8 and 16-bit Innovations: How Codemasters Shaped a Generation of Gaming
The Humble Beginnings
In the vibrant era of the 1980s, in a cozy room lit by the glow of a Commodore PET computer, two young brothers, Richard and David Darling, embarked on a journey that would reshape the video game landscape. Their passion for game development ignited early, as they created clones of popular games like Galaxian and Defender, laying the foundation for a future empire in the gaming world - Codemasters.
The Rise of Darbert Computers and Galactic Software
Their early foray into programming led to the creation of Darbert Computers. Here, in the nascent days of video gaming, the Darlings started cloning popular titles, learning the intricacies of game development. Their skills honed, the brothers soon founded Galactic Software in England, now developing original titles for Mastertronic. This period was marked by innovation and learning, setting the stage for their greatest venture yet.
Codemasters: A New Chapter
In October 1986, with the vision of revolutionizing the gaming industry, the Darling brothers established Codemasters. Their philosophy was revolutionary - to produce budget-priced games without compromising on quality. Their first release, "BMX Simulator," was a testament to this ethos, blending affordability with a high-quality gaming experience.
A New Era of Game Development
Codemasters rapidly evolved, employing a novel strategy of engaging freelance developers. This approach led to a diverse range of titles, including the Dizzy series,"Super Robin Hood" and "Ghost Hunters," showcasing their ability to innovate and adapt in a fast-evolving industry.
Transition to Console Gaming
Codemasters made notable contributions to the NES market, producing unlicensed games known for their shiny gold and silver cartridges, and developed the Game Genie, a cheat cartridge for the NES. This innovation stemmed from their work on bypassing Nintendo's lock-out chip for unlicensed NES games.
As the 8-bit computer market began to diminish, Codemasters adeptly shifted their focus to the 8-bit and 16-bit console markets. This transition marked a significant move from budget titles to full-priced games. Memorable releases during this period included the "Micro Machines" series and "Pete Sampras Tennis" for the Sega Mega Drive, which featured innovative technologies like the J-Cart.
Through this journey, Codemasters not only contributed significantly to the gaming industry but also inspired a generation of gamers and developers, showcasing the power of innovation, passion, and resilience.
Codemasters where acquired by Electronic Arts (EA) in 2021. In a deal valued at $1.2 billion, Codemasters significantly strengthened EA's position as a leading name in racing games.
