Pharaoh (video game)

Short description: 1999 video game

Pharaoh

Developer(s)| Impressions Games (Pharaoh)
BreakAway Games (Cleopatra)
Publisher(s)| Sierra Studios
Producer(s)|

* Ken Parker
* Greg Sheppard

Designer(s)| Chris Beatrice
Programmer(s)| Mike Gingerich
Artist(s)|

* Darrin Horbal
* Heidi Mann
* Mike Malone

Writer(s)| Lisa Gagnon
Composer(s)|

* Henry Beckett
* Keith Zizza

Series| City Building
Platform(s)| Microsoft Windows
Release|

* NA: 2 November 1999[2][3]
* UK: 19 November 1999[1]

Cleopatra: Queen of the Nile

* NA: 14 July 2000[4]
* EU: 15 September 2000

Genre(s)| City-building
Mode(s)| Single-player

Pharaoh is an isometric city-building game released in November 1999. It was created by Impressions Games and published by Sierra Studios for Microsoft Windows. Using the same game engine and principles of Caesar III (also by Sierra Entertainment), it is the first such game in Sierra's City Building series to focus on another civilization of ancient times. Players oversee the construction and management of cities and settlements in Ancient Egypt, micro-managing every aspect of the city to ensure citizens are fed, employed, healthy and protected from diseases, disasters and wars. An expansion pack, Cleopatra: Queen of the Nile (known as sinply Cleopatra), was released in 2000, developed by BreakAway Games. In 2001, both the game and expansion pack were bundled together as Pharaoh Gold.[5] A remake titled Pharaoh was released by Triskell Interactive and Dotemu in 2023.[6]

## Contents

* 1 Gameplay
* 1.1 Game modes
* 1.2 Gameplay elements
* 2 Reception
* 2.1 Critical reception
* 2.2 Sales
* 3 Expansion pack
* 3.1 Reception
* 4 Legacy
* 4.1 Sequels
* 4.2 Remake
* 4.3 Similar games
* 5 Notes
* 6 References
* 7 External links
* 8 Features
* 9 History
* 10 See also
* 11 References
* 12 External links
* 13 Features
* 14 History
* 15 See also
* 16 References
* 17 External links

## Gameplay

Pharaoh is played from a two-dimensional isometric perspective; the magnification level is fixed, but the viewing angle can be changed at 90-degree angles, either counter-clockwise or clockwise. Much of the control is managed through the mouse and keyboard shortcuts, in an interface system similar to that of Caesar III. Many buttons exist for different types of construction like housing and roads, viewing messages, undoing mistakes, cycling through trouble spots, a map of Ancient Egypt and the surrounding regions, a group of advisors (called Overseers) who provide information on the city's development and any problems encountered, and in-game overlays that detail issues and the fulfillment of housing's demands. All aspects of city life, such as housing, religion, warfare and trade, are designed carefully to closely reflect that of actual Ancient Egyptian cities of the time, including the goods and services available. Names of various pharaohs are used with the appearance of historical characters from Egypt's ancient history, and limited encyclopedic information about ancient Egyptian practices is provided in the game's help menu and instruction booklet. While the game uses the deben as its currency, no standardized metal currency is known to have been used in Ancient Egypt. Although the puzzle-like aspect of Pharaoh keeps the simulation far from realistic, the game stays true to the chronological order and timing of major events in the history of Egypt, including monument construction, wars and national disasters, the births and deaths of notable leaders, and the founding and fall of ancient cities.

### Game modes

The game features two modes of play – campaign and free-build. In campaign mode, players focus on establishing cities during different periods of Ancient Egypt, initially working on nomad settlements, before being entrusted with building up trade centres, grand cities and monuments for various Ancient Egyptian leaders. As campaign mode progresses, players earn promotions until they become the Pharaoh themselves. Players operate in five periods of Ancient Egyptian history (six with the inclusion of Cleopatra), with the first period acting as a basic tutorial. In later periods, players get a choice between two missions, usually peaceful and military alternatives, but only one of the two needs to be completed to move on in the campaign.

