JoWooD
Encyclopedia
JoWooD Entertainment AG is an Austria
n computer game publisher of video games, founded in 1995 by Andreas Tobler and currently led by Franz Rossler.
Their games include the action
roleplaying games in the Gothic
series, the Spellforce
series and the Industry Giant
series of games. Other titles include Transport Giant
, World War III: Black Gold
, Hotel Giant, and other games of the Giants series. They also released Sam & Max and Neighbours from Hell. They also worked on AquaNox: Angel's Tears for the PlayStation 2
.
, to make future JoWooD titles available via Steam.
, in efforts to move to the North American gaming markets.
because of a lack of quality on their "Stargate SG-1" product. JoWood carried out this action believing they own the licence for the game Stargate SG-1: The Alliance, something disputed by Perception.
On April 21st, 2011, JoWood announced that, unable to negotiate with potential investors, they are officially facing bankruptcy proceedings and have withdrawn their application for a recapitalization plan.
As of June 2011, JoWooD Entertainment and 95% of its subsidiary, Quantic Lab, was acquired by Wingefors Invest. All activities of the two companies will be taken over by Game Outlet.
On August 16, 2011, JoWooD Entertainment and The Adventure Company
, was acquired by Swedish company Nordic Games.
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
n computer game publisher of video games, founded in 1995 by Andreas Tobler and currently led by Franz Rossler.
Their games include the action
Action game
Action game is a video game genre that emphasizes physical challenges, including hand–eye coordination and reaction-time. The genre includes diverse subgenres such as fighting games, shooter games, and platform games, which are widely considered the most important action games, though some...
roleplaying games in the Gothic
Gothic (computer game)
Gothic is a single-player action role-playing video game for Windows developed by the German company Piranha Bytes. It was first released in Germany on March 15, 2001, followed by the English North American release eight months later on November 23, 2001, and the Polish release on March 28,...
series, the Spellforce
Spellforce
SpellForce: The Order of Dawn is a combination Real-time strategy and Role-playing game developed by German game developers Phenomic and released on 16 December 2003 in Europe and 11 February 2004 in North America....
series and the Industry Giant
Industry Giant
Industry Giant is a business simulation game for Windows. In 2002 a sequel, Industry Giant 2 was released....
series of games. Other titles include Transport Giant
Transport Giant
Transport Giant is a computer game created by JoWooD. It lets players control a transport company from the 1850s that may evolve through the decades and even centuries.- See also :*Traffic Giant, an older game by the same publisher...
, World War III: Black Gold
World War III: Black Gold
World War III: Black Gold is a real-time strategy video game by Reality Pump and JoWood Productions, published in 2001.-Gameplay:The player has the option of playing as Iraq, Russia, or the United States. Each military power has its own unique units, abilities, and corresponding strategies...
, Hotel Giant, and other games of the Giants series. They also released Sam & Max and Neighbours from Hell. They also worked on AquaNox: Angel's Tears for the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
.
Name change
In October 2009 it was announced that JoWooD has changed its name from JoWooD Productions Software AG to JoWooD Entertainment AG.Cooperations
In October 2009 JoWooD announced that an agreement has been established between them and Valve CorporationValve Corporation
Valve Corporation is an American video game development and digital distribution company based in Bellevue, Washington, United States...
, to make future JoWooD titles available via Steam.
Expansion
On November 4, 2006, JoWooD announced the acquisition of DreamCatcher GamesDreamCatcher Games
DreamCatcher Interactive Inc. is a Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based publisher of video games founded in 1996 by Richard Wah Kan.-Beginnings:...
, in efforts to move to the North American gaming markets.
Legal battles
In August 2005, JoWood attempted to end their development agreement with developer Perception PtyPerception Pty
Perception is a media entertainment company working in the games, film and television space. The company claims to be working on a video game for the PC and console platforms and to be in pre production on an animated television series & Sony PSP game...
because of a lack of quality on their "Stargate SG-1" product. JoWood carried out this action believing they own the licence for the game Stargate SG-1: The Alliance, something disputed by Perception.
Bankruptcy
January 7th 2011, JoWood officially filed for bankruptcy and announced that the company will prepare for "a procedure of capital reorganization".On April 21st, 2011, JoWood announced that, unable to negotiate with potential investors, they are officially facing bankruptcy proceedings and have withdrawn their application for a recapitalization plan.
As of June 2011, JoWooD Entertainment and 95% of its subsidiary, Quantic Lab, was acquired by Wingefors Invest. All activities of the two companies will be taken over by Game Outlet.
On August 16, 2011, JoWooD Entertainment and The Adventure Company
The Adventure Company
The Adventure Company, is a publishing label of Nordic Games. It is formally a division of DreamCatcher Interactive but was sold to Nordic Games in 2011 following DreamCatcher's parent JoWooD Entertainment being sold after entering administration.-History:...
, was acquired by Swedish company Nordic Games.
