Blitz Games Studios
Encyclopedia
Blitz Games Studios is a video game developer
located in Leamington Spa
, United Kingdom
. It was founded by the Oliver Twins
, Andrew and Philip Oliver, in 1981
. They completed their first game in 1984
and started developing titles for video game publisher
Codemasters
.
The Codemasters publishing relationship led to the origin of the Dizzy
series and the Simulator series. Whilst with Codemasters, they were responsible for over 10 UK number one best sellers and over 3 million sales. In 1986
, it was reported that an estimated 7% of all UK games sales were attributable to the Oliver Twins.
The Olivers have diversified the company’s main activities and Blitz Games Studios now represents six different divisions.
Blitz Arcade
Volatile Games
TruSim
BlitzTech
Blitz Academy
The programme provided free help and advice on all aspects of game production as well as crowd sourced QA.
The programme was closed in 2011 having supported over 30 games, helped publish 15 more and advised more than 150 indie developers.
2006
Video game developer
A video game developer is a software developer that creates video games. A developer may specialize in a certain video game console, such as Nintendo's Wii, Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 3, or may develop for a variety of systems, including personal computers.Most developers also...
located in Leamington Spa
Leamington Spa
Royal Leamington Spa, commonly known as Leamington Spa or Leamington or Leam to locals, is a spa town in central Warwickshire, England. Formerly known as Leamington Priors, its expansion began following the popularisation of the medicinal qualities of its water by Dr Kerr in 1784, and by Dr Lambe...
, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. It was founded by the Oliver Twins
Oliver Twins
The Oliver Twins are two British brothers, Philip and Andrew Oliver, who started to professionally develop computer games while they were still at school. Their first game, Super Robin Hood for the Amstrad CPC, was published in 1985 by Codemasters...
, Andrew and Philip Oliver, in 1981
1981 in video gaming
-Events:* November -** The British video game magazine Computer and Video Games starts.** Game & Watch - released in Sweden.* Arnie Katz and Bill Kunkel found Electronic Games, the first magazine on video games and generally recognized as the beginning of video game journalism.-Notable releases:*...
. They completed their first game in 1984
1984 in video gaming
-Notable releases:* May 10, King's Quest , the first animated adventure game, the first in the King's Quest series, and the first to use the AGI engine.* June 4, Nintendo releases Donkey Kong 3...
and started developing titles for video game publisher
Video game publisher
A video game publisher is a company that publishes video games that they have either developed internally or have had developed by a video game developer....
Codemasters
Codemasters
The Codemasters Software Company Limited, or Codemasters is a British video game developer founded by Richard and David Darling in 1986...
.
The Codemasters publishing relationship led to the origin of the Dizzy
Dizzy
Dizzy may refer to:* Dizziness, the state of being off balance-Nickname:* Dizzy Gillespie, American jazz trumpet player and composer* Johnny Moore , American rhythm and blues singer* Dizzy Reed, Guns N' Roses keyboardist...
series and the Simulator series. Whilst with Codemasters, they were responsible for over 10 UK number one best sellers and over 3 million sales. In 1986
1986 in video gaming
-Events:-Notable releases:*Namco releases Sky Kid Deluxe, Hopping Mappy, Toy Pop, The Return of Ishtar, which is the sequel to Tower of Druaga, Genpei Tōma Den, and Rolling Thunder....
, it was reported that an estimated 7% of all UK games sales were attributable to the Oliver Twins.
The Olivers have diversified the company’s main activities and Blitz Games Studios now represents six different divisions.
Divisions
Blitz GamesBlitz Games
Blitz Games is a division of Blitz Games Studios and is responsible for producing its family titles, which are often licensed games based on well known IP. It is located in Warwickshire, England...
- Creates the games that the company originally became well known for: family titles, often licensed on popular characters and existing IPIntellectual propertyIntellectual property is a term referring to a number of distinct types of creations of the mind for which a set of exclusive rights are recognized—and the corresponding fields of law...
