of turn-based strategy video games developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing and published by the 3DO Company. The series was intended to introduce a new audience, such as casual gamers, to the Heroes of Might and Magic series... |
2001 | ||
| Heroes of Might and Magic: Quest for the Dragon Bone Staff Heroes of Might and Magic: Quest for the Dragon Bone Staff Heroes of Might and Magic: Quest for the Dragon Bone Staff is a 2001 video game released on the PlayStation 2. Though 3DO did not advertise it as such, the game is an enhanced remake of King's Bounty. It is primarily a graphics enhancement and it appears that little of the text has actually changed... |
2001 | ||
| Legends of Might and Magic Legends of Might and Magic Legends of Might and Magic is a first-person shooter video game developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing and published by the 3DO Company in 2001. As a spin-off of the Might and Magic franchise, Legends has a fantasy theme... |
2001 | ||
| Heroes of Might and Magic IV Heroes of Might and Magic IV Heroes of Might and Magic IV is a turn-based strategy game developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing and published by the 3DO Company for Microsoft Windows-based personal computers in 2002. A Macintosh port was subsequently developed by Contraband Entertainment and released by the... |
2002 | ||
| Heroes of Might and Magic IV: The Gathering Storm | 2002 | ||
| Might and Magic IX Might and Magic IX Might and Magic IX is a computer role-playing game, the last developed by New World Computing for Microsoft Windows and released in 2002 by the 3DO Company. It is the sequel to Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer... |
2002 | ||
| Heroes of Might and Magic IV: Winds of War | 2003 |
External links
- New World Computing at MobyGamesMobyGames-Platforms not yet included:- Further reading :* Rusel DeMaria, Johnny L. Wilson, High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games, McGraw-Hill/Osborne Media; 2 edition , ISBN 0-07-223172-6...