Overview
They built real-time strategy. Westwood Studios created the template every RTS follows—Dune II established resource gathering, base building, and unit production; Command & Conquer refined it into a phenomenon. FMV cutscenes, online multiplayer, and the iconic sidebar interface all originated in Las Vegas. EA’s 1998 acquisition promised resources but delivered dissolution by 2003.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1985 (as Westwood Associates).
- Founders: Brett Sperry, Louis Castle.
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Closed: 2003.
Key releases
| Title |
Year |
Significance |
| Eye of the Beholder |
1991 |
D&D RPG success |
| Dune II |
1992 |
RTS genesis |
| Command & Conquer |
1995 |
Genre phenomenon |
| Red Alert |
1996 |
Spin-off success |
| Tiberian Sun |
1999 |
Series continuation |
Genre innovations
| Innovation |
Introduction |
| RTS template |
Dune II |
| FMV cutscenes |
C&C |
| Sidebar interface |
C&C |
| Westwood Online |
Multiplayer service |
EA acquisition
| Year |
Event |
| 1998 |
Acquisition completed |
| 2000 |
Westwood Pacific opened |
| 2002 |
Las Vegas studio merged |
| 2003 |
Final closure |
Staff diaspora
| Destination |
Notable work |
| Petroglyph Games |
RTS continuation |
| EA Los Angeles |
C&C sequels |
| Various studios |
Industry-wide |
See also