Games published
- Hard Truck 2 King of the RoadHard Truck 2: King of the RoadHard Truck 2: King of the Road is the European version of Hard Truck 2. It was released in various European countries by JoWooD Entertainment on June 7, 2002.The game featured soundtrack by heavy metal band Aria...
- AquaNoxAquaNoxAquaNox is a series of submarine-based shooter/simulation games set in the distant future. The collection includes AquaNox, AquaNox 2: Revelation and AquaNox: The Angel's Tears...
(2001) - AquaNox 2: RevelationAquaNoxAquaNox is a series of submarine-based shooter/simulation games set in the distant future. The collection includes AquaNox, AquaNox 2: Revelation and AquaNox: The Angel's Tears...
(2003) - ArchangelArchangel (video game)Archangel is a 2002 action role-playing video game which takes place in three different places, at three different epochs. It melts horror, science fiction, and adventure genres. It was developed by Metropolis Software and published by Fishtank Interactive and JoWood Productions for the PC in...
(2002) - ChaserChaser (video game)Chaser is a first-person shooter action video game developed by Cauldron. The game is built on the CloakNT 3D engine. Unlike many contemporary science fiction first-person shooters like Halo: Combat Evolved, Pariah, WarPath, and Unreal Tournament 2004, Chasers weapons fire modern day projectiles.It...
(2003) - Gothic IIGothic IIGothic II is a computer role-playing game and the sequel to Gothic, by the German developer Piranha Bytes. It was first released on November 29, 2002 in Germany, with North America following almost one year later on October 28, 2003...
(2002; AtariAtariAtari is a corporate and brand name owned by several entities since its inception in 1972. It is currently owned by Atari Interactive, a wholly owned subsidiary of the French publisher Atari, SA . The original Atari, Inc. was founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney. It was a pioneer in...
)- Gothic II: Night of the Raven - Expansion PackExpansion packAn expansion pack, expansion set, or supplement is an addition to an existing role-playing game, tabletop game or video game. These add-ons usually add new game areas, weapons, objects, and/or an extended storyline to a complete and already released game...
(2003; German & 2005; English)
- Gothic II: Night of the Raven - Expansion Pack
- Gothic 3Gothic 3Gothic 3 is a fantasy-themed role-playing game for Windows from the German game developer Piranha Bytes. It is the sequel to Gothic II. Although widely available in English, the native release of the game is German. The game was released throughout the European Union on October 13, 2006 and became...
(2006)- Gothic 3: The BeginningGothic 3: The BeginningGothic 3: The Beginning is a role-playing mobile video game, produced by the German developer Handy-Games GmbH, and published by JoWooD Entertainment.-Plot:...
- (for Mobile PhoneMobile phoneA mobile phone is a device which can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link whilst moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile network operator...
) (2008) - Gothic 3: Forsaken GodsGothic 3: Forsaken GodsForsaken Gods is a standalone expansion for Gothic 3. It was developed by Trine Games and published by JoWooD Entertainment. The game was released in Europe and North America on November 21, 2008. An Enhanced Edition was released on March 22, 2011 developed by Mad Vulture Games.-Gameplay:Gameplay...
- Expansion PackExpansion packAn expansion pack, expansion set, or supplement is an addition to an existing role-playing game, tabletop game or video game. These add-ons usually add new game areas, weapons, objects, and/or an extended storyline to a complete and already released game...
(2008)
- Gothic 3: The Beginning
- Gothic Universe - Collection Pack (2008)
- Arcania: Gothic 4 (2010)
- ArcaniA: Fall of SetarrifArcaniA: Fall of SetarrifArcaniA: Fall of Setarrif is the official standalone expansion for Arcania: Gothic 4. It was released on October 25, 2011 after a long period of silence from both publishers and after being delayed indefinitely in March 2011....
(2011) - Michael Schumacher Racing World Kart 2002Michael Schumacher Racing World Kart 2002Michael Schumacher Racing World Kart 2002 is a racing video game released for PlayStation and Microsoft Windows in 2002, developed by Radon Labs and published by JoWooD Entertainment.-Reception:...
(2002) - Cultures 2: The Gates of Asgard (2002)
- Neighbours from Hell (2003)
- Neighbours from Hell 2: On Vacation (2004)
- Rally TrophyRally TrophyRally Trophy is a historic PC rally simulation, created by Bugbear Entertainment and JoWood Productions. The cars modelled are Mini Cooper 1275S, Saab 96 V4, Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, Fiat 600 Abarth, Opel Kadett, Lancia Fulvia, Ford Cortina, Ford Escort MK1 RS2000, Volvo Amazon, Alpine A110 and...
(2001) - Transport GiantTransport GiantTransport Giant is a computer game created by JoWooD. It lets players control a transport company from the 1850s that may evolve through the decades and even centuries.- See also :*Traffic Giant, an older game by the same publisher...
(2004) - Silent StormSilent StormSilent Storm is a tactical role-playing game for Microsoft Windows, developed by Russian developer Nival Interactive and published by JoWood in 2003. The game is set in World War II Europe. The player commands a team of up to six elite soldiers on the Axis or Allied side, undertaking a variety of...