.
Blitz Arcade
Blitz Arcade
Blitz Arcade is the Downloadable games division of Blitz Games Studios. It is located in Warwickshire, England.- List of games :*Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao: A Kung Fu beatem' up. The first ever digital 3D download game for consoles....
- This is the division that creates downloadable games. Its first release was an advergameAdvergamingAdvergaming is the practice of using video games to advertise a product, organization or viewpoint. The term "advergames" was coined in January 2000 by Anthony Giallourakis, and later mentioned by Wireds "Jargon Watch" column in 2001...
series created for the US Burger KingBurger KingBurger King, often abbreviated as BK, is a global chain of hamburger fast food restaurants headquartered in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. The company began in 1953 as Insta-Burger King, a Jacksonville, Florida-based restaurant chain...
chain. Since then, Blitz Arcade has turned its focus to downloadable titles and has had success with its first game of this type: SpongeBob SquarePants – Underpants Slam. They have also developed shooter PowerUp ForeverPowerUp ForeverPowerUp Forever is a downloadable multi-directional shooter developed by Blitz Arcade and published by Namco Bandai for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation 3 via PlayStation Network. It was released on Xbox Live Arcade on December 10, 2008 and the PlayStation Network on December...
, puzzler DroplitzDroplitzDroplitz is a 2009 Puzzle video game developed by Blitz Arcade and published by Atlus. It was released on Xbox Live Arcade on June 24, 2009 and June 25, 2009 on PlayStation Network. It is also available on Microsoft Windows and iPhone....
and the 3DTV-compatible beat 'em up Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han TaoInvincible Tiger: The Legend of Han TaoInvincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao is a hand-to-hand action video game developed by Blitz Arcade and published by Namco Bandai Games for the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade. The game tells the story of Han Tao, aka General of a Thousand Victories, who attempts to rescue the Star of...
.http://www.cubed3.com/news/12810
Volatile Games
Volatile Games
Volatile Games is the mature games division of Blitz Games Studios. It is located in Warwickshire, England. Volatile Games creates video games intended for an adult audience.- List of games :* Reservoir Dogs...
- Responsible for the company’s mature games. Video games created by this division include Reservoir DogsReservoir Dogs (video game)Reservoir Dogs is a video game based on the Quentin Tarantino film of the same name. Released in 2006, it garnered mostly mediocre reviews and caused minor controversies for its violence, being banned in Australia and New Zealand.-Plot:...
, runner up in the 2006 BAFTA awards for best sound track.http://www.bafta.org/site/page413.html Despite allowing the player to complete the game without firing a single shot, the game was considered so realistic in its depictions of violence that it was banned in Australia.http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6153207.html?sid=6153207 They released Dead to Rights: RetributionDead to Rights: RetributionDead to Rights: Retribution is a 2010 third-person action game. It is the reboot of the Dead to Rights franchise. Featuring, Grant City police officer Jack Slate and his canine companion Shadow. Developed by Volatile Games and published by Namco Bandai Games for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3,...
on April 27, 2010.
TruSim
TruSim
TruSim is the serious games branch of the video game developer Blitz Games Studios. It aims to address the growing market for sophisticated and accurate training simulations and visualisation tools for the military, health care, corporate and education markets....
- Blitz Games Studios "serious gameSerious gameA serious game is a game designed for a primary purpose other than pure entertainment. The "serious" adjective is generally prepended to refer to products used by industries like defense, education, scientific exploration, health care, emergency management, city planning, engineering, religion,...
s" division. It is best known for its work on medical-related training programs including the award-winning Interactive Trauma Trainer.http://www.iecs.bham.ac.uk/hit/sg_research.htm
BlitzTech
- Creates and licenses game development engine and toolchain.
Blitz Academy
- The in-house training system and educational outreach program
Former divisions
Virtual Experience Company- Past projects include the Tintern Abbey virtual tour. The company was acquired by Blitz Games at the end of 2006 but was bought back by its owner Mike Gogan at the end of May 2008.
