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{{short description|Video game database}}
{{short description|Video game database}}
{{primary sources|date=December 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2017}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2017}}
{{Infobox website
{{Infobox website
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'''MobyGames''' is a commercial website that catalogs information on [[video game]]s and the people and companies behind them via [[crowdsourcing]]. This includes nearly 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mobygames.com/moby_stats |title=MobyGames Stats |website=MobyGames |access-date=2019-09-18}}</ref> The site is supported by banner ads and a small number of people paying to become patrons.<ref>{{cite web|title=MobyGames Patrons|url=http://www.mobygames.com/info/patrons|website=MobyGames|access-date=25 December 2022}}</ref> Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by [[Atari SA]] since 2022.
'''MobyGames''' is a commercial database website that catalogs information on [[video game]]s and the people and companies behind them via [[crowdsourcing]]. This includes over 323,000 games for hundreds of platforms.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Sheehan |first=Gavin |date=2023-02-22 |title=Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223022102/https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/ |archive-date=2023-02-23 |access-date=2025-06-27 |website=Bleeding Cool}}</ref> Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by [[Atari SA]] since 2022.


==Site features==
==Site features==
Edits and submissions go through a leisurely verification process by volunteer "approvers". This can range from immediate (minutes) to gradual (days or months).<ref>
Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Litchfield |first=Ted |date=2021-11-26 |title=Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126200113/https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/ |archive-date=2021-11-26 |access-date=2025-06-27 |website=PC Gamer}}</ref> This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.<ref>
{{cite web
{{cite web
| title      = MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?
| title      = MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?
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| website    = MobyGames.com
| website    = MobyGames.com
| publisher  = Blue Flame Labs
| publisher  = Blue Flame Labs
| access-date = 19 January 2016}}</ref>
| access-date = 19 January 2016}}</ref> A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Stanley A. |date=2003-04-22 |title=People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites |access-date= |work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel}}</ref>


Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated [[internet forum|forum]]. Each listed game can have its own subforum.
Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated [[internet forum|forum]]. Each listed game can have its own subforum.
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[[Image:MobyGames.png|thumb|Logo used until March 2014]]
[[Image:MobyGames.png|thumb|Logo used until March 2014]]


MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999 by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, three friends since high school.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-02-28 |title=20 Years of MobyGames |url=https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/ |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=Oldskooler Ramblings |language=en}}</ref> Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with games for [[IBM PC compatible]]s. Home console games started being added in 2001, [[arcade video game]]s in January 2014, and [[mainframe computer]] games in June 2017.<ref>{{cite web| title = New(ish!) on MobyGames – the Mainframe platform.| url = http://www.mobygames.com/forums/dga,2/dgb,3/dgm,237200/| date = 18 June 2017| website = MobyGames.com| publisher = Blue Flame Labs| access-date = 6 July 2017}}</ref>
MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999 by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, three friends since high school.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-02-28 |title=20 Years of MobyGames |url=https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/ |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=Oldskooler Ramblings |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=2022-03-10 |title=Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million |url=https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311053524/https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521 |archive-date=2022-03-11 |access-date=2025-06-27 |website=Kotaku}}</ref> Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for [[IBM PC compatible]]s, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.<ref name=":1" /> Within its first few years of being online, Berk emphasized in an interview MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society, and for the desire to preserve games for their important cultural influence.<ref name=":1" />


In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by [[GameFly]] for an undisclosed amount.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media|title=Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media|publisher=Gamasutra|date=2011-02-07|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209122112/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/32856/Report_MobyGames_Acquired_By_GameFly_Media.php|archive-date=2011-02-09}}</ref> This was announced to the community ''post factum'' and a few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.
In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by [[GameFly]] for an undisclosed amount.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media|title=Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media|publisher=Gamasutra|date=2011-02-07|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209122112/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/32856/Report_MobyGames_Acquired_By_GameFly_Media.php|archive-date=2011-02-09}}</ref> This was announced to the community ''post factum''{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.<ref name=":2" /> a few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}


On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San-Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for [[Fan labor|fan-made]] video game [[box art]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned|title=MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned|last=Corriea|first=Alexa Ray|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=December 31, 2013|access-date=2014-01-01}}</ref> Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel.<ref name="gamasutra">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner|title=Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner|last=Wawro|first=Alex|date=31 December 2013|work=[[Gamasutra]]|access-date=2014-01-01}}</ref>
On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San-Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for [[Fan labor|fan-made]] video game [[box art]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned|title=MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned|last=Corriea|first=Alexa Ray|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=December 31, 2013|access-date=2014-01-01}}</ref> Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,<ref name="gamasutra">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner|title=Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner|last=Wawro|first=Alex|date=31 December 2013|work=[[Gamasutra]]|access-date=2014-01-01}}</ref> and for the next eight years the site was run by Freyholtz and [[Independent Games Festival]] organizer Simon Carless.<ref name=":2" />


On November 24, 2021, [[Atari SA]] announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames|title=Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames|date=November 24, 2021 }}</ref> The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/|title=Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support|date=March 8, 2022|access-date=2022-03-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-09 |title=Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/ |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=VGC |language=en-GB}}</ref>
On November 24, 2021, [[Atari SA]] announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames|title=Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames|date=November 24, 2021 }}</ref> The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rousseau |first=Jeffrey |date=2022-03-09 |title=Atari purchases Moby Games |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815180933/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games |archive-date=2022-08-15 |access-date=2025-06-27 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/|title=Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support|date=March 8, 2022|access-date=2022-03-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-09 |title=Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/ |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=VGC |language=en-GB}}</ref> Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from the scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.<ref name=":0" /> This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stanton |first=Rich |date=2022-03-10 |title=Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310142821/https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/ |archive-date=2022-03-10 |access-date=2025-06-27 |website=PC Gamer}}</ref>
 
In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=John |date=2024-03-09 |title=MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership |url=https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424033343/https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/ |archive-date=2024-04-24 |access-date=2025-06-27 |website=Set Side B}}</ref> Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the [[Patreon]] website.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MobyGames on Patreon |url=http://www.patreon.com/mobygames |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330205000/http://www.patreon.com/mobygames |archive-date=2014-03-30 |access-date=2025-06-27 |website=Patreon}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 14:37, 28 June 2025

Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "check for clobbered parameters".

MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 323,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Site features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copyediting.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own subforum.

History

File:MobyGames.png
Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999 by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, three friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] Within its first few years of being online, Berk emphasized in an interview MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society, and for the desire to preserve games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factumScript error: No such module "Unsubst". and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] a few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San-Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from the scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

References

Template:Reflist Template:Wikidata property

External links

Template:Atari

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  5. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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