MicroProse Software, Inc. was a North American video game developer, founded in 1982 by Sid Meier and Bill Stealey. Known for its publishing of the majority of Meier's hit computer games, it ceased to exist in 2001 when its parent company, Hasbro Interactive, was acquired and merged by Infogrames.
Origin
In the 1980s, MicroProse was primarily known as a publisher of flight and military simulation titles for 8-bit home computers such as the Commodore 64, Apple II, and Atari 8-bit family, with titles such as "Spitfire Ace" and "Hellcat Ace". It also published a few strategy games at the time. As industry changed over to 16-bit and 32-bit CPUs in late 1980s, MicroProse started supporting IBM PC compatibles and 68000-based machines like the Amiga and Atari ST. MicroProse also started a UK branch to cross-publish titles in Europe, and to import some European titles to be published in the US. In 1990 and 1991 MicroProse released the blockbusters Railroad Tycoon and Civilization, by Sid Meier, on multiple platforms. Both of which quickly became two of the best-selling strategy games of all time and spawned multiple sequels. MicroProse also released Geoff Crammond's Formula One Grand Prix to adulation in 1991. The Amiga and Atari ST versions were released first, and the DOS version followed in early 1992. The game was considered the best Formula One sim to date. In 1992, MicroProse acquired Leeds-based flight simulation developer Vektor Grafix, who had already developed titles for them such as B17, turning it into a satellite development studio.
slovak
MicroProse Software, Inc. was a North American video game developer, founded in 1982 by Sid Meier and Bill Stealey. Known for its publishing of the majority of Meier's hit computer games, it ceased to exist in 2001 when its parent company, Hasbro Interactive, was acquired and merged by Infogrames.