SoftKey

"Softkey" redirects here. For the input device, see soft key.
SoftKey International
The Learning Company (1995–1999)
Founded1986; 38 years ago (1986) (as SoftKey Software Products)
FoundersKevin O'Leary
Defunct1999; 25 years ago (1999)
FateAcquired by Mattel and folded into Mattel Interactive
SuccessorsMattel Interactive
Riverdeep Interactive Learning
Software MacKiev
Headquarters
United States (U.S)
ProductsEducational software
Shovelware games

SoftKey International (originally SoftKey Software Products, Inc.) was a software company founded by Kevin O'Leary in 1986 in Toronto, Ontario.[1] It was known as The Learning Company from 1995 to 1999 after acquiring The Learning Company and taking its name.

SoftKey played a major role in the dissolution of the edutainment industry by the turn of the millennium.[2] Contributing factors include its reduction of the market price by releasing shovelware discs of freeware and shareware,[3] hostile takeovers of major edutainment software companies, reduction of these acquisitions to a skeleton staff, and questionable financial practices to maintain its stock price.[2]

In 1999, the company was acquired by Mattel in what Businessweek called one of "the Worst Deals of All Time".[4] It was subsequently folded into Mattel Interactive,[citation needed] Riverdeep Interactive Learning, and Software MacKiev.

  1. ^ Burgess, Steve. "Kevin O'Leary". NUVO magazine. Archived from the original on December 8, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  2. ^ a b paleotronic (August 20, 2019). "The Family Business: An Interview with Brøderbund Software founder Doug Carlston". Paleotronic Magazine. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  3. ^ "Is the Educational Games Industry Falling Into the Same Trap It Did 20 Years Ago? - EdSurge News". EdSurge. February 7, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  4. ^ "Kevin O'Leary: He's not a billionaire, he just plays one on TV". Archived from the original on September 2, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2016.