In free-build mode, players are given a choice of around a dozen standalone scenarios. Some do not have win conditions, allowing open-ended "sandbox" city-building, whereas others present goals to attain. A map editor is provided with the game to facilitate the creation of user-designed scenarios for this mode.

The Pharaoh interface

### Gameplay elements

Pharaoh simulates many aspects of Egyptian life and city management. While many of the elements of the game, from housing to industry, are borrowed from Caesar III, the game distinguishes itself with differences and new features.[7] For example, after housing plots are designated, immigrants can move into them and build their residences. Housing will automatically be improved, including in appearance, when demands for goods, services and desirable surroundings are fulfilled.[7] While Population, Prosperity and Culture are retained in the game, Favor is renamed as "Kingdom" and maintains the same function in that the score is based upon the ruling Pharaoh's view on a player's performance (this later becomes the wider countries' view once the player becomes Pharaoh themselves). Peace is replaced with a new goal, "Monument", which focuses on a player's efforts to establish the monuments needed within their city; players will usually be given the knowledge of the monuments they need to build during a briefing of their next mission.

In terms of farming, floodplain farms are a new feature built near the Nile River.[7] A further addition is the use of Irrigation Ditches to increase the fertility of farmland. Fishers operate in boats, usually situated in the Nile. Hunting is a new feature in Pharaoh; animals to be hunted are present on the game map. A wide variety of raw materials and manufactured goods are available in Pharaoh. Materials include clay, which is manufactured into pottery; reeds, which are manufactured into papyrus;[8] and various types of stone.[9] Both raw materials and goods can be traded with other cities in exchange for currency. On some city maps, the raw materials necessary to produce certain goods are unavailable, so importing sometimes expensive materials is necessary. Exports are often necessary to produce money for city finances.[7]

Much like the Senate building of Caesar III, the palace operates as the main treasury of the city. While architects operate out of their own building like Caesar III, fire and crime prevention are done by two separate buildings and walkers – firehouses and fire marshals, and police stations and constables. Players may also build Courthouses. Another new feature to the series, monuments from Ancient Egyptian history can be built on a variety of missions. Such projects require various worker facilities and building materials[8] and, unlike most other buildings, take time to be built.[9]

The game has five gods to appease, who each focus on a different aspect of the city – Ra (the kingdom), Bast (the home), Osiris (agriculture), Ptah (industry) and Seth (warfare). Each city is given one or several of the gods to worship: one is the patron god of the city, while the others are local deities. Players can construct shrines, temples or temple complexes to appease the gods. Like in Caesar III, the gods bestow gifts when they are appeased and disasters when they are angered, depending on their focus; for example, Osiris can improve the flooding of the Nile and increase crop yields, but can also decrease the quality of the Nile's annual flooding.[8]

Fighting Egypt's enemies is a secondary element of the game.[7] Pharaoh features three different unit types: infantry, archers and chariot riders. A player's city can be attacked by enemy forces, usually multiple times over the course of a mission. Troops can also be sent to help fellow Egyptian armies in battles outside the city. A new feature to Pharaoh is naval combat. Players have access to two types of ships – transports, which ferry ground troops across water, and warships, which fight enemy ships that arrive in the region.[10]

The game also leaves out certain aspects from Caesar III, such as large bridges and inability to traverse large bodies of water other than by ferry.[7][9]

## Reception

Pharaoh

| Aggregate score

Aggregator| Score
GameRankings| 82%[11]
Review scores
Publication| Score
AllGame| [12]
CGSP| [9]
CGW| [14]
Eurogamer| 7/10[16]
Game Informer| 8.5/10[17]
GameSpot| 8.2/10[7]
GameSpy| 87%[18]
IGN| 9/10[8]
Jeuxvideo.com| 17/20[19]
Next Generation| [20]
PC Gamer (US)| 83%[22]

