Overview
“Games by gamers, for gamers.” Epyx embodied that slogan with accessible sports compilations and innovative action games. The Games series—Summer, Winter, World, California—became synonymous with joystick-destroying multiplayer competition. Their games emphasised fun and accessibility over simulation complexity.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1978 (as Automated Simulations).
- Renamed: Epyx (1983).
- Peak: Mid to late 1980s.
- Decline: Early 1990s.
The Games series
| Title | Year | Theme |
|---|
| Summer Games | 1984 | Olympics |
| Summer Games II | 1985 | More events |
| Winter Games | 1985 | Winter Olympics |
| World Games | 1986 | International sports |
| California Games | 1987 | Beach culture |
| California Games II | 1990 | Sequel |
Other notable titles
| Title | Year | Genre |
|---|
| Temple of Apshai | 1979 | RPG |
| Jumpman | 1983 | Platformer |
| Impossible Mission | 1984 | Action adventure |
| Pitstop II | 1984 | Racing |
Impossible Mission
| Element | Innovation |
|---|
| Speech | ”Stay a while, stay forever!” |
| Puzzle integration | Search and decode |
| Animation | Fluid character movement |
| Design | Elevator exploration |
Hardware ventures
| Product | Outcome |
|---|
| Handy (Lynx) | Sold to Atari |
| ROXX | Unreleased |
Design philosophy
| Principle | Application |
|---|
| Multiplayer focus | Competitive events |
| Accessibility | Easy to learn |
| Polish | High production values |
| Platform mastery | C64 excellence |
Decline
| Factor | Impact |
|---|
| Lynx development costs | Financial strain |
| Console transition | Market shift |
| Competition | Crowded market |
| Bankruptcy | 1989, restructured |
See also