Red Faction (video game)

Short description: First-person shooter released in 2001

Red Faction

Developer(s)| Volition[lower-alpha 1]
Publisher(s)| THQ
Designer(s)| Alan Lawrance
Programmer(s)| John Slagel
Artist(s)| Frank Capezzutto III
Writer(s)|

* Mike Breault
* Jason Scott
* Maureen Tan

Composer(s)| Dan Wentz
Series| Red Faction
Engine| Geo-Mod
Platform(s)|

* PlayStation 2
* Microsoft Windows
* Mac OS
* Mac OS X
* N-Gage
* Mobile

Release|

May 22, 2001

* PlayStation 2
*     * NA: May 22, 2001[2]
* EU: June 22, 2001[1]

Windows

* NA: September 18, 2001[3][4]
* EU: September 28, 2001

Mac OS

* NA: November 28, 2001[5]

Mac OS X

* NA: January 4, 2002[6]

N-Gage

* NA: December 9, 2003[8]
* EU: December 12, 2003[7]

Mobile

* WW: October 20, 2005[9]

Genre(s)| First-person shooter
Mode(s)| Single-player, multiplayer

Red Faction is a first-person shooter video game developed by Volition and published by THQ for PlayStation 2 and Microsoft Windows in 2001, and Macintosh platforms in 2002. A version for the N-Gage was developed by Monkeystone Games, and the mobile version was developed by Blue Beck. The game was inspired by several works of contemporary science fiction.

Red Faction takes place on Mars in the late 21st century. The player controls a miner named Parker who helps lead a rebellion against the Ultor Corporation. The premiere feature of the game is its "Geo-Mod" technology, short for "geometry modification", which provided destructible environments, allowing the player to destroy certain sections of the scenery in the game. For example, instead of opening a door, a player could blast through the rock surrounding the door.[10] The game sold more than 1 million copies by 2002.[11]

On November 29, 2016, the game was made available for the PlayStation 4 through the PlayStation Network with added features such as trophy support and widescreen resolutions.[12]

## Contents

* 1 Gameplay
* 2 Plot
* 3 Development
* 4 Reception
* 5 Sequels
* 6 See also
* 7 Notes
* 8 References
* 9 External links
* 10 Features
* 11 History
* 12 See also
* 13 References
* 14 External links

## Gameplay

With Geo-Mod, the player can destroy this bridge, causing the APC to fall into the chasm below.

The game features GeoMod technology, which allows players to significantly alter and otherwise affect the surrounding terrain and buildings, either with explosives or otherwise. Past games had allowed limited alteration of the environment through scripted means, or special triggered areas which would add or remove certain predefined level elements. Red Faction was the first video game that allowed players unscripted level-altering possibilities.[13]

The PC version of Red Faction includes an extra level called "Glass House" which allows the player to experiment with GeoMod as a mechanic in a sandbox environment.

The PlayStation 2 version uses offline split-screen multiplayer featuring deathmatch rounds with AI bots and up to 4 human players. The PC release of the game, in addition to its offline LAN mode, has competitive online multiplayer featuring deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture the flag gameplay for up to 32 human players on 25 different levels. 2 additional multiplayer levels for the PC version were each included as exclusive content for players who purchased the game from either GameStop or Electronics Boutique. The later PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 releases are direct ports of the PlayStation 2 version and include no multiplayer functionality.

## Plot

Red Faction takes place on Mars around the year 2075. Earth's minerals are being depleted and humans need more of them to survive. The vast Ultor Corporation runs the mining operation on Mars. The living conditions are deplorable, human rights for the miners are few, and a disease called "The Plague" is running rampant throughout the colony with no known antidote available—predominantly within the confines of the mine complex. Parker, a downtrodden miner, came to Mars to make a new start in his life—taken in by the promises and advantages Ultor has to offer in the mines of Mars. After a routine day in the mine with the typical aggression toward miners and cramped living conditions and poor nutrition, he witnesses the spark that starts a rebellion when a security guard abuses a miner at the end of his shift and attempts to attack him, causing the miner to fight back and kill the security guard.[14] Parker takes up arms, with the help of Hendrix, a rebellious Ultor security technician who guides Parker through the complex. Hendrix tries to get Parker to join up with a group of miners who are about to steal a supply shuttle and escape the complex, but Parker arrives too late. The shuttle takes off, and is destroyed by missiles moments later.[15]