### Critical reception

The game received favourable reviews according to the review aggregation website GameRankings.[11] Daniel Erickson of NextGen said of the game, "Pyramid building and floodplain management come together for a brilliant city builder."[20] Barry Brenesal of GamePro said, "While Pharaoh offers nothing new under the sun (unless you consider the exotically colored soundtrack, which is pleasant for a day or so, and then ages like something left out too long under the hot Egyptian sun), it does what Caesar III did with equal panache, providing a good strategic challenge in a real-time game oriented more towards resource development than frenzy. Recommended."[23][lower-alpha 1]

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences named Pharaoh as a finalist for "Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction" during the 3rd Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, which was ultimately given to Final Fantasy VIII.[24]

### Sales

In the German market, the game debuted at #4 on Media Control's computer game sales charts in the second half of November 1999.[25] It had spent six weeks in the top rankings by the end of the year, with a fifth-place finish in December.[26] The following year, the game continued at #5 in January and secured sixth for February.[27] In April 2000, the Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland (VUD) presented the game with a "Gold" award,[28] indicating sales of at least 100,000 units across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.[29] It remained in Media Control's top 10 by August 2000,[30] and in the top 20 through November. By that time, the game had held in the firm's top 30 for 13 months.[31]

The game became a worldwide hit. According to MeriStation, its combined global sales with Caesar III surpassed 1 million units by July 2000.[32]

## Expansion pack

Cleopatra: Queen of the Nile cover art

The game was complemented with an expansion pack called Cleopatra: Queen of the Nile, developed by BreakAway Games the following year, which extended the game's main campaign into the Hellenistic period. Both the original game and expansion pack are commonly referred to, and may be purchased as one, under the title Pharaoh and Cleopatra.[33]

### Reception

Cleopatra: Queen of the Nile

| Aggregate score

Aggregator| Score
Metacritic| 77/100[34]
Review scores
Publication| Score
CGSP| [36]
CGW| [37]
GameSpot| 7.5/10[39]
GameSpy| 80%[40]
IGN| 8.6/10[41]
Jeuxvideo.com| 16/20[42]

Cleopatra received "generally favourable reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[34] Brenesal of GamePro said that the game was "just plain fun to watch, with its crowded streets thronged with servants, magistrates, and immigrants. There's a simulation aspect to Cleopatra that makes it resemble SimCity 3000, but with more individual personality."[43][lower-alpha 2]

## Legacy

### Sequels

The next game in City Building series, Zeus, was released in 2000. The game features a number of changes, including being set in Ancient Greece as well as changes to certain gameplay mechanics; however, it is considered to be in most aspects very similar to Pharaoh.[44][45][46] In 2004, another game in the series was set in Ancient Egypt: Immortal Cities.

### Remake

A remake titled Pharaoh was announced in August 2020 by Triskell Interactive and Dotemu. Early development planned new code for modern computer systems and an updated user interface, and to include the campaign modes from both Pharaoh and the Cleopatra: Queen of the Nile expansion.[47][48] The remake was released on 15 February 2023.[6]

### Similar games

Nebuchadnezzar (2021)[49][50][51] and Builders of Egypt (TBA)[52][53][54] have been compared to Pharaoh as being similar in gameplay and setting.

## Notes

1. ↑ GamePro gave the game three 4/5 scores for graphics, control, and fun factor, and 3.5/5 for sound.
2. ↑ GamePro gave the expansion pack three 4/5 scores for graphics, control, and fun factor, and 3.5/5 for sound.

