Mind Control Software
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Andrew Leker |
| Defunct | 2013 |
| Fate | Ceased operations |
| Headquarters | San Rafael, California , United States |
| Products | Alien Logic, Silencer, Oasis, Field Commander, DimensionM: Evolver, Vector City Racers |
Mind Control Software was a California-based American video game developer established in 1994 by Andrew Leker amid the creation of the video game adaptation of his tabletop RPG Skyrealms of Jorune, named Alien Logic. The company’s main periods of activity spanned from 1994 to 2000 and later from 2004 to 2013.
History
According to Andrew Leker, Mind Control Software was founded in 1994, coinciding with the release of Alien Logic by Ceridus Software (founded in 1989). The company’s website defined Mind Control as a platform to develop an interactive version of Skyrealms of Jorune, with Alien Logic identified as its inaugural title. However, Leker indicated in 1999 that the development of Silencer followed Alien Logic, suggesting a more intricate founding chronology. Official incorporation documents first list Mind Control, Inc. in 1998, shortly before Ceridus Software ceased operations in 1999.
In 1996, publisher Strategic Simulations (SSI) announced Mind Control’s upcoming project, Silencer, but SSI ultimately did not publish it. Instead, Silencer was made available in open beta through WON.net in 2000 but was discontinued prior to its official launch.
Mind Control commenced development on Resurrection in August 1998; a prototype was presented at GDC 1999, where it earned the "Best Game Design" award at the first-ever Independent Games Festival. This project was subsequently sold to Sega and released under the title Ooga Booga in 2001.
The company announced its closure on May 26, 2000, shortly after the final beta update for Silencer; their website went offline around 2002.
Mind Control resurfaced in late 2004 by filing new LLC Articles of Organization and incorporated as Mind Control Software, Inc. in December 2005. Early that year, their website was relaunched and chief designer Marc LeBlanc joined the team. Prior to this reformation, Leker and LeBlanc had collaborated since at least 2003 on Oasis, which also received recognition from the IGF.
Published by PlayFirst in April 2005, Oasis marked a significant release. In August 2010, Mind Control regained publishing rights from PlayFirst and launched an iPad adaptation titled Defense of the Oasis.
On July 21, 2009, Mind Control revealed a partnership with Richard Garfield and Skaff Elias to create an online strategy game codenamed Mind Twist, which ultimately never reached release.
In 2010, Mind Control introduced SpineCone Games, a brand aimed at younger demographics.
The firm underwent rebranding as Electrified Software in 2011 and ceased operations permanently in 2013.
Games
- Alien Logic: A Skyrealms of Jorune Adventure (1994) (developed by Ceridus Software with personnel closely linked to early Mind Control staff)
- Resurrection (prototype shown in 1999, submitted to IGF 1999, later evolved into Ooga Booga)
- Silencer (beta launched in 2000)
- Oasis (2005, submitted to IGF in 2004)*
- Spellagories (2005)*
- Timmy's Magic Word Garden (2006, IGF entrant for 2006)*
- Bubble Symphony (2006, IGF participant in 2006)*
- Gem River (2006, IGF submission for 2006)*
- Field Commander (2006, developed for the PSP)
- Thwart Poker (2006)*
- Stomping Grounds (2006)*
- Arrrrrr! (2007)*
- DimensionM: Evolver (2007)
- Vector City Racers (2009)
- Mind Twist (announced in 2009 but presumably canceled)*
Contributions made to:
- The Unholy War (1998)
- Babel (1998)
- Ooga Booga (2001)
- Tino's Fruit Stand (2006)*
Titles developed utilizing Mind Control’s Orbital Engine (Orbital Game Platform)
External links
- Mind Control Software profile on MobyGames
- Articles with short description
- Video game development companies
- Video game companies founded in 1994
- Video game companies closed in 2000
- Video game companies closed in 2013
- Companies located in San Rafael, California
- Defunct computer companies in California
- Defunct video game companies in the United States
- Video game companies based in California
- Defunct computer companies based in California