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Aspyr

From Alfawiki
Aspyr Media, Inc.
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryVideo games
FoundedSeptember 27, 1996; 30 years ago (1996-09-27)
Founders
  • Michael Rogers
  • Ted Staloch
Headquarters
Austin, Texas
,
US
Key people
  • Michael Rogers (co-CEO)
  • Ted Staloch (co-CEO)
ProductsList of games ported by Aspyr
Parent
SubsidiariesBeamdog
Websiteaspyr.com

Aspyr Media, Inc. (pronounced "aspire") is a United States-based video game developer and publisher, established by Michael Rogers and Ted Staloch in Austin, Texas. Initially specializing in adapting games for macOS, the company broadened its scope after 2005 to include publishing and development across various platforms.[1]

In February 2021, Aspyr was acquired by Embracer Group, first functioning under Embracer's Saber Interactive division before becoming a direct subsidiary following Saber’s divestiture in March 2024.[2][3]

History

Aspyr was founded in 1996 in Austin, Texas, by entrepreneur Michael Rogers and business executive Ted Staloch, who recognized a lack of gaming options for Mac users. Combining Rogers' technical skills with Staloch's marketing acumen, they positioned the company primarily as a porter of Windows games to the macOS platform.[4] By 2003, Aspyr had secured around 60% of the Mac gaming market share.[5]

The company's strategy evolved in 2005 when it collaborated with Alex Seropian of Wideload Games to publish its first AAA original title, Stubbs The Zombie, releasing across Mac, Windows, and Xbox platforms.[6] Further diversification occurred in 2014 with the introduction of Linux ports, including notable titles such as Civilization V, Civilization VI, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. Nonetheless, Linux support for Borderlands 2 ceased in 2020. Aspyr also published Linux versions of third-party games like Layers of Fear and Observer.

Expanding into mobile gaming, Aspyr launched iOS adaptations of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic in 2015 and later brought Jade Empire to Android devices. That year also saw updated ports of Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords for macOS and Linux, featuring enhancements such as widescreen compatibility and Steam Workshop support. Additionally, Aspyr developed and released a remastered edition of Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy, boasting improved graphics and restored content.[7]

Having published more than 190 titles and grown its workforce beyond 90 employees,[1] Aspyr’s acquisition by Embracer Group in 2021 represented a pivotal expansion phase. Initially part of Saber Interactive, it later transitioned to direct ownership under Embracer.[8] In September 2021, Aspyr revealed plans to develop a timed exclusive remake of Knights of the Old Republic for Windows and PlayStation 5; however, by August 2022 the project had been reassigned to another studio.[9]

Aspyr further broadened its corporate reach when Embracer acquired Canadian developer Beamdog in April 2022, incorporating it as a subsidiary under Aspyr’s management. Beamdog’s inaugural release under Aspyr was MythForce.[10][11]

In 2024, Aspyr partnered with sister company Crystal Dynamics to co-develop and publish the remastered collection Tomb Raider I–III Remastered, which launched on February 14 to coincide with Lara Croft's official birthday.[12] That same year saw the release of ports for the original two Star Wars: Battlefront games as part of the Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection, which debuted on March 14.[13]

After Saber Interactive was sold to Beacon Interactive in March 2024—along with multiple associated studios—Aspyr remained within the Embracer Group portfolio.[14]

Games

Aspyr's collection includes prominent releases like Sid Meier's Civilization VI, which debuted in 2018 on Mac, Linux, iOS, and Nintendo Switch. The firm also created Torn and has been responsible for reintroducing classic games from Lucasfilm Games (LucasArts). Additionally, the company enhanced its portfolio with the remastered editions of Tomb Raider I–III Remastered, demonstrating a strategic approach by expanding its offerings and capitalizing on well-known franchises.

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