WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008

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Short description: 2007 professional wrestling video game
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008
Cover art featuring John Cena, The Undertaker and Bobby Lashley
Developer(s)Yuke's
Amaze Entertainment (DS)
Publisher(s)THQ
SeriesSmackDown vs. Raw
Platform(s)
ReleaseNintendo DS, PlayStation 2, Wii & Xbox 360
  • EU: 9 November 2007
  • NA: 13 November 2007
  • AU: 15 November 2007
  • JP: 14 February 2008 (PS2, Wii, X360)
PlayStation 3 & PlayStation Portable
  • EU: 9 November 2007
  • NA: 13 November 2007
  • AU: 22 November 2007[1]
  • JP: 14 February 2008 (PS3)
Genre(s)Sports
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer, multiplayer online

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 (also known as WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 featuring ECW and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 ECW Invasion) is a professional wrestling video game published by THQ in November 2007, and developed by Yuke's for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PlayStation Portable video game consoles,[2] with Amaze Entertainment overseeing development for the Nintendo DS version.[3]

SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 is the ninth overall installment of the video game series based on the professional wrestling promotion World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the fourth game in the SmackDown vs. Raw series, the sequel to 2006's SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, and the first WWE game to feature the promotion's ECW brand.[4]

The game was succeeded by WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 in 2008.

Gameplay

Each wrestler now has two fighting style categories, one primary and one secondary. Each fighting style has its advantages and disadvantages in each particular match type.[5] There are eight styles altogether: high-flyer, hardcore, submission, powerhouse, showman, brawler, dirty and technical.[5][6] In addition, creative manager of THQ Cory Ledesma said early in production that he planned on having numerous wrestler animations redone.[5]

A new "struggle submission system" has been introduced, incorporating more analog control into the game. The player executing the submission can now decide how much pressure is applied by moving the analog stick in a particular direction. Similarly, the player locked in a submission hold will have to power out also by using the analog stick.[5]

The game features the revived ECW brand, and it takes its place alongside the established Raw and SmackDown! brands. The official box art features the ECW logo prominently. The game's ECW branding has expanded the number of weapons available under the ring during gameplay. New weapons such as guitars are available and tables and barbed wire bats can be set on fire.[7] Despite the inclusion of the brand, the franchise kept its SmackDown! vs. Raw name, although an early logo included "ECW Invasion" in the title. It had been changed, however, to "Featuring ECW".[5]

The game features several arenas where WWE held events in 2006 and 2007. There are also arenas based on each WWE television show.

Modes

Elijah Burke making his ring entrance.

The game allows several different game modes to be played, each with different goals and options. The Season and General Manager Modes of previous games have been merged into the new "WWE 24/7" mode, which takes its name from WWE's video on-demand service. Players can choose to play one of the game's included superstars or create a superstar, or as a general manager of one of the brands. Playing as a wrestler, the goal is to take that wrestler and achieve "legend" status. In order to do so, the player has to win matches, then team with and feud with other wrestlers, and gain popularity. At the same time, they must choose whether to train, exercise, relax, or take part in other activities when not wrestling, all with their own positive and negative effects. The player could only choose to be either on the Smackdown brand or the Raw brand, as the ECW brand was excluded.

Playing as a general manager is similar to the previous General Manager modes in the series, in which one has to choose a brand and act as its General Manager (Jonathan Coachman for Raw, Theodore Long for SmackDown!, Tommy Dreamer for ECW), draft a roster and make decisions to make it the most popular brand of the three. The General Manager is allowed to make staffing decisions, schedule workouts and events.[8] This was also the last game in the Smackdown vs. Raw series to have a General Manager mode until WWE 2K22. There is also an all-new "Tournament Mode", which allows the player to control a superstar through the various stages of the WWE tournament, such as Beat The Clock Sprint and King of the Ring, as well as Money in the Bank tournament. The game also allows the players to create own tournament. This feature is excluded from the Nintendo DS and mobile versions. Like previous games in the series, the game also allows players to challenge for and defend championships.[9] The game includes championships used by the WWE in 2007, bringing back the branded championships from the previous game and for the first time, the ECW Championship.