(2003) - SpellForce: The Order of Dawn (2003)
- Spellforce: The Breath of Winter - Expansion PackExpansion packAn expansion pack, expansion set, or supplement is an addition to an existing role-playing game, tabletop game or video game. These add-ons usually add new game areas, weapons, objects, and/or an extended storyline to a complete and already released game...
(2004) - Spellforce: Shadow of the Phoenix - Expansion PackExpansion packAn expansion pack, expansion set, or supplement is an addition to an existing role-playing game, tabletop game or video game. These add-ons usually add new game areas, weapons, objects, and/or an extended storyline to a complete and already released game...
(2005)
- Spellforce: The Breath of Winter - Expansion Pack
- Legend of KayLegend of KayLegend of Kay is a video game for the PlayStation 2 about a young warrior who tries to save his once-peaceful island from the Gorillas and Rats who have conquered it....
(2005) - Spellforce 2: Shadow WarsSpellforce 2: Shadow WarsSpellforce 2: Shadow Wars is a combination Real-time strategy and RPG game created by German game developers Phenomic as a sequel to their 2003 release SpellForce: The Order of Dawn and its two expansions...
(2006)- Spellforce 2: Dragon StormSpellforce 2: Dragon StormSpellforce 2: Dragon Storm is a combination Real-time strategy and RPG game created by German game developers Phenomic as an expansion to their 2006 release SpellForce 2: Shadow Wars after following the previous games SpellForce: The Order of Dawn....
- Expansion PackExpansion packAn expansion pack, expansion set, or supplement is an addition to an existing role-playing game, tabletop game or video game. These add-ons usually add new game areas, weapons, objects, and/or an extended storyline to a complete and already released game...
(2007)
- Spellforce 2: Dragon Storm
- Space Force: Rogue UniverseSpace Force: Rogue UniverseSpace Force: Rogue Universe is a space simulation computer game by Provox games. The game was released in North America in April 2007 DreamCatcher Games, and was released in Europe by JoWooD Productions and available in August 2007...
(2007) - Spellforce Universe - Collection Pack (2008)
- Painkiller: Overdose (2007)
- Painkiller Universe - Collection Pack (2008)
- Painkiller: ResurrectionPainkiller: ResurrectionPainKiller: Resurrection is a first-person shooter video game developed by Homegrown Games and published by DreamCatcher Interactive . It is a stand-alone expansion to the 2004 PainKiller developed by People Can Fly, and runs on an updated version of PainEngine...
(2009) - Painkiller: Redemption (2011)
- The Guild 2The Guild 2The Guild 2 is a historical multiplayer real-time strategy video game developed by 4HEAD Studios and published by JoWooD Entertainment. It is the second installment in the historical real-time strategy video game series, following Europa 1400. The Guild 2 was released September 29, 2006, for PCs...
(2006)- The Guild 2: Pirates of The European Sea - Expansion PackExpansion packAn expansion pack, expansion set, or supplement is an addition to an existing role-playing game, tabletop game or video game. These add-ons usually add new game areas, weapons, objects, and/or an extended storyline to a complete and already released game...
(2007) - The Guild 2: Venice - Expansion PackExpansion packAn expansion pack, expansion set, or supplement is an addition to an existing role-playing game, tabletop game or video game. These add-ons usually add new game areas, weapons, objects, and/or an extended storyline to a complete and already released game...
(2008) - The Guild 2: RenaissanceThe Guild 2The Guild 2 is a historical multiplayer real-time strategy video game developed by 4HEAD Studios and published by JoWooD Entertainment. It is the second installment in the historical real-time strategy video game series, following Europa 1400. The Guild 2 was released September 29, 2006, for PCs...
- Expansion PackExpansion packAn expansion pack, expansion set, or supplement is an addition to an existing role-playing game, tabletop game or video game. These add-ons usually add new game areas, weapons, objects, and/or an extended storyline to a complete and already released game...
(2010)
- The Guild 2: Pirates of The European Sea - Expansion Pack
- The Book of Unwritten Tales (2010)
- TorchlightTorchlightTorchlight is an action role-playing game developed by Runic Games and published by Perfect World, released for Windows in October 2009. The fantasy-themed game is set in the fictional town of Torchlight and the expansive caverns and dungeons nearby, which adventurers explore to collect valuable...
(2009) - Yoga Wii (2009)
Upcoming games
- Dungeon Lords: The Orb and the OracleDungeon Lords: The Orb and the OracleDungeon Lords: The Orb and the Oracle is the next installment in the Dungeon Lords series, and is currently in development by David W. Bradley of Heuristic Park...
(On Hold) - Spellforce 2: Faith in DestinySpellforce 2: Faith in DestinySpellforce 2: Faith in Destiny is the second expansion for SpellForce 2. Currently the expansion pack is on hold due to development issues.-Development:It was announced by JoWooD in May 2009...
(TBA) - Truck Racer (TBA)
- Super Truck Racer (TBA)