Overview
A small team in Dundee changed gaming twice. DMA Design started creating Amiga shooters, struck gold with Lemmings’ puzzle innovation, then pivoted completely to create Grand Theft Auto—a controversial open-world game that would spawn one of the industry’s biggest franchises after DMA became Rockstar North.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1987.
- Location: Dundee, Scotland.
- Founder: Dave Jones.
- Became: Rockstar North (2002).
Evolution
| Era | Focus |
|---|
| 1987-1990 | Amiga action games |
| 1991-1996 | Lemmings era |
| 1997-2001 | GTA development |
| 2002+ | Rockstar North |
Key titles
| Title | Year | Platform |
|---|
| Menace | 1988 | Amiga |
| Blood Money | 1989 | Amiga |
| Lemmings | 1991 | Multi-platform |
| Uniracers | 1994 | SNES |
| Grand Theft Auto | 1997 | PC/PlayStation |
| GTA 2 | 1999 | PC/PlayStation |
Lemmings phenomenon
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|
| Concept | Guide mindless creatures |
| Sales | Millions worldwide |
| Ports | Every platform imaginable |
| Cultural impact | Mainstream puzzle gaming |
GTA origins
| Element | Approach |
|---|
| Original concept | Race’n’Chase |
| Evolution | Crime focus emerged |
| Controversy | Violence concerns |
| Reception | Cult hit |
Company ownership
| Year | Status |
|---|
| 1987 | Independent |
| 1997 | Acquired by Gremlin |
| 1999 | Sold to Infogrames |
| 1999 | Acquired by Take-Two |
| 2002 | Renamed Rockstar North |
See also