Virgin Games is a UK-based gaming company that has been around for over two decades, with a rich history and an impressive portfolio of games under its belt. The company was founded in 1990 as part of Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, and it quickly established itself as one of the leading game developers and publishers in Europe.
Early Years: Building Foundations (1990-2000)
In its early years, Virgin Games focused on developing and publishing a range of games for various platforms, including PC, console, and arcade. Some notable titles released Virgin Games online casino during this period include "Resident Evil" and the "Sly Cooper" series. The company’s efforts were met with moderate success, but it was not until the late 1990s that Virgin Games truly began to make a name for itself in the gaming industry.
Expansion into Online Gaming (2000-2010)
In the early 2000s, Virgin Games made a strategic decision to shift its focus towards online gaming. This move allowed the company to tap into the growing popularity of internet-based gaming and take advantage of emerging technologies such as social networking and cloud computing. As part of this expansion, Virgin Games acquired several smaller studios, including the renowned US game developer, 3Lateral.
Key Milestones and Acquisitions
Some notable milestones in Virgin Games’ history include:
- Acquisition of Blue Sky Studios (2005): This deal marked a significant turning point for the company, as it brought on board some talented developers who went on to work on high-profile projects such as "Ice Age" and "Rio".
- Release of "Vegas Showbiz" (2010) – a critically acclaimed mobile game that demonstrated the studio’s ability to create engaging experiences for new platforms.
- Acquisition by Gamesys Group plc (2008): As part of this deal, Virgin Games gained access to resources and expertise from a major player in online gaming.
Notable Titles and IPs
Some notable titles developed or published by Virgin Games include:
- "Resident Evil" – The first installment of the iconic survival horror series was released for PlayStation in 1996.
- "Vegas Showbiz" (2010) – A unique mobile game where players take on various roles, including casino worker and showgirl.
- The Secret Garden is a puzzle game by Virgin Games, published under license from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel of the same name.
Key People
Several key figures have played important roles in shaping the direction and success of Virgin Games:
- Richard Branson – Founder of the Virgin Group, which includes Virgin Games.
- Paul Hurst – He is a senior director at Virgin Games, responsible for game development.