Personal Software Services
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video game development and publishing |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | Gary Mays, Richard Cockayne |
| Fate | Acquired by Mirrorsoft in 1987 |
| Headquarters | Coventry , United Kingdom |
| Products | Video games, including strategic wargames such as Theatre Europe and Falklands '82 |
Personal Software Services (PSS) was a software company headquartered in Coventry, United Kingdom, established in 1981 by Gary Mays and Richard Cockayne. In 1987, the firm was purchased by Mirrorsoft. PSS created video games for various platforms, including the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, Atari 8-bit computers, Amstrad CPC, Oric computers, and IBM PC compatible systems.
The company was known for its focus on strategic wargames, with titles such as Theatre Europe and Falklands '82 standing out. Additionally, PSS handled the UK distribution of games developed by the French company ERE Informatique, including the title Get Dexter.
History
Founded in 1981 in Coventry by Gary Mays and Richard Cockayne, Personal Software Services collaborated with French developer ERE Informatique to release adapted versions of their games for the UK market. The Wargamers series, initiated by software designer Alan Steel in 1984 with Battle for Midway, was the product of extensive research conducted by teams located in both Coventry and London. Some releases, particularly Theatre Europe, sparked controversy at the time of their launch. By 1983, PSS had gained recognition as one of the leading software companies in the UK and was shortlisted for BBC Radio 4's New Business Enterprise Award.
In 1988, Cockayne redirected efforts toward developing for 16-bit consoles, citing the limited capabilities of 8-bit home computers like the ZX Spectrum as a constraint for producing more expansive strategy titles. While Cockayne denied completely abandoning the 8-bit segment, no new products for these systems were launched after 1988.
Although sales were robust during the mid-1980s, PSS encountered financial difficulties attributed by Cockayne to management errors. The company was acquired by Mirrorsoft in February 1987 but was subsequently sold off due to mounting debts.
Games
- Blade Alley, 1983
- Metro Blitz, 1983
- The Guardian, 1983
- Cosmic Split, 1983
- Light Cycle, 1983
- Centipede, 1983
- Invaders, 1983
- Hopper, 1983
- The Ultra, 1983
- Battle for Midway, 1984
- Deep Space, 1984
- Frank 'n' Stein, 1984
- Les Flics, 1984
- Maxima, 1984
- Xavior, 1984
- The Covenant, 1985
- Macadam Bumper, 1985
- Swords and Sorcery, 1985
- Theatre Europe, 1985
- Battle of Britain, 1985
- Annals of Rome, 1986
- Falklands '82, 1986
- Get Dexter, 1986
- Iwo Jima, 1986
Post Mirrorsoft acquisition
- Battlefield Germany, 1987
- Bismarck, 1987
- Pegasus Bridge, 1987
- Sorcerer Lord, 1987
- Tobruk, 1987
- Legend of the Sword, 1988
- Firezone, 1988
- Austerlitz, 1989
- Final Frontier, 1989
- Conflict: Europe, 1989
- Waterloo, 1989
- Battle Master, 1990
- The Final Battle, 1990
- Champion of the Raj, 1991
- J. R. R. Tolkien's Riders of Rohan, 1991