Fighting style system

The game featured the Fighting Style System which would not appear in later games until the release of WWE 2K18, where the system has returned. With each style, the character would adopt a series of preset abilities. Depending on primary ability, they would also be able to perform a unique move that can only be activated if the player has a stored finisher icon.

The fighting styles were Powerhouse, Showman, Hardcore, Dirty, Brawler, High-Flyer, Submission and Technical. This system was highly criticized as these pre-setting gave some wrestlers abilities which they cannot actually use, or stopped them from using common moves. For example, Carlito and Chavo Guerrero did not have the ability to perform any of their springboard attacks, and Mr. McMahon was as strong as some of the larger characters in the game. Also, the choice of fighting styles limited the variety of moves available in create-a-moveset.

Wrestlers with the powerhouse fighting style can break out of a pin attempt with just one button press, unless they had sustained a large amount of arm damage. They could also do a powerful Irish Whip (later named a 'Hammer Throw'), which could cause damage if the opponent hit the corner turnbuckles. A player (regardless of weight) could be sent reeling over the top rope with the force of this move. Their special ability was called 'Rampage', a temporary adrenaline rush in which their grapple moves could not be reversed or blocked.

Technical wrestlers automatically reversed all quick grapple moves until they had taken a good deal of arm damage. They also had the ability to perform diving attacks onto opponents outside of the ring. Their special ability was an adrenaline rush that allowed them to counter every attack for a limited time.

Showman is one of the more common kinds. Performing taunts or dives from higher positions cause a faster rise in momentum. They also have 2 special abilities. One allows them to perform one of their opponent's taunts, and if uninterrupted, the opponent is unable to gain any momentum for a limited time. They can alternatively copy their opponent's finishing move if in the correct position to do so. However, the copied move is weaker than the original.

The most common kind is the Brawler. Brawlers can sit on a downed opponent and punch their opponent's head repeatedly. They also have a special combination of 3 to 5 strikes. If the first strike connects, the defending wrestler is not able to block, avoid or counter the remainder of the strikes in the combination. Their special ability is called 'Wreck Shop', a limited adrenaline rush in which all opponent strikes are countered and all strikes become unblockable.

High-flyers can perform springboard diving attacks to opponents inside or outside of the ring. Instead of countering or side-stepping attacks, they perform an evasive roll. Their special ability is a possum pin. After recovering from being knocked down, a high-flyer can remain on the ground. If the attacker attempts a grapple move, the defending wrestler will go for a pin attempt which is difficult to break out of. However, if the opponent attempts a strike, then the pin attempt is lost.

Submission wrestlers can break out of Struggle Submissions with ease. They can also force an opponent to submit to any Struggle Submission, even if it is not a finisher or signature move.

Dirty wrestlers, like Chavo Guerrero, can perform dirty moves, which boost their momentum faster. They can also remove turnbuckle covers and use weapons to build momentum. They can also use the referee as a human shield, making themselves immune to all attacks. When they release the referee, they shove him into the opponent. This is difficult to avoid and momentarily stuns the opponent and the referee. Their special move involves an eye-poke and a low blow which causes a lot of damage to the head and torso.

Hardcore wrestlers get momentum bonuses for using weapons. They can also perform grapple moves while holding a weapon. If they try to use a steel chair with full momentum, they automatically perform the Steel Chair DDT. If they are caused to bleed, they instantly get full momentum. Their special move can only be performed with a steel chair in hand. They strike themselves in the face repeated until they bleed. While this causes full momentum, it also causes critical head damage.