## References

1. ↑ "Gone Gold : EuroGold". 2001-02-10. https://web.archive.org/web/20010210220535/http://www.gonegold.com/golden/eurogold99.shtml.
2. ↑ Mullen, Micheal (November 2, 1999). "Pharaoh Development-Team Chat". https://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2446690,00.html.
3. ↑ "New Newsletter - City Builders Forums". https://caesar3.heavengames.com/cgi-bin/forums/display.cgi?action=ct&f=10,3101,900,all&st=recent.
4. ↑ Fudge, James (6 July 2000). "Cleopatra Goes Gold". Strategy Plus, Inc.. http://www.cdmag.com/articles/028/152/cleo.html.
5. ↑ "The Sierra Chest – Pharaoh Gold". Sierra Entertainment. https://sierrachest.com/index.php?a=games&id=86&title=pharaoh-gold&fld=general.
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Pelliccio, Meg (15 February 2023). "Pharaoh: A New Era Review - A Godsend". https://www.thegamer.com/pharaoh-a-new-era-review/.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 Dulin, Ron (14 November 1999). "Pharaoh Review". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/pharaoh-review/1900-2545838/.
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Ward, Trent C. (12 November 1999). "Pharaoh". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/11/13/pharaoh.
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Udell, Scott (23 December 1999). "Pharaoh". Strategy Plus, Inc.. http://cdmag.com/articles/025/039/pharaoh_review.html.
10. ↑ Gagnon, Lisa. Pharaoh. Sierra Studios. http://www.sierrahelp.com/Documents/Manuals/Pharaoh_-_Manual.pdf. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Pharaoh for PC". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/198289-pharaoh/index.html.
12. ↑ Sutyak, Jonathan. "Pharaoh - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=19266&tab=review.
13. ↑ Harms, William (16 November 1999). "Pharaoh". CNET. http://www.gamecenter.com/Reviews/Item/0,6,0-3415,00.html.
14. ↑ Carter, Tim (February 2000). "Jewel of the Nile (Pharaoh Review)". Computer Gaming World (Ziff Davis) (187): 124. https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_187.pdf. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
15. ↑ Dembo, Arinn (2 February 2000). "Pharaoh". Greedy Productions Ltd.. Archived on 21 August 2003. Error: If you specify `|archivedate=`, you must also specify `|archiveurl=`. http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=1994&full=1#mr_toppy.
16. ↑ Bye, John "Gestalt" (18 December 1999). "Pharaoh". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/pharaoh.
17. ↑ Bergren, Paul (January 2000). "Pharaoh". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (81).
18. ↑ Eccles, Allen (19 November 1999). "Pharaoh". GameSpy Industries. http://www.gamespy.com/legacy/reviews/pharaoh_a.shtm.
19. ↑ Mélo (9 November 1999). "Test: Pharaon" (in fr). Webedia. https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00000335_test.htm.
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Erickson, Daniel (February 2000). "Pharaoh". NextGen (Imagine Media) (62): 104. https://archive.org/details/NextGen62Feb2000/page/n105/mode/2up. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
21. ↑ Rausch, Allen (January 2000). "Pharaoh". PC Accelerator (Imagine Media) (17): 76. https://archive.org/details/PCXL17Jan2000/page/n75/mode/2up. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
22. ↑ Bub, Andrew S. (February 2000). "Pharaoh". PC Gamer (Imagine Media) 7 (2). http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/07/pharaoh.html.
23. ↑ Brenesal, Barry (14 November 1999). "Pharaoh Review for PC on GamePro.com". GamePro (IDG). http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/3102.shtml. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
24. ↑ "Third Interactive Achievement Awards - Craft Award". http://www.interactive.org/iaa/finalists_craft.html.
25. ↑ PC Player staff (February 2000). "Aktuell: Spiele-Charts" (in de). PC Player (Future Vertlag) (02/2000): 40.
26. ↑ "CD-ROM Spiele über DM 55,--; Stand 2. Hälfte Dezember 1999" (in de). Media Control. http://www.vud.de/charts/chart1.html.
27. ↑ PC Player staff (May 2000). "Aktuell: Spiele-Charts" (in de). PC Player (Future Vertlag) (05/2000): 32.
28. ↑ "VUD Sales Awards: April 2000" (in de). Media Control. http://www.vud.de/presse/april2000.php3.
29. ↑ Horn, Andre (14 January 2004). "VUD-Gold-Awards 2003" (in de). GamePro Germany (Webedia). https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/vud-gold-awards-2003,1290773.html.