Parker traverses through the Ultor complex, eliminating any resistance Ultor throws at him, and even (with the help of Orion, a high-ranking Red Faction member) kidnapping a high-ranking Ultor administrator, Gryphon, for Eos, leader of the Red Faction.[16] Parker learns from Gryphon about Dr. Capek, who created "The Plague". Capek has been experimenting with nanotechnology, and the Plague is a side-effect of injections at the miners' annual medical checkup. Hendrix directs Parker to Capek's secret underground laboratory, where he and Eos meet up and take down Capek. As Capek dies, he tells Eos there is a cure for the Plague but refuses to tell her how to make it and dies. With Capek dead, the lab's self-destruction sequence initiates. Eos stays behind to find the files on the cure while Parker continues to the Communications center.[17] After sending a distress call to the Earth Defense Force, Parker destroys the missile defense system, so that he can stow away on a shuttle to an Ultor space station in Martian orbit to deactivate a laser defense system without getting shot down.[18]

After destroying the space station, Parker lands back on Mars via an escape pod, Ultor brings out its reserve of mercenaries to help them in their fight against the miners. Hendrix tells Parker that the mercenaries have orders to destroy the mining complex, covering up any proof of Ultor's wrongdoing, Hendrix is killed soon after this by the mercenaries. After fighting his way through the mercenary base, Parker confronts Masako, the mercenary leader. After he kills Masako, Parker sees that Eos is tied up and sitting on the floor next to the bomb, which has been set to explode. After deactivating it, the Earth Defense Force arrives just in time to save Parker and Eos from a fighter aircraft. Eos tells Parker that an antidote for the Plague has been made and it is being given to any sick miners. She also tells him she is leaving Mars, and that Parker should enjoy his new status as a hero.[19]

## Development

Descent 4 was a game being developed by Volition as part of the Descent game franchise, as a prequel to Descent. However, it was cancelled and the technology behind it and some of the plot were incorporated into Red Faction. Examples include the main character Parker as well as the GeoMod engine.[20]

Similarities between Red Faction and the 1990 film Total Recall have been pointed out, with its setting on Mars and the rebellion against the guards. Lead designer Alan Lawrance acknowledged the similarities in a 2014 interview but stated the film was not used as the main inspiration; any connection is purely coincidental.[21]

Red Faction entered a pre-production phase in 1998. The original intention was for every part of the game to be destructible but this was reduced in scope due to technical challenges and the requirement to guide the player through a linear game. It was created by a small team on a relatively limited budget, and released in 2001.[21]

The N-Gage version was developed by John Romero’s studio Monkeystone Games.

## Reception

Reception

| Review scores

Publication| Score
mobile| N-Gage| PC| PS2
AllGame| N/A| N/A| [29]| [30]
CGW| N/A| N/A| [31]| N/A
EGM| N/A| N/A| N/A| 8.67/10[32]
Eurogamer| N/A| 5/10[33]| 7/10[34]| 9/10[35]
Game Informer| N/A| 5.75/10[36]| 8.75/10[37]| 9/10[38]
GamePro| N/A| [39]| N/A| [40]
GameRevolution| N/A| N/A| B[41]| B[42]
GameSpot| N/A| 3.4/10[43]| 7.9/10[44]| 8.8/10[45]
GameSpy| N/A| [46]| 89%[47]| 84%[48]
GameZone| N/A| 6.5/10[49]| 8/10[50]| 9/10[51]
IGN| 6.4/10[9]| 7.3/10[52]| 8.8/10[53]| 9.1/10[54]
Next Generation| N/A| N/A| [55]| [56]
OPM (US)| N/A| N/A| N/A| [57]
PC Gamer (US)| N/A| N/A| 85%[58]| N/A
The Cincinnati Enquirer| N/A| [59]| N/A| N/A
Playboy| N/A| N/A| N/A| 90%[60]
Aggregate scores
GameRankings| 64%[22]| 57%[23]| 78%[24]| 88%[25]
Metacritic| N/A| 55/100[26]| 78/100[27]| 88/100[28]