Roster

ECW made its first appearance in the series as a brand. Ashley, CM Punk, Cryme Tyme, Elijah Burke, Kelly Kelly, Kenny Dykstra, Marcus Cor Von, and MVP made their WWE video game debuts. Sabu and The Sandman would make their only appearances in the franchise with this installment. It also marked the return of Jeff Hardy to the franchise who if not counting 2003's WWE Crush Hour last appeared in 2002's WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth. It is the last WWE video game to feature Torrie Wilson. It is also the last game to feature Ric Flair as an active member of the roster, as he would be featured as a legend in games moving forward. The handheld versions had exclusive characters, with Eddie Guerrero, Jim Neidhart, and Sgt. Slaughter being PSP exclusives, and Hardcore Holly being a Nintendo DS exclusive.

This is the first game in the series not to feature Chris Benoit after his double murder and suicide in June 2007. All materials related to Benoit were removed or made unavailable through normal means, including all versions of the crossface and diving headbutt.

Jillian Hall, The Boogeyman, and Shelton Benjamin were omitted from the game even though they were a part of the current roster at the time and were featured in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007.

Development

Kane wrestles Rey Mysterio (this was an early screenshot; Rey Mysterio's attire was changed from white to black during development).

PlayStation 2

Graphics and gameplay are similar to the previous years in the SvR series. It also includes the new 24/7 mode which includes Become a Legend or GM Mode where the players can also train superstars and gain them popularity.

Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3

The Xbox 360 has the custom soundtrack feature which people can import their own music in superstars entrances. However, the PS3 has a first person view in entrances where people can control where the superstar looks with the Sixaxis controller.

The PS3 version also had a special "Collector's Edition" which came with a DVD detailing the game, a Kelly Kelly trading card, and a booklet featuring various superstars signature moves.[10]

The Xbox 360 version also had special "High Flyer" and "Dirty" Editions which came with Special Edition Slipcase, "I'm a High Flyer" or "I Fight Dirty" T-shirts, 1 page Kelly Kelly calendar, 8 Numbered Limited Edition "Fighting Styles" Postcards, and a "Create a Superstar" Mini Guide.[11]

Wii

Instead of featuring 24/7 mode, it features Main Event Mode where the players can play as a created superstar and rise to the top. The Wii version of the game features only chairs as the exclusive weapons. Also the Wii version only has 5 match types such as Singles Match, Hardcore Match, Tag Team Match, Triple Threat Match and Knockout Match.

PSP

The game has the same graphics as the previous games in the SvR PSP ports, but Slaughter, Eddie Guerrero and Jim Neidhart are PSP exclusive unlockable Legends.

Matches

This would be the last game to feature the Buried Alive Match, as it would not appear in its sequel SmackDown vs. Raw 2009, or any other games to follow until WWE 2K16 (only in the 2K Showcase).

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
DSPS2PS3PSPWiiXbox 360
EGM6.83/10[12]
Eurogamer6/10[13]
Game Informer8/10[14]8/10[14]
GameProStarStarStarStarHalf star[15]StarStarStarStarHalf star[16]
GameRevolutionC[17]C[17]C[17]
GameSpot6.5/10[18]6.5/10[19]6.5/10[19]4.5/10[20]6.5/10[19]
GameSpyStarStarStar[21]StarStarStar[22]StarStarStar[22]
GameTrailers7.4/10[23]7.4/10[23]
GameZone7/10[24]7/10[25]7.5/10[26]6.5/10[27]7.5/10[28]7/10[29]
IGN7/10[30]6.8/10[31]7.5/10[32]6.5/10[33]7.5/10[34]7.8/10[35]
Nintendo Power6.5/10[36]
OXM (US)8.5/10[37]
PSM8.5/10[38]9/10[39]
Aggregate scores
GameRankings61.64%[40]73.60%[41]71.72%[42]66.20%[43]59.14%[44]70.47%[45]
Metacritic61/100[46]71/100[47]74/100[48]68/100[49]59/100[50]71/100[51]

Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 received "mixed or average" reviews upon release. GameRankings and Metacritic gave it a score of 73.60% and 71 out of 100 for the PlayStation 2 version;[41][47] 71.72% and 74 out of 100 for the PlayStation 3 version;[42][48] 70.47% and 71 out of 100 for the Xbox 360 version;[45][51] 66.20% and 68 out of 100 for the PSP version;[43][49] 61.64% and 61 out of 100 for the DS version;[40][46] 59.14% and 59 out of 100 for the Wii version;[44][50] and 55% for the Mobile version.[52]

For the Mobile version, GameZone gave 5.5 out of 10,[53] while IGN gave the score four out of ten.[54] Both reviewers were critical to its mechanics, but considered its visuals as decent.

