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{{Short description|Canadian video game publisher}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=June 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Strategy First Inc.
| name = Strategy First Inc.
| logo = StrategyFirst logo.png
| logo = Strategy First.png
| logo_caption = An iteration of the original Strategy First logo that was painted gold and made 3D so that it could be rotated on the company's website.<ref name="GameSpy" />
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| industry = [[Video game industry]]
| industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]
⚫
| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1988}}
| fate =
⚫
| founders = {{Unbulleted list|Don McFatridge|Steve Wall|Dave Hill}}
⚫
| founded = {{start date and age|1988}}
⚫
| founders = Christina Ginger<br> Don McFatridge<br>Steve Wall<br>Dave Hill<br>Richard Therrien
| defunct = <!-- {{end date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| hq_location_city = [[Montreal]], [[Quebec]]
| hq_location_city = [[Montreal]], [[Quebec]]
| hq_location_country = [[Canada]]
| hq_location_country = Canada
| num_locations =
| num_locations_year = <!-- Year of num_locations data (when known) -->
| area_served = Worldwide
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people =
| key_people = Emanuel Wall ([[Company director|director]])
| products = [[List of Strategy First games]]
| products = See [[List of Strategy First games]]
| owner = [[Silverstar Holdings]]
| parent = Silverstar Holdings (2005–present)
| website = http://www.strategyfirst.com/
| num_employees =
| num_employees_year = <!-- Year of num_employees data (when known) -->
| parent = Silverstar Holdings
| slogan = <!-- or: | slogans = -->
| website =
}}
}}


'''Strategy First Inc.''' is a [[video game publisher]] based in [[Montreal, Quebec]], Canada. Founded in 1988, the company has published numerous games, such as the [[Disciples: Sacred Lands|''Disciples'' series]], the [[Jagged Alliance (series)|''Jagged Alliance'' series]], ''[[O.R.B: Off-World Resource Base]]'', and the [[Space Empires|''Space Empires'' series]].
'''Strategy First Inc.''' is a Canadian [[video game publisher]] based in [[Montreal]]. Founded in 1988 by Don McFatridge, Steve Wall and Dave Hill, the company filed for [[bankruptcy]] in 2004 and was subsequently acquired by Silverstar Holdings in 2005. Initially specializing in developing [[strategy video games]], it since switched to primarily publishing, releasing games like the [[Disciples: Sacred Lands|''Disciples'' series]], the [[Jagged Alliance (series)|''Jagged Alliance'' series]], ''[[O.R.B: Off-World Resource Base]]'', and the [[Space Empires|''Space Empires'' series]].


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:Strategy First (old).jpg|thumb|right|The original logo for Strategy First; each character represents one of the four founding partners, as well as a strategy sub-genre the company intended to develop.<ref name="GameSpy" />]]
=== Company name and origins ===
Strategy First was founded by Don McFatridge, Steve Wall and Dave Hill, three board game designers. During one lunch break in 1988, they decided that they would begin their careers anew, establishing Strategy First as a video game development company. Richard Therrien joined as a partner shortly thereafter. The four wished to focus on [[strategy video games]] and named the company accordingly.<ref name="GameSpy">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespy.com/articles/697/697083p9.html |title=GameSpy Retro: Developer Origins, Page 9 of 19 |first=John |last=Keefer |date=31 March 2006 |website=[[GameSpy]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609133006/http://www.gamespy.com/articles/697/697083p9.html |archive-date=9 June 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