30. ↑ "Stand: September 2000" (in de). Media Control. http://www.vud.de/charts/pcg55.php3.
31. ↑ "Stand: November 2000" (in de). Media Control. http://www.vud.de/charts/pcg55.php3.
32. ↑ "Últimas noticias de Impressions Games, los padres de Faraón" (in es). MeriStation (Diario AS). 7 July 2000. http://www.meristation.com/noticias/2000/julio/20000707-11.htm. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
33. ↑ "Pharaoh: Cleopatra Queen of the Nile Expansion". http://www.sierra.com/en/home/games/game_info.prod-L2NvbnRlbnQvc2llcnJhL2VuL3Byb2R1Y3RzL3BoYXJhb2hfX19jbGVvcGF0cmE=.platform-global.html.
34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Cleopatra: Queen of the Nile". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/cleopatra-queen-of-the-nile/.
35. ↑ Walker, Mark H. (8 August 2000). "Cleopatra". CNET. http://gamecenter.com/Reviews/Item/0,6,0-4577,00.html.
36. ↑ Markell, Dave (23 October 2000). "Cleopatra". Strategy Plus, Inc.. http://www.cdmag.com/articles/030/066/cleopatra_review.html.
37. ↑ Brooks, Mark (November 2000). "Cleopatra". Computer Gaming World (Ziff Davis) (196): 168. https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_196.pdf. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
38. ↑ Suciu, Peter (24 July 2000). "Cleopatra". Greedy Productions Ltd.. http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=2766&full=1#mr_toppy.
39. ↑ Dulin, Ron (1 August 2000). "Cleopatra Review". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/cleopatra-review/1900-2610569/.
40. ↑ Timperley, Nate (8 August 2000). "Pharaoh: Cleopatra [sic"]. GameSpy Industries. http://www.gamespy.com/legacy/reviews/cleopatra_a.shtm.
41. ↑ Ward, Trent C. (26 July 2000). "Pharaoh: Cleopatra [sic"]. Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/07/27/pharaoh-cleopatra.
42. ↑ pilou (8 September 2000). "Test: Cléopâtre" (in fr). Webedia. https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00000840_test.htm.
43. ↑ Brenesal, Barry (17 August 2000). "Cleopatra Review for PC on GamePro.com". GamePro (IDG). http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/6405.shtml. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
44. ↑ Macdonald, Ewan "nach0king" (21 December 2000). "Zeus : Master of Olympus". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/r-zeus.
45. ↑ Butts, Steve (3 November 2000). "Zeus: Master of Olympus". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/04/zeus-master-of-olympus.
46. ↑ Oxford, Adam (Christmas 2000). "Zeus: Master of Olympus". PC Gamer UK (Future Publishing) (90). http://www.pcgamer.co.uk/games/gamefile_review_page.asp?item_id=6202.
47. ↑ Bell, Alice (27 August 2020). "Rejoice! Absolute classic citybuilder Pharaoh is getting a remake next year". Gamer Network. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/rejoice-absolute-classic-citybuilder-pharaoh-is-getting-a-remake-next-year.
48. ↑ Kim, Matt (27 August 2020). "Pharaoh: A New Era Is a Full Remake of the 1999 City Building Game". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/pharaoh-a-new-era-2021-pc-game-reveal.
49. ↑ Crowley, Nate (25 February 2021). "Nebuchadnezzar is two thirds of an outstanding historical city builder". Gamer Network. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/nebuchadnezzar-is-two-thirds-of-the-perfect-historical-city-builder.
50. ↑ Pawlikowski, Matthias (18 February 2021). "Nebuchadnezzar Review - Unremarkable Trip to the Past". Gry-Online. https://www.gamepressure.com/editorials/reviews/nebuchadnezzar-review-unremarkable-trip-to-the-past/zb3ce.
51. ↑ Brown, Fraser (11 February 2021). "Nebuchadnezzar is a throwback to my favourite city builders of 1000 BC and 1999 AD". PC Gamer (Future plc). https://www.pcgamer.com/nebuchadnezzar-is-a-throwback-to-my-favourite-city-builders-of-1000-bc-and-1999-ad/. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
52. ↑ Turek, Jacek (13 November 2018). "Hard Ancient Life – the Polish teleport to ancient times". Gry-Online. https://gameplay.pl/news.asp?ID=111988.
53. ↑ Citizen Erased (8 July 2019). "Builders of Egypt – Un nouveau Pharaoh, ça vous dit ?" (in fr). https://www.warlegend.net/trailer-builders-of-egypt/.
54. ↑ Brown, Fraser (4 July 2019). "Builders of Egypt looks like a modern Pharaoh". PC Gamer (Future plc). https://www.pcgamer.com/builders-of-egypt-looks-like-a-modern-pharaoh/. Retrieved 22 May 2023.