The PlayStation 2 version of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 received a "Platinum" sales award from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA),[55] indicating sales of at least 300,000 copies in the United Kingdom.[56] The game had shipped 6 million units across all platforms by March 2008.[57]

See also

References

  1. "WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2008 - PSP". EB Games. http://www.ebgames.com.au/PSP/product.cfm?ID=8033. 
  2. "The Number One Fighting Video Game Franchise Takes on Three New Platforms in WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2008". THQ. March 30, 2007. http://investor.thq.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=96376&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=980322&highlight=. 
  3. Casamassina, Matt (July 9, 2007). "Pre-E3 2007: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008". IGN. http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/07/10/pre-e3-2007-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008. 
  4. Miller, Greg (March 30, 2007). "Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 Eyes-on". IGN. http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/30/smackdown-vs-raw-2008-eyes-on. 
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Dunham, Jeremy (March 29, 2007). "First Interview: SmackDown vs. Raw 2008". IGN. http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/30/first-interview-smackdown-vs-raw-2008. 
  6. Hunt, Jen (March 30, 2007). "SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 unveiled". WWE. http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/exclusives/sdvraw2008. 
  7. "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 (Wii)". THQ. http://www.thq.com/games/gameinfo.php?id=1273&upc=30128. 
  8. Miller, Greg (October 3, 2007). "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 24/7 Mode Report". IGN. http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/03/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-247-mode-report. 
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  10. "WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008 Collector's Edition for PS3 at GameZone.com". GameZone. http://ps3.gamezone.com/gamesell/p33672.htm. 
  11. "WWE Smackdown Vs RAW 2008 High Flyer - XBOX 360". Game Head. http://www.gamehead.com.au/XBox-360/Fighting/WWE-Smackdown-Vs-RAW-2008-High-Flyer-XBOX-360/111102. 
  12. EGM staff (December 2007). "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 (X360)". Electronic Gaming Monthly: 106. 
  13. Whitehead, Dan (November 12, 2007). "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 (X360)". http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-review. 
  14. 14.0 14.1 Reeves, Ben (December 2007). "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 (PS3, X360)". Game Informer (176). http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/35F7FF40-CE4E-4548-B8FB-9F1D9CCBF24C.htm. Retrieved February 15, 2015. 
  15. Melick, Todd (December 2007). "Review: WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 (PS3)". GamePro: 124. http://gamepro.com/sony/ps3/games/reviews/147708.shtml. Retrieved February 15, 2015. 
  16. Melick, Todd (November 13, 2007). "Review: WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 (X360)". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/reviews/147508.shtml. Retrieved February 15, 2015. 
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 Tan, Nick (November 11, 2007). "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 Review (PS2, PS3, X360)". Game Revolution. http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008. 
  18. Provo, Frank (November 21, 2007). "WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 Review (DS)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-review/1900-6183250/. 
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 Navarro, Alex (November 14, 2007). "WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 Review (PS2, PS3, X360)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-review/1900-6182916/. 
  20. Navarro, Alex (November 26, 2007). "WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 Review (Wii)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-review/1900-6183353/. 
  21. Villoria, Gerald (November 28, 2007). "GameSpy: WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (NDS)". GameSpy. http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-unofficial-title/838481p1.html. 
  22. 22.0 22.1 Villoria, Gerald (November 19, 2007). "GameSpy: WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (PS3, X360)". GameSpy. http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/836690p1.html. 
  23. 23.0 23.1 "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 Review (PS3, X360)". GameTrailers. December 4, 2007. http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/xjmfbc/wwe-smackdown--vs--raw-2008-review. 
  24. Valentino, Nick (December 2, 2007). "WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 - NDS - Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/wwe_smackdown_vs_raw_2008_nds_review. 
  25. Bedigian, Louis (November 12, 2007). "WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 - PS2 - Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/wwe_smackdown_vs_raw_2008_ps2_review. 
  26. Romano, Natalie (November 30, 2007). "WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 Review - PlayStation 3". GameZone. http://ps3.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r32205.htm. 
  27. Sandoval, Angelina (November 29, 2007). "WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 - PSP - Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/wwe_smackdown_vs_raw_2008_psp_review. 
  28. Zacarias, Eduardo (November 29, 2007). "WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 - WII - Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/wwe_smackdown_vs_raw_2008_wii_review. 