The PlayStation 2 and PC versions of Red Faction received "generally favorable reviews", while the N-Gage version received "mixed or average" reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[26][27][28]

For the PlayStation 2 version, IGN called it "an absolute must-have game for the PlayStation 2, and it's the best single-player first-person shooter by a long shot".[54] GameSpot stated, "Although Red Faction rarely outstrips the games it draws inspiration from, the fact that there are times when it shows them up at all is pretty impressive."[45] PlanetPS2 commented, "Red Faction delivers a satisfying, if slightly flawed single player experience and a distracting, but ultimately shallow multiplayer mode. The graphics are impressive, and the technology introduced in this game is amazing, it's just unfortunate that it hasn't been used to its fullest potential."[48] Chester "Chet" Barber of NextGen said in its July 2001 issue, "Although Red Faction isn't the most inventive FPS out there, it proves to be worthy with a solid single-player mode."[56] Jason D'Aprile of Extended Play gave it four stars out of five, saying, "To say Red Faction is the best shooter on the PS2 doesn't do it justice -- it's one of the best shooters available for any system, and easily one of the best games on the PlayStation2 [sic]. Mixing tried, true, and blisteringly entertaining action with superb AI, innovative game design elements, and a constantly moving storyline to drive this long and challenging shooter forward, Red Faction manages to shoot a breath of fresh air into the whole genre. If you love great action, go out and get this game."[61] However, Edge gave it the lowest score of five out of ten.[62]

For the PC version, IGN stated, "It's all about the gameplay, and when you crank this baby to hard or, God forbid, im-freaking-possible, you'll find the gameplay to keep you going for hours piled upon days, piled upon weeks."[53] PC Gamer commented, "As far as looks go, Red Faction is more like the cute girl next door than a hot fashion model from the Upper West Side: It's pretty, but it won't make a man drop to his knees and thank God for giving him sight."[58] GameSpot noted, "Its relative lack of originality can ... undermine Red Faction's appeal for more-experienced players, for whom the game will provide mostly familiar territory. Nevertheless, Red Faction is an accomplished shooter in its own right."[44] GameRevolution called the game "a fine FPS with plenty of action and intense gameplay, even if it is derivative, too short and a tad uninspired."[41] However, Jeff Lundrigan of NextGen said in its December 2001 issue, "Red Faction on PC is well worth playing for its engaging storyline and varied gameplay, but as a PC title, it's enjoyable without being especially notable."[55] Steve Bauman of Computer Games Magazine gave it three stars out of five, saying, "It has the setup, but its drab, by-the-numbers execution lacks any flair."[63]

Maxim gave the PS2 version all five stars and said, "We have to admit that most first-person games nauseate us, but [Red Faction]'s smooth graphics and easy gameplay make it hard to put down."[64] Playboy gave the same console version a score of 90% and stated, "Virtually every element of Red Faction is nicely polished – even the controls are intuitive, unlike most console shooters, which make PC gaming vets long for a keyboard and mouse."[60] The Cincinnati Enquirer gave the N-Gage version four stars out of five and called it "a clever port from the popular console and PC versions".[59]

## Sequels

Main articles: Software:Red Faction II, Software:Red Faction: Guerrilla, and Software:Red Faction: Armageddon

The sequel, Red Faction II, was released for PlayStation 2 in October 2002, then GameCube, Xbox and Microsoft Windows the following year. It takes place on Earth and tells the story of a group of supersoldiers, including the main character, who are physically enhanced by the nanotechnology originally developed by Capek on Mars.