## External links

* 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 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]

On February 13, 2025, Freyholtz stepped down as the site lead to move onto new projects, leaving operations to Tracy Poff, a veteran coder on the site, and Atari staff.[18]

## 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.
18. ↑ "An update on MobyGames leadership". 2025-02-13. https://www.mobygames.com/forum/3/thread/269628/an-update-on-mobygames-leadership/#post-269628.

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* Digital Eclipse
* Kee Games
* MobyGames
* Nightdive Studios
* Tengen

File:AtariFuji.svg

Arcades games
and amusements|

* Anti-Aircraft
* Asteroids
* Asteroids Deluxe
* Atari Basketball
* Atari Football
* Avalanche
* Battlezone
* Black Widow
* Breakout
* Canyon Bomber
* Centipede
* Cloak & Dagger
* Crash 'N Score
* Crystal Castles
* Destroyer
* Dominos
* Fire Truck
* Firefox
* Food Fight
* Gotcha
* Gran Trak 10
* Gran Trak 20
* Gravitar
* Hi-way
* I, Robot
* Indy 4
* Indy 800
* Jet Fighter
* LeMans
* Liberator
* Lunar Lander
* Major Havoc
* Millipede
* Missile Command
* Night Driver
* Outlaw
* Pin-Pong
* Pong
* Pong Doubles
* Pursuit
* Quadrapong
* Quantum
* Quiz Show
* Qwak!
* Rebound
* Red Baron
* Return of the Jedi
* Shark Jaws
* Sky Diver
* Space Duel
* Space Race
* Sprint 1
* Sprint 2
* Sprint 4
* Sprint 8
* Star Wars
* Starship 1
* Steeplechase
* Stunt Cycle
* Super Breakout
* Super Bug
* Super Pong
* Tank
* Tank 8
* Tempest
* Tournament Table
* Triple Hunt
* Ultra Tank
* Video Pinball
* Warlords

| Prototypes|

* Tank II

|

Software and utilities|

* Atari BASIC
* Atari Calculator
* Atari DOS

Video game
consoles|

* Home Pong
* Stunt Cycle
* Atari Video Music
* Video Pinball
* 2600
* 2800
* 5200
* 7800
* XEGS
* Lynx
* Jaguar
* CD
* VCS (2021)
* 2600+

| Prototypes|

* Game Brain
* Cosmos
* 2700
* Atari Mindlink
* Panther
* Sierra

|

Personal
computers|

* Atari 8-bit computers
* Atari ST
* MEGA STE
* TT030
* Transputer Workstation
* Falcon

| Portables|

* STacy
* ST Book
* Portfolio

|

Prototypes|

* Sierra

Peripherals|

| Printers|

* 825 80-Column Printer
* 1020 Color Printer

|

Gaming devices|

* CX40 joystick
* Atari joystick port
* XG-1 light gun

Other|

* Atari Democrat
* Atari Flashback
* Intellivision
* Sears

0.00

(0 votes)

Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MobyGames. Read more

|

* 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 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]

On February 13, 2025, Freyholtz stepped down as the site lead to move onto new projects, leaving operations to Tracy Poff, a veteran coder on the site, and Atari staff.[18]

## 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.
18. ↑ "An update on MobyGames leadership". 2025-02-13. https://www.mobygames.com/forum/3/thread/269628/an-update-on-mobygames-leadership/#post-269628.

| Wikidata has the property:

* NO LABEL (P1933) (see uses)