Blitz 1UP
In 2008 Blitz Games Studios launched the Blitz1UP programme to help independent developers bring their games to market.The programme provided free help and advice on all aspects of game production as well as crowd sourced QA.
The programme was closed in 2011 having supported over 30 games, helped publish 15 more and advised more than 150 indie developers.
Games created or published by Interactive Studios/Blitz Games Studios
- Puss in BootsPuss in Boots'Puss' is a character in the fairy tale "The Master Cat, or Puss in Boots" by Charles Perrault. The tale was published in 1697 in his Histoires ou Contes du temps passé...
(Q4 2011) - Michael Phelps: Push the Limit (Q4 2011)
- SpongeBob's Surf and Skate Roadtrip (Q4 2011)
- Fantastic Pets (2011)
- Yoostar 2 (2011)
- Droplitz Delight (2010)
- SFG Soccer: Football Fever (2010) - Published by Blitz 1UP
- The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout (2010)
- The Biggest Loser Challenge (2010)
- Dead to Rights: RetributionDead to Rights: RetributionDead to Rights: Retribution is a 2010 third-person action game. It is the reboot of the Dead to Rights franchise. Featuring, Grant City police officer Jack Slate and his canine companion Shadow. Developed by Volatile Games and published by Namco Bandai Games for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3,...
(2010) - All Star Karate (2010)
- Biggest Loser (2009)
- Karaoke RevolutionKaraoke RevolutionKaraoke Revolution and its many sequels are video games for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo GameCube, Wii, Xbox, and Xbox 360, developed by Harmonix Music Systems and Blitz Games and published by Konami in its Bemani line of music games. The Original Concept for Karaoke Revolution was...
(2009) - iCarlyICarlyiCarly is an American sitcom that focuses on a girl named Carly Shay who creates her own web show called iCarly with her best friends Sam and Freddie. The series was created by Dan Schneider, who also serves as executive producer. It stars Miranda Cosgrove as Carly, Jennette McCurdy as Sam, Nathan...
(2009) - KrissX (2009)- Published by Blitz 1UP
- Fluttabyes (2009)- Published by Blitz 1UP
- Mole Control (2009)- Published by Blitz 1UP
- Clover: A Curious Tale (2009)- Published by Blitz 1UP
- Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han TaoInvincible Tiger: The Legend of Han TaoInvincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao is a hand-to-hand action video game developed by Blitz Arcade and published by Namco Bandai Games for the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade. The game tells the story of Han Tao, aka General of a Thousand Victories, who attempts to rescue the Star of...
(Q4 2009) - DroplitzDroplitzDroplitz is a 2009 Puzzle video game developed by Blitz Arcade and published by Atlus. It was released on Xbox Live Arcade on June 24, 2009 and June 25, 2009 on PlayStation Network. It is also available on Microsoft Windows and iPhone....
(Q3 2009) - PowerUp ForeverPowerUp ForeverPowerUp Forever is a downloadable multi-directional shooter developed by Blitz Arcade and published by Namco Bandai for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation 3 via PlayStation Network. It was released on Xbox Live Arcade on December 10, 2008 and the PlayStation Network on December...
(2008) - Buccaneer: The Pursuit of Infamy (2008)- Published by Blitz 1UP
- Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2Karaoke RevolutionKaraoke Revolution and its many sequels are video games for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo GameCube, Wii, Xbox, and Xbox 360, developed by Harmonix Music Systems and Blitz Games and published by Konami in its Bemani line of music games. The Original Concept for Karaoke Revolution was...
(2008) - Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Make the Grade (2008)
- Bratz Girlz Really RockBratz Girlz Really Rock (video game)Bratz Girlz Really Rock is a video game of the Bratz franchise. This game based on the doll line and film of the same name.-Gameplay:Gameplay of Bratz Girlz Really Rock follows on from the seris. Four playable characters...
