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 (1999-2001)
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.