On June 15, 2009, THQ released Red Faction, for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Windows. In this iteration, the story again takes place on Mars, where the Earth Defense Force has become as tyrannical an organization as Ultor.

Developed by Locomotive Games, a spin-off of the Red Faction games called Red Faction: B.E.A.S.T. was in a pre-alpha development stage for the Nintendo Wii video game console. However, with the closure of Locomotive Games the game has been abandoned, although several models and a full-length trailer were released to the public upon the closure of the studio.[65]

On June 4, 2010, the next installment was announced with the trailer for Red Faction.[66] The story occurs approximately 50 years after the events of Red Faction: Guerrilla. Players assume the role of Darius Mason, grandson of Alec and Samanya from the last installment of the series. In Armageddon, the Martian colonists now reside underground following the destruction of the machine responsible for terraforming Mars. Years after this event, creatures encountered in the first game are again released. Red Faction: Armageddon was released on June 7, 2011.

## See also

Half-Life (1998) - The sci-fi setting, gameplay, and enemies of Red Faction are quite similar to Half-Life, which came out 3 years before Red Faction's release.

## Notes

1. ↑ The N-Gage version was developed by Monkeystone Games and the mobile version was developed by Blue Beck.

## References

1. ↑ "EuroGamer - serving you a fresh slice of gaming morning, noon and night". 2001-06-04. http://www.eurogamer.net/release-dates.php.
2. ↑ "Red Faction ships [date mislabeled "May 17, 2006""] (in en-US). May 22, 2001. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/red-faction-ships/1100-2764191/.
3. ↑ "Red Faction on track" (in en-US). https://www.gamespot.com/articles/red-faction-on-track/1100-2809579/.
4. ↑ I. G. N. Staff (2001-09-18). "Red Faction" (in en). https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/09/18/red-faction-3.
5. ↑ "Inside Mac Games News: Red Faction Shipping Today". 2014-08-13. http://www.insidemacgames.com/news/story.php?ArticleID=4339.
6. ↑ "Inside Mac Games News: Red Faction 1.2 Released". 2014-08-13. http://www.insidemacgames.com/news/story.php?ArticleID=4582.
7. ↑ "Red Faction (N-Gage)" (in en-gb). Eurogamer.net. 2003-12-12. https://www.eurogamer.net/r-redfaction-n.
8. ↑ "GameSpy.com - Gaming Profiles". 2003-12-13. http://www.gamespy.com/games/6110.shtml.
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Buchanan, Levi (October 27, 2005). "Red Faction (Cell)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/28/red-faction.
10. ↑ Fahey, Mike (May 21, 2016). "Red Faction Started Blowing The Hell Out Of Everything 15 Years Ago Today". G/O Media. https://kotaku.com/red-faction-started-blowing-the-hell-out-of-everything-1777979589.
11. ↑ Oxford, Troy (November 3, 2002). "THQ sequels improve upon popular originals". The Palm Beach Post: p. 119. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85198688/the-palm-beach-post/.
12. ↑ Dunning, Jason (November 22, 2016). "Red Faction, Samurai Shodown VI Are the Latest PS2 Games on PS4". CraveOnline. https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2016/11/22/red-faction-samurai-shodown-vi-latest-ps2-games-on-ps4/.
13. ↑ "How Red Faction's Geomods Work". http://john.slagel.com/Geomods.html.
14. ↑ Eos: Workers in Mine M-4 have started the rebellion. They're fighting and dying for you as I speak! (Red Faction)
15. ↑ Hendrix: Hurry, Parker. The miners are at the shuttle. / There they go. If only you'd been faster... / Maybe being slow isn't such a bad thing. (Red Faction)
16. ↑ Gryphon: I'll tell you what I can on the way, but more guards are going to show up soon. Parker: I'm right behind you. Betray me or try to run, and you'll be the first to die.  (Red Faction)
17. ↑ Eos: Capek, the Plague. There's got to be a cure! Capek: It's simple, really. Stop the replicators. Eos: But how? How do you stop the replicators? Capek: Antidote, of course. Parker: Come on Eos! Lets finish him and get out of here. EOS: We need that antidote Parker. If you're not going to help Shut Up! Where is the antidote! Capek: Why help you? I hope you all die!  (Red Faction)
18. ↑ Hendrix: Ultor has a system of laser satellites orbiting Mars. They'll tear the fleet apart unless we disable them somehow. (Red Faction)
