CommaVid
Formerly called | Computer Magic Video |
---|---|
Industry | Video game development and publishing |
Founded | 1981 |
Founders |
|
Defunct | 1983 |
Headquarters | Aurora, Illinois, United States |
CommaVid was a game developer and publisher for the Atari 2600 that released six games between 1981 and 1983, plus a programming tool for the console.[1] The company was founded by Dr. Irwin Gaines, Dr. John Bronstein, and Dr. Joseph Biel[2] under the name Computer Magic Video, which was shortened to Com Ma Vid, or CommaVid.[2] It was based in Aurora, Illinois.[3]
In addition to developing its own titles, CommaVid ported the arcade game Venture to the 2600 for Coleco.[2]
MagiCard
MagiCard is a programming tool on a cartridge that originally came with a 100-page manual and was only available via mail order.[4] Video Life, an Atari 2600 implementation of Conway's Game of Life, was only offered to purchasers of MagiCard.[5] According to Gaines, 50 to 100 MagiCard cartridges were produced and less than 20 of Video Life.[2]
Games
The following games were released by CommaVid:[1]
- Cakewalk — similar to Tapper in gameplay[6]
- Cosmic Swarm
- Mines of Minos
- Room of Doom
- Stronghold
- Video Life
Unreleased prototypes
- Frog Demo
- Mission Omega
- Rush Hour
- Underworld
References
- 1 2 "CommaVid". AtariAge.
- 1 2 3 4 Santulli, Joe. "The Story of CommaVid". Digital Press.
- ↑ "Cakewalk Manual" (PDF). gamesdbase.com.
- ↑ "MagiCard". AtariAge.
- ↑ "Video Life". AtariAge.
- ↑ Ida, Keita. "Cakewalk". AtariHQ.