New World Computing

Not to be confused with New World Interactive.

New World Computing, Inc.
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryVideo games
Founded1984; 40 years ago (1984)
Founders
Defunct2003 (2003)
FateChapter 11 bankruptcy
Headquarters
Agoura Hills, California
,
U.S.
Key people
Products
Parent

New World Computing, Inc. was an American video game developer and publisher founded in 1984[1] by Jon Van Caneghem, his wife, Michaela Van Caneghem, and Mark Caldwell.[2] It was best known for its work on the Might and Magic role-playing video game series and its spin-offs, especially Heroes of Might and Magic. The company was purchased by and became a division of The 3DO Company on July 10, 1996[3] from NTN Communications, after NTN purchased New World Computing for $10 million in stock.[4]

Amidst financial turmoil, the 3DO Company laid off a large portion of the staff of New World Computing on April 15, 2002.[5] While a smaller, core staff remained at New World Computing, the following year saw little improvement in parent 3DO's situation, and the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May of that year.[6] Before dissolving later that year, 3DO sold the rights to the Might and Magic series to Ubisoft.[7] As an in-house development studio of the 3DO Company, New World Computing ceased to exist with the dissolution of its parent organization.

  1. ^ "3DO and New World Computing introduce Might and Magic VI; this year will prove to be Role Playing Gamers finest hour". TheFreeLibrary.com. June 19, 1997. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved January 11, 2009.
  2. ^ Barton, Matt (February 27, 2007). "The History of Computer Role-Playing Games Part 2: The Golden Age (1985–1993)". Gamasutra. Retrieved January 11, 2009.
  3. ^ "3DO and NTN Inc. Complete New World Computing Acquisition". TheFreeLibrary.com. July 10, 1996. Archived from the original on March 15, 2016. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  4. ^ "NTN Networks With New World". Computer Gaming World. March 1994. p. 14.
  5. ^ Walker, Trey (April 15, 2002). "3DO cuts New World Computing staff". GameSpot. Retrieved January 11, 2009.
  6. ^ Becker, David (May 29, 2003). "3DO files for bankruptcy". CNET News. Retrieved January 11, 2009.
  7. ^ Surette, Tim (March 30, 2005). "Ubisoft casts new Might and Magic PC game". GameSpot. Retrieved January 11, 2009.