Formerly | Computer Magic Video |
---|---|
Industry | Video game development and publishing |
Founded | 1981 |
Founders |
|
Defunct | 1983 |
Fate | Defunct |
Headquarters | , United States |
CommaVid Inc. was a game developer and publisher for the Atari 2600 that released six games between 1981 and 1983, plus a programming tool for the console.[1] The company was founded by Dr. Irwin Gaines, Dr. John Bronstein, and Dr. Joseph Biel[2] under the name Computer Magic Video, which was shortened to Com Ma Vid, or CommaVid.[2] It was based in Aurora, Illinois.[3] In addition to developing its own titles, CommaVid ported the arcade game Venture to the 2600 for Coleco.[2]
CommaVid's game were mostly swept up in the video game crash of 1983, but several, such as Mines of Minos, received positive reviews. In 2010 the Retroist wrote, "CommaVid is one of those companies whose games are hit or miss. But even when it is a miss, the games usually bring something interesting to the table."[4]