Overview
They built real-time strategy. Westwood Studios created the template every RTS follows—Dune II established resource gathering, base building, and unit production; Command & Conquer refined it into a phenomenon. FMV cutscenes, online multiplayer, and the iconic sidebar interface all originated in Las Vegas. EA’s 1998 acquisition promised resources but delivered dissolution by 2003.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1985 (as Westwood Associates).
- Founders: Brett Sperry, Louis Castle.
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Closed: 2003.
Key releases
| Title | Year | Significance |
|---|
| Eye of the Beholder | 1991 | D&D RPG success |
| Dune II | 1992 | RTS genesis |
| Command & Conquer | 1995 | Genre phenomenon |
| Red Alert | 1996 | Spin-off success |
| Tiberian Sun | 1999 | Series continuation |
Genre innovations
| Innovation | Introduction |
|---|
| RTS template | Dune II |
| FMV cutscenes | C&C |
| Sidebar interface | C&C |
| Westwood Online | Multiplayer service |
EA acquisition
| Year | Event |
|---|
| 1998 | Acquisition completed |
| 2000 | Westwood Pacific opened |
| 2002 | Las Vegas studio merged |
| 2003 | Final closure |
Staff diaspora
| Destination | Notable work |
|---|
| Petroglyph Games | RTS continuation |
| EA Los Angeles | C&C sequels |
| Various studios | Industry-wide |
See also