(2008) - Tak and the Guardians of GrossTak and the Guardians of GrossTak and the Guardians of Gross is a video game released for Wii and PlayStation 2.-Plot:While cleaning up a shrine, Tak removes a giant crystal and inadvertently releases the four Big G's, four of the nastiest, most disgusting Titans to terrorize Tak's village: Trashthulu the landfill giant,...
(2008) - Project Aftermath (2008)- Published by Blitz 1UP
- Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol EncoreKaraoke RevolutionKaraoke Revolution and its many sequels are video games for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo GameCube, Wii, Xbox, and Xbox 360, developed by Harmonix Music Systems and Blitz Games and published by Konami in its Bemani line of music games. The Original Concept for Karaoke Revolution was...
(2008) - SpongeBob SquarePants - Underpants Slam (2007)
- Bratz: The Movie (video game)Bratz: The Movie (video game)Bratz: The Movie is a video game of the Bratz franchise. This game is based on episodes from the TV series of bratz and is not based on the film with the same name, video game, Bratz 4 Real is based on the film.-Gameplay:...
(2007) - Karaoke Revolution Presents: American IdolKaraoke RevolutionKaraoke Revolution and its many sequels are video games for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo GameCube, Wii, Xbox, and Xbox 360, developed by Harmonix Music Systems and Blitz Games and published by Konami in its Bemani line of music games. The Original Concept for Karaoke Revolution was...
(2007) - Big Bumpin'Big Bumpin'Big Bumpin' is an advergaming title from Burger King for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles. published by King Games & developed by Blitz Games. On November 19, 2006, Burger King started selling it for an additional $3.99 USD with any value meal...
(2006) - PocketBike RacerPocketBike RacerPocketbike Racer is an advergaming title from Burger King for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles. On November 19, 2006, Burger King started selling it for an additional $3.99 USD with any value meal...
(2006) - Sneak KingSneak KingSneak King is an advergaming title from Burger King for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles. On November 19, 2006, Burger King started selling it for an additional $3.99 USD with any value meal...
(2006) - SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty KrabSpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty KrabSpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab is a video game for the Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Wii developed by Blitz Games and published by THQ. It stars SpongeBob SquarePants, his best friend Patrick Star and their enemy Sheldon J. Plankton as...
(2006) - Bratz: Forever DiamondzBratz: Forever Diamondz (video game)Bratz: Forever Diamondz is the third video game based on the popular fashion doll line, Bratz. It is the second published by THQ. It was released on September 18, 2006 at GameStop, then September 21, 2006 nationwide...
(2006) - Reservoir DogsReservoir Dogs (video game)Reservoir Dogs is a video game based on the Quentin Tarantino film of the same name. Released in 2006, it garnered mostly mediocre reviews and caused minor controversies for its violence, being banned in Australia and New Zealand.-Plot:...
(2006) - Pac-Man World 3Pac-Man World 3is a video game that was released on November 15, 2005 in North America for PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, and PC. It is the third game in the Pac-Man World series. It also marks the 25th anniversary of the Pac-Man arcade game. This game features more...
(2005) - Bratz: Rock AngelzBratz: Rock Angelz (video game)Bratz: Rock Angelz is a video game based on the popular Bratz fashion doll line. This is the first Bratz game published by THQ. It is based on the direct-to-DVD movie and the collection with the same name...
(2005) - The Fairly OddParents: Shadow ShowdownThe Fairly OddParents: Shadow ShowdownThe Fairly OddParents: Shadow Showdown is a platforming video game released in 2004 by ImaginEngine for the PC, Blitz Games for the Nintendo GameCube and THQ. The game is based on the animated television series The Fairly OddParents...
(2004) - Bad Boys: Miami TakedownBad Boys: Miami TakedownBad Boys: Miami Takedown is a video game released in 2004 based on the action-comedy movie Bad Boys II starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence...