19. ↑ Parker: So. What now? Eos: Relax, Parker, you're a hero. Enjoy yourself. Start dating. Maybe look for a new job. Parker: What about you? Eos: I won't be staying on Mars, that's for sure. (Red Faction)
20. ↑ Asrale (September 11, 2000). "Planet Descent Volition Interview". IGN Entertainment. http://www.planetdescent.com/site/articles/asrale/9-11-00-asrale-volition.asp.
21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Mason, Graeme (March 9, 2014). "The making of Red Faction". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-09-the-making-of-red-faction.
22. ↑ "Red Faction for Mobile". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/mobile/920886-red-faction/index.html.
23. ↑ "Red Faction for N-Gage". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/ngage/918286-red-faction/index.html.
24. ↑ "Red Faction for PC". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/366581-red-faction/index.html.
25. ↑ "Red Faction for PlayStation 2". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/367196-red-faction/index.html.
26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Red Faction (ngage: 2003): Reviews". CNET. http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ngage/redfaction.
27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Red Faction for PC Reviews". Red Ventures. https://www.metacritic.com/game/red-faction/critic-reviews/?platform=pc.
28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Red Faction for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Red Ventures. https://www.metacritic.com/game/red-faction/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2.
29. ↑ Allen, Christopher. "Red Faction (PC) - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25274&tab=review.
30. ↑ Barnes, J.C.. "Red Faction (PS2) - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=31101&tab=review.
31. ↑ Babler, Jason (December 2001). "Red Faction". Computer Gaming World (Ziff Davis) (209): 130–31. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_209.pdf. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
32. ↑ EGM staff (July 2001). "Red Faction (PS2)". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (144).
33. ↑ Taylor, Martin (December 12, 2003). "Red Faction (N-Gage)". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_redfaction_n.
34. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (October 4, 2001). "Red Faction (PC)". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_redfaction.
35. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (July 13, 2001). "Red Faction (PlayStation 2)". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_redfaction_ps2.
36. ↑ "Red Faction (N-Gage)". Game Informer (GameStop) (130): 114. February 2004.
37. ↑ "Red Faction (PC)". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (103): 129. November 2001.
38. ↑ Fitzloff, Jay (June 2001). "Red Faction (PS2)". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (98). http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200106/R03.0804.1615.28918.htm. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
39. ↑ Star Dingo (December 18, 2003). "Red Faction Review for N-Gage on GamePro.com". GamePro (IDG Entertainment). http://gamepro.com/nokia/ngage/games/reviews/32108.shtml. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
40. ↑ Uncle Dust (May 24, 2001). "Red Faction Review for PS2 on GamePro.com". GamePro (IDG Entertainment). http://gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/14148.shtml. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 Joe (October 2001). "Red Faction Review (PC)". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32802-a-new-way-to-break-some-old-ground-review.
42. ↑ Sanders, Shawn (June 2001). "Red Faction - Playstation 2 Review". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/33468-red-faction-review-2.
43. ↑ Tracy, Tim (January 5, 2004). "Red Faction Review (N-Gage)". Red Ventures. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/red-faction-review/1900-6086105/.
44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 Kasavin, Greg (September 18, 2001). "Red Faction Review (PC)". Red Ventures. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/red-faction-review/1900-2813101/.
45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 Fielder, Joe (May 22, 2001). "Red Faction Review (PS2)". Red Ventures. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/red-faction-review/1900-2764152/.
