Overview
“Games by gamers, for gamers.” Epyx embodied that slogan with accessible sports compilations and innovative action games. The Games series—Summer, Winter, World, California—became synonymous with joystick-destroying multiplayer competition. Their games emphasised fun and accessibility over simulation complexity.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1978 (as Automated Simulations).
- Renamed: Epyx (1983).
- Peak: Mid to late 1980s.
- Decline: Early 1990s.
The Games series
| Title |
Year |
Theme |
| Summer Games |
1984 |
Olympics |
| Summer Games II |
1985 |
More events |
| Winter Games |
1985 |
Winter Olympics |
| World Games |
1986 |
International sports |
| California Games |
1987 |
Beach culture |
| California Games II |
1990 |
Sequel |
Other notable titles
| Title |
Year |
Genre |
| Temple of Apshai |
1979 |
RPG |
| Jumpman |
1983 |
Platformer |
| Impossible Mission |
1984 |
Action adventure |
| Pitstop II |
1984 |
Racing |
Impossible Mission
| Element |
Innovation |
| Speech |
“Stay a while, stay forever!” |
| Puzzle integration |
Search and decode |
| Animation |
Fluid character movement |
| Design |
Elevator exploration |
Hardware ventures
| Product |
Outcome |
| Handy (Lynx) |
Sold to Atari |
| ROXX |
Unreleased |
Design philosophy
| Principle |
Application |
| Multiplayer focus |
Competitive events |
| Accessibility |
Easy to learn |
| Polish |
High production values |
| Platform mastery |
C64 excellence |
Decline
| Factor |
Impact |
| Lynx development costs |
Financial strain |
| Console transition |
Market shift |
| Competition |
Crowded market |
| Bankruptcy |
1989, restructured |
See also