Mean Hamster Software
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video game development |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Founder | John Swiderski |
| Defunct | September 2012 |
| Headquarters | Deer Park, Washington , United States |
| Products | Video games for Atari 5200, Windows Mobile, Pocket PC, casual games |
Mean Hamster Software, Inc., a video game development firm, was established in 1985 by John Swiderski and operated out of Deer Park, Washington. The studio created titles for the Atari 5200 platform between 1999 and 2004, developed a Windows Mobile version of Myst in 2005, and launched Riven: The Sequel to Myst for Pocket PC in 2006 before redirecting its efforts toward casual gaming. In the same year, Mean Hamster obtained the rights to the Exidy game library, which included classics such as Crossbow, Venture, and Mouse Trap. The company ultimately closed its doors and dismissed its final staff members in September 2012.
Casual game development
Beginning in 2007, Mean Hamster collaborated with publishers including PlayFirst, Big Fish Games, Namco, and Mesmo, Inc. to produce casual game titles. Notable releases include:
- Pet Shop Hop (March 21, 2008)
- Everything Nice (April 2, 2009)
- Ye Olde Sandwich Shoppe (May 27, 2009)
- Passport to Perfume (July 21, 2009)
- Cat Wash (November 13, 2009)
- Vegas Nights (Facebook) (May 15, 2010)
- Remarkable Farkle (August 1, 2010)
- Crossbow for iPhone (September 9, 2010)
- Sushi Quiz (November 21, 2010)
- Hospitopia (January 10, 2011)
- Vegas Nights (GSN) (April 2011)
- Lizzie's Royal Dinner (April 2011)
- Mother Nature (February 13, 2012)
- Bee Craft (July 20, 2012)
In September 2008, Washington CEO magazine acknowledged Mean Hamster Software as one of the premier video game developers within Washington State.
External links
- Defunct video game companies of the United States
- Video game development companies
- Video game companies based in Washington (state)
- Video game companies established in 1985
- Privately held companies based in Washington (state)
- Companies based in Spokane County, Washington
- 1985 establishments in Washington (state)