Scott Miller
Shareware visionary
The founder of Apogee Software who invented the episodic shareware model, transforming how PC games were distributed and proving free could drive paid.
Overview
Scott Miller is the founder of Apogee Software and inventor of the “Apogee model” of shareware distribution—give away Episode 1 free, sell Episodes 2 and 3. This insight transformed PC gaming distribution in the early 1990s, enabling id Software’s rise and proving that generous free content could drive commercial success.
Fast Facts
- Born: 1962
- Founded: Apogee Software (1987)
- Innovation: Episodic shareware model
- Published: Commander Keen, Wolfenstein 3D
- Later: 3D Realms co-founder
- Legacy: Modern freemium roots
The Insight
Miller’s key realisation:
| Traditional | Miller’s Model |
|---|---|
| Demo = limited | Episode 1 = complete |
| Tease content | Satisfy, then hook |
| Restrict copying | Encourage copying |
| Fight piracy | Leverage it |
Before Apogee
Miller’s path:
- Early BBS game uploads
- Learned distribution networks
- Understood gamer psychology
- Saw opportunity in chaos
Building Apogee
| Phase | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Founded Apogee |
| 1990 | Commander Keen deal |
| 1991-92 | Duke Nukem, Wolfenstein |
| 1993 | Peak shareware era |
The id Relationship
Miller’s role with id Software:
- Discovered Carmack and Romero
- Published Commander Keen
- Published Wolfenstein 3D
- Helped launch their careers
Business Philosophy
Miller understood:
- Friction kills sales - Make trying easy
- Quality sells itself - Episode 1 must be great
- Distribution is marketing - Every copy = advertising
- Direct sales = margin - Cut out retail
The 3D Realms Era
After Apogee:
- Duke Nukem 3D (1996)
- Move to traditional publishing
- 3D Realms brand
- Duke Nukem Forever saga
Legacy
Scott Miller proved that giving away your best work could be the smartest business move. His model influenced Steam’s free weekends, mobile freemium, and every “first episode free” strategy since. The insight that generosity drives revenue remains foundational to digital distribution.