46. ↑ Leeper, Justin (November 26, 2003). "GameSpy: Red Faction (NNG)". IGN Entertainment. http://wireless.gamespy.com/n-gage/red-faction/491585p1.html.
47. ↑ D'Aprile, Jason (September 30, 2001). "Red Faction (PC)". IGN Entertainment. http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/september01/redfaction/.
48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 Alupului, Andrei (June 1, 2001). "Red Faction". PlanetPS2. IGN Entertainment. http://www.planetps2.com/features/reviews/2001/redfaction/.
49. ↑ Bedigian, Louis (December 27, 2003). "Red Faction - NG - Review". https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/red_faction_ng_review.
50. ↑ Gerbino, Robert (October 30, 2001). "Red Faction - PC - Review". https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/red_faction_pc_review.
51. ↑ Snackdawg (June 13, 2001). "Red Faction - PS2 - Review". https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/red_faction_ps2_review.
52. ↑ Chambers, Chad (December 18, 2003). "Red Faction Review (NNG)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/12/18/red-faction-review.
53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 Sulic, Ivan (September 18, 2001). "Red Faction (PC)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/09/18/red-faction-3.
54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 Perry, Douglass C. (May 25, 2001). "Red Faction (PS2)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/25/red-faction-5.
55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 Lundrigan, Jeff (December 2001). "Red Faction (PC)". NextGen (Imagine Media) (84): 115. https://archive.org/details/NextGen84Dec2001/page/n115/mode/2up. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 Barber, Chester (July 2001). "Red Faction (PS2)". NextGen (Imagine Media) (79): 82. https://archive.org/details/NextGen79Jul2001/page/n83/mode/2up. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
57. ↑ "Red Faction". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine (Ziff Davis) (46). July 2001.
58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 Payne, Max (December 2001). "Red Faction". PC Gamer (Imagine Media) 8 (12). http://pcgamer.com/reviews/review_2002-01-02t.html.
59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 Saltzman, Marc (January 9, 2004). "PC, console titles now designed for mobile play". The Cincinnati Enquirer. http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/010904_mobile.html.
60. ↑ 60.0 60.1 Ryan, Michael E. (June 18, 2001). "Red Faction (PS2)". Playboy Enterprises. http://www.playboy.com/sports/games/redfaction/index.html.
61. ↑ D'Aprile, Jason (June 22, 2001). "Red Faction (PS2) Review". TechTV. http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0,23008,3333114,00.html.
62. ↑ Edge staff (July 2001). "Red Faction (PS2)". Edge (Future Publishing) (99): 95. https://retrocdn.net/images/6/69/Edge_UK_099.pdf. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
63. ↑ Bauman, Steve (November 19, 2001). "Red Faction". theGlobe.com. http://www.cgonline.com/reviews/redfaction-01-r1.html.
64. ↑ Alt, Eric (May 22, 2001). "Red Faction (PS2)". Biglari Holdings. http://www.maximonline.com/articles/review_videogames.asp?videogame_id=1052.
65. ↑ Fletcher, JC (January 16, 2009). "First, and last, look at Red Faction: B.E.A.S.T.". Engadget (Joystiq). https://www.engadget.com/2009/01/16/first-and-last-look-at-red-faction-b-e-a-s-t/.
66. ↑ Video Game Trailers (February 17, 2017). "Red Faction: Armageddon: E3 2010 Debut-Trailer". YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPkh8Bj4VOs.

## 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.

| Wikidata has the property:

* NO LABEL (P1933) (see uses)

|

## 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

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

|

* v
* t
* e

Volition

FreeSpace series|

* Descent
* FreeSpace 2

Summoner series|

* Summoner
* Summoner 2

Red Faction series|

* Red Faction
* Red Faction II
* Red Faction
* Red Faction

Saints Row series|

* Saints Row
* Saints Row 2
* Saints Row
* Saints Row IV

Other games|

* The Punisher
* Insane
* Agents of Mayhem

Related companies|

* Deep Silver
* THQ
* Outrage
* Parallax

0.00

(0 votes)

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

|

Retrieved from "https://handwiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Software:Red_Faction_(video_game)&oldid=714517"
*[WW]: Worldwide
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template