  29. Hopper, Steven (November 18, 2007). "WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 - 360 - Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/wwe_smackdown_vs_raw_2008_360_review. 
  30. Bozon, Mark (November 1, 2007). "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 Review (NDS)". IGN. http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/02/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-review-3. 
  31. Miller, Greg (November 1, 2007). "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 Review (PS2)". IGN. http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/01/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-review-6. 
  32. Miller, Greg (November 1, 2007). "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 Review (X360)". IGN. http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/01/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-review-7. 
  33. Miller, Greg (November 1, 2007). "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 Review (PSP)". IGN. http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/02/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-review-2. 
  34. Bozon, Mark (November 1, 2007). "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 Review (Wii)". IGN. http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/01/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-review-4. 
  35. Miller, Greg (November 1, 2007). "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 Review (PS3)". IGN. http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/01/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-review-5. 
  36. "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 (Wii)". Nintendo Power 223: 84. December 2007. 
  37. Lewis, Cameron (December 2007). "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008". Official Xbox Magazine: 74. http://oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/s-z/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008. Retrieved February 15, 2015. 
  38. "Review: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 (PS2)". PSM: 73. December 2007. 
  39. "Review: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 (PS3)". PSM: 72. December 2007. 
  40. 40.0 40.1 "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for DS". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/938846-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/index.html. 
  41. 41.0 41.1 "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for PlayStation 2". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/938802-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/index.html. 
  42. 42.0 42.1 "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for PlayStation 3". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/938803-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/index.html. 
  43. 43.0 43.1 "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for PSP". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/psp/938804-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/index.html. 
  44. 44.0 44.1 "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for Wii". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/wii/938847-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/index.html. 
  45. 45.0 45.1 "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for Xbox 360". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/938801-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/index.html. 
  46. 46.0 46.1 "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for DS Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/critic-reviews/?platform=ds. 
  47. 47.0 47.1 "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for PlayStation 2 Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2. 
  48. 48.0 48.1 "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for PlayStation 3 Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3. 
  49. 49.0 49.1 "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for PSP Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/critic-reviews/?platform=psp. 
  50. 50.0 50.1 "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for Wii Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/critic-reviews/?platform=wii. 
  51. 51.0 51.1 "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for Xbox 360 Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. 
  52. "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for Mobile". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/mobile/944336-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/index.html. 
  53. Bedigian, Louis (January 30, 2008). "WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 - MB - Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/wwe_smackdown_vs_raw_2008_mb_review. 
  54. Roush, George (November 16, 2007). "WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 Review (Cell)". IGN. http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/16/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-review. 
  55. "ELSPA Sales Awards: Platinum". Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association. http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3944. 
  56. Caoili, Eric (November 26, 2008). "ELSPA: Wii Fit, Mario Kart Reach Diamond Status In UK". Gamasutra. https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php. 
  57. "THQ Reports Fiscal 2008 Fourth Quarter Results". THQ. May 6, 2008. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20080506006705/en/THQ-Reports-Fiscal-2008-Fourth-Quarter-Results. 
  • WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 on IMDb
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
  • No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

Template:Atari



  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
  • No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

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