By May 2004, Strategy First had amassed over {{US$|5&nbsp;million|link=yes}} in debt and had shrunk from more than 100 employees in three offices to sixteen staff in its primary office in Montreal. The debts included almost {{US$|4&nbsp;million|long=no}} owed to investors, as well as {{US$|1.7&nbsp;million|long=no}} owed to developers. As a result, Strategy First filed for [[bankruptcy]]<!-- Note: Not Chapter 11 bankruptcy, as it says in Gamasutra article, because that does not exist in Canada; see the Rock, Paper, Shotgun source for clarification. --> on 4 August 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/95285/Strategy_First_Files_For_Bankruptcy.php |title=Strategy First Files For Bankruptcy |first=David |last=Jenkins |date=22 September 2004 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620211652/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/95285/Strategy_First_Files_For_Bankruptcy.php |archive-date=20 June 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/02/05/new-developers-report-no-payments-from-strategy-first/ |title=Correction Regarding Strategy First |first=John |last=Walker |date=5 February 2014 |website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620210238/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/02/05/new-developers-report-no-payments-from-strategy-first/ |archive-date=20 June 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to this insolvency, multiple developers, including [[Stardock]] and [[Paradox Interactive]], did not receive royalties for their respective games published by Strategy First.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2013/8/7/4554042/paradox-interactive-history |title=Solving Paradox: How the historical strategy game maker stayed alive |first=Charlie |last=Hall |date=7 August 2013 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620210238/https://www.polygon.com/features/2013/8/7/4554042/paradox-interactive-history |archive-date=20 June 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/stardock-brad-wardell-interview |title=The other Gabe: Stardock CEO Brad Wardell talks independence, feminism, and taking responsibility |first=Jeremy |last=Peel |date=6 October 2016 |website=[[PCGamesN]] |access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620213242/https://www.pcgamesn.com/stardock-brad-wardell-interview |archive-date=20 June 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, Polish developer [[Techland]] cut all ties with Strategy First, disallowing Strategy First from distributing any Techland product, effective on 18 September.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/95297/Strategy_First_Loses_Techland_Rights.php |title=Strategy First Loses Techland Rights |first=David |last=Jenkins |date=24 September 2004 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620211649/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/95297/Strategy_First_Loses_Techland_Rights.php |archive-date=20 June 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Company was founded by Christina Ginger, Don McFatridge, Steve Wall, Dave Hill and Richard Therrien in 1988. The founders wanted to start their own computer game company, they wanted to focus on strategy titles, the company name was derivated from that.<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Keefer|url=http://www.gamespy.com/articles/697/697083p9.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609133006/http://www.gamespy.com/articles/697/697083p9.html|archivedate=June 9, 2007|title=GameSpy Retro: Developer Origins|date=March 31, 2006|accessdate=May 28, 2019}}</ref>


Silverstar Holdings, a [[public company]] based in [[Boca Raton, Florida]], that specialized in the acquisition of pay-to-play businesses, announced on 22 April 2005 that it had acquired Strategy First from the bankruptcy proceedings. The company contributed {{US$|600,000|long=no}} in cash and 400,000 shares of [[common stock]] to Strategy First's creditors, while also assuming {{US$|400,000|long=no}} of Strategy First's existing debt.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamezone.com/news/silverstar_holdings_announces_acquisition_of_strategy_first/ |title=Silverstar Holdings Announces Acquisition of Strategy First |author=jkdmedia |date=22 April 2005 |website=GameZone |access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620210250/https://www.gamezone.com/news/silverstar_holdings_announces_acquisition_of_strategy_first/ |archive-date=20 June 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/5874/Strategy_First_Signs_PostResurrection_European_Distribution_Deal.php |title=Strategy First Signs Post-Resurrection European Distribution Deal |first=Nich |last=Maragos |date=7 July 2005 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620211651/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/5874/Strategy_First_Signs_PostResurrection_European_Distribution_Deal.php |archive-date=20 June 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Clive Kabatznik, the [[chief executive officer]] (CEO) of Silverstar Holdings, stated that the company intended to use Strategy First as a niche publisher, in parallel to its other recent acquisition, [[Empire Interactive]], which Kabatznik described as a "more fully fledged publisher".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/103746/QA_Kabatznik_On_FlatOut_Growth_For_EmpireStrategy_First.php |title=Q&A: Kabatznik On FlatOut Growth For Empire/Strategy First |first=Jason |last=Dobson |date=16 February 2007 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620211650/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/103746/QA_Kabatznik_On_FlatOut_Growth_For_EmpireStrategy_First.php |archive-date=20 June 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2005, Strategy First acquired and absorbed all assets of [[Santa Rosa, California]]-based developer [[Malfador Machinations]]. That company's [[President (corporate title)|president]] and CEO, Aaron Hall, joined Strategy First's management team as a result.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/99762/Strategy_First_Acquires_Malfador_Machinations.php |title=Strategy First Acquires Malfador Machinations |first=Jason |last=Dobson |date=5 April 2006 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620211652/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/99762/Strategy_First_Acquires_Malfador_Machinations.php |archive-date=20 June 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.softpedia.com/news/Strategy-First-Acquires-The-Assets-Of-Malfador-Machinations-21065.shtml |title=Strategy First Acquires the Assets of Malfador Machinations |first=Silviu |last=Stahie |date=7 April 2006 |website=[[Softpedia]] |access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620210239/https://news.softpedia.com/news/Strategy-First-Acquires-The-Assets-Of-Malfador-Machinations-21065.shtml |archive-date=20 June 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Conflicts ===
Strategy First