Coktel Vision
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder | Roland Oskian |
| Defunct | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
| Products | Video games, educational software |
Number of employees | 11 |
| Parent | Mindscape (2005–2011) |
Coktel Vision—also referred to as Coktel or Coktel Studio—was a Paris-based French company specializing in both the development and publishing of video games, particularly renowned for its contributions to the educational game and adventure game genres.
History
Established in 1984 by Roland Oskian, who previously held a position at Matra Espace, Coktel Vision started as a modest enterprise operating out of Oskian's residence, with his wife Catherine responsible for the visual design and cover artwork. The company initially focused on creating simulation, action, and story-driven adventure titles for platforms such as Thomson and Amstrad CPC, including adaptations inspired by Franco-Belgian comics like Asterix, Lucky Luke, and Blueberry. Following rapid expansion, Coktel transitioned into the edutainment sector, broadening its reach to include PC and Macintosh systems.
In 1986, Muriel Tramis joined the team, becoming the studio's principal designer and gaining distinction as France's pioneering female video game designer. Tramis was instrumental in creating hit series such as Gobliiins (developed alongside Pierre Gilhodes) and the highly successful educational Adibou franchise, which had surpassed 1.5 million units sold by 1997. Her work often integrated social and political commentary, collaborating with author Patrick Chamoiseau. Tramis described the company culture at Coktel as resembling a "start-up environment" that encouraged innovative freedom.
During the early 1990s, Coktel explored technologies like 3D graphics and FMV, leading to significant financial growth with revenues climbing from 30 million to 75 million francs between 1992 and 1993. The Adibou series commanded a dominant share of 65% within the French edutainment market and 35% across Europe in 1993, increasing to hold 75% of the French market by 1996.
In 1992, American publisher Sierra On-Line acquired Coktel Vision, with the deal completing in October 1993. Sierra’s primary objective was to strengthen its foothold in European educational software sales rather than expanding Coktel’s existing game portfolio. This collaboration allowed Sierra to distribute French-developed titles internationally while Coktel managed localization of Sierra’s products under its Tomahawk imprint. After the disappointing commercial performance of Urban Runner in 1996, Coktel redirected its efforts solely toward educational software.
February 1996 saw Sierra and its subsidiaries bought by CUC International, incorporating Coktel into CUC Software. Subsequent mergers involving CUC and HFS Incorporated formed Cendant, after which the software division was sold to French publisher Havas, later absorbed by Vivendi. During this phase, Coktel concentrated primarily on the European edutainment market. Founder Roland Oskian departed in 1999, followed by Muriel Tramis in 2003 when management decided to outsource major projects.
In October 2005, French publisher Mindscape took ownership of Coktel Vision, integrating eleven staff members and maintaining the brand until Mindscape ceased operations in 2011.
Subsidiaries
- MDO – a Bordeaux-based programming firm named after its founders Mathieu Marciacq, Arnaud Delrue, and Roland Oskian.
- Tomahawk – a publishing label used by Coktel Vision for simulation and adult-themed games, differentiating these from their educational offerings.
Games published
| Year | Title | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Asterix and the Magic Carpet | ||
| Dakar Moto | |||
| Méwilo | |||
| Robinson Crusoe | |||
| 1988 | 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea | ||
| Freedom: Rebels in the Darkness | |||
| The Jungle Book | |||
| 1989 | Asterix: Operation Getafix | ||
| Emmanuelle | |||
| Oliver & Company | |||
| Legend of Djel | |||
| 1990 | No Exit | ||
| Geisha | |||
| Galactic Empire | |||
| 1991 | E.S.S. Mega | ||
| Fascination | |||
| Gobliiins | |||
| Little Red Riding Hood | |||
| 1992 | A.J.'s World of Discovery | ||
| Bargon Attack | |||
| Gobliins 2: The Prince Buffoon | |||
| Inca | |||
| 1993 | Goblins Quest 3 | ||
| Lost in Time | |||
| Ween: The Prophecy | |||
| 1994 | The Bizarre Adventures of Woodruff and the Schnibble | ||
| Inca II: Wiracocha | |||
| Playtoons 1: Uncle Archibald | |||
| Playtoons 2: The Case of the Counterfeit Collaborator | |||
| 1995 | The Last Dynasty | ||
| Playtoons 3: The Secret of the Castle | |||
| Playtoons 4: The Mandarin Prince | |||
| Playtoons 5: The Stone of Wakan | |||
| 1996 | Urban Runner | ||
| 1999 | Adiboo's Magical Adventure | ||
| 2001 | Adiboo and the Green Shadow | ||
| 2002 | Zibouille : Neunoeuf en cavale | ||
| 2003 | Adiboo & Paziral's Secret | ||
| The Cat in the Hat | |||
| 2004 | Adiboo and the Energy Thieves | (Crash Bandicoot Fusion) | (Spyro Fusion) |