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## External links

* No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

* v
* t
* e

Atari

Corporations|

| Primary|

* Atari, Inc. (1972–1992)
* Atari Corporation (1984–1996)
* Atari SA, Atari, Inc. (2003–present)

|

Subsidiaries and
spin-offs|

* Atari Games
* Atari Interactive
* AtariAge
* Chuck E. Cheese (1977–1978)
* Cyan Engineering
* Digital Eclipse
* Kee Games
* MobyGames
* Nightdive Studios
* Tengen

File:AtariFuji.svg

Arcades games
and amusements|

* Anti-Aircraft
* Asteroids
* Asteroids Deluxe
* Atari Basketball
* Atari Football
* Avalanche
* Battlezone
* Black Widow
* Breakout
* Canyon Bomber
* Centipede
* Cloak & Dagger
* Crash 'N Score
* Crystal Castles
* Destroyer
* Dominos
* Fire Truck
* Firefox
* Food Fight
* Gotcha
* Gran Trak 10
* Gran Trak 20
* Gravitar
* Hi-way
* I, Robot
* Indy 4
* Indy 800
* Jet Fighter
* LeMans
* Liberator
* Lunar Lander
* Major Havoc
* Millipede
* Missile Command
* Night Driver
* Outlaw
* Pin-Pong
* Pong
* Pong Doubles
* Pursuit
* Quadrapong
* Quantum
* Quiz Show
* Qwak!
* Rebound
* Red Baron
* Return of the Jedi
* Shark Jaws
* Sky Diver
* Space Duel
* Space Race
* Sprint 1
* Sprint 2
* Sprint 4
* Sprint 8
* Star Wars
* Starship 1
* Steeplechase
* Stunt Cycle
* Super Breakout
* Super Bug
* Super Pong
* Tank
* Tank 8
* Tempest
* Tournament Table
* Triple Hunt
* Ultra Tank
* Video Pinball
* Warlords

| Prototypes|

* Tank II

|

Software and utilities|

* Atari BASIC
* Atari Calculator
* Atari DOS

Video game
consoles|

* Home Pong
* Stunt Cycle
* Atari Video Music
* Video Pinball
* 2600
* 2800
* 5200
* 7800
* XEGS
* Lynx
* Jaguar
* CD
* VCS (2021)
* 2600+

| Prototypes|

* Game Brain
* Cosmos
* 2700
* Atari Mindlink
* Panther
* Sierra

|

Personal
computers|

* Atari 8-bit computers
* Atari ST
* MEGA STE
* TT030
* Transputer Workstation
* Falcon

| Portables|

* STacy
* ST Book
* Portfolio

|

Prototypes|

* Sierra

Peripherals|

| Printers|

* 825 80-Column Printer
* 1020 Color Printer

|

Gaming devices|

* CX40 joystick
* Atari joystick port
* XG-1 light gun

Other|

* Atari Democrat
* Atari Flashback
* Intellivision
* Sears

0.00

(0 votes)

Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MobyGames. Read more

|

* Ozymandias, a project to provide enhanced, customizable gameplay to Pharaoh

* v
* t
* e

City Building series

Caesar|

* Caesar
* Caesar II
* Caesar III
* Caesar IV

Pharaoh|

* Pharaoh
* Immortal Cities

Other games|

* Zeus
* Emperor
* Medieval Mayor

* v
* t
* e

Impressions Games

City Building series|

* Caesar
* Caesar II
* Caesar III
* Pharaoh
* Zeus
* Emperor

Lords of the Realm series|

* Lords of the Realm
* Lords of the Realm II
* Lords of Magic
* Lords of the Realm III

Ultimate Soccer Manager series|

* Ultimate Soccer Manager
* Ultimate Soccer Manager 2
* Ultimate Soccer Manager 98

Bucks series|

* Air Bucks
* Space Bucks

Civil War General series|

* Robert E. Lee
* Grant, Lee, Sherman

Other games|

* Software:Discovery: In the Steps of Columbus
* Global Domination
* Detroit
* The Rise & Rule of Ancient Empires

Related articles|

* Sierra Entertainment

Warning: Default sort key "Pharaoh (Video Game)" overrides earlier default sort key "Mobygames".

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(0 votes)

Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharaoh (video game). Read more

|

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