(2004) - Barbie Horse Adventures: Wild Horse RescueBarbie Horse Adventures: Wild Horse RescueBarbie Horse Adventures: Wild Horse Rescue is a video game available for PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance and Xbox, based on the Barbie line of dolls by Mattel.-Gameplay:...
(2003) - The Fairly OddParents: Breakin' Da RulesThe Fairly OddParents: Breakin' Da RulesThe Fairly OddParents: Breakin' Da Rules is a video game released for the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and the PC in 2003. It is based on the famous Nickelodeon cartoon, Fairly OddParents. It was developed by Helixe and published by THQ. Its sequel, The Fairly...
(2003) - Zapper: One Wicked CricketZapper: One Wicked CricketZapper: One Wicked Cricket is a platform game for the Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance and PC. The game was developed by Blitz Games and published by Infogrames. Zapper was released in North America in November 2002....
(2002) - Taz: WantedTaz: WantedTaz: Wanted is an action-adventure video game released in 2002 by Blitz Games. The game is based on the Looney Tunes' character, Tasmanian Devil.-Plot:...
(2002) - Lilo & Stitch: Trouble in Paradise (2002)
- Fuzion FrenzyFuzion FrenzyFuzion Frenzy is a launch title for the Microsoft Xbox. At its core, Fuzion Frenzy is a four-player party game featuring 45 different mini-games . A demo of the game was included with some other launch titles in the US, including Halo, Munch's Oddysee and Amped...
(2001) - The Mummy Returns (2001)
- Chicken RunChicken Run (video game)Chicken Run is a stealth-based 3-D platformer based on the movie Chicken Run. The game is a loose parody of the famous The Great Escape movie, which is based in World War II.-Plot:...
(2000) - The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000)
- Frogger 2: Swampy's RevengeFrogger 2: Swampy's RevengeFrogger 2: Swampy's Revenge is a console and computer game released in 2000. The game is part of the Frogger series, and the sequel to Frogger , featuring similar 4-way movement gameplay in a 3D world with 6 different environments...
(2000) - Action ManAction ManAction Man is an action figure boys' toy launched in Britain in 1966 by Palitoy as a licensed copy of Hasbro's American "moveable fighting man": G.I...
: Destruction X (2000) - Action ManAction ManAction Man is an action figure boys' toy launched in Britain in 1966 by Palitoy as a licensed copy of Hasbro's American "moveable fighting man": G.I...
: Mission Xtreme (1999) - GloverGlover (video game)Reviews were mixed, mostly pointing out the interesting game mechanics and variety, but also noting the bland storyline and confusing controls.The N64 version was praised by IGN, specifically on its gameplay and sound. Comically, they wrote "In addition to your standard bouncing balls, Glover --...
(1999) - WarGames (1998)
Awards
2007- Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2007 - Favourite Videogame – SpongeBob SquarePants Creature from the Krusty Krab
- Edge award for Training and Development of young people
- ICT Excellence in Skills
- Blitz Games wins Develop Industry Excellence Award for Business Development
- Cannes Titanium Grand Prix Award for the Burger King games
- Golden Clio Award for Burger King games
2006
- Blitz Games CEO Philip Oliver named Best Industry Player by TIGAThe Independent Games Developers AssociationTIGA is the national trade association representing the business and commercial interests of video and computer game developers in the UK and Europe...
http://www.tiga.org/index.php?action=showNewsDetails&newsId=39 - Warwickshire Employer of Choice Awards 2006 for creating an exceptional working environment http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/Web/corporate/pages.nsf/Links/504E3FCF32EB39C28025723E003C4E25.
External links
- Blitz Games Studios official website
- Blitz Games entry at MobyGamesMobyGames-Platforms not yet included:- Further reading :* Rusel DeMaria, Johnny L. Wilson, High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games, McGraw-Hill/Osborne Media; 2 edition , ISBN 0-07-223172-6...
- OliverTwins.com - a website about the company's founders.
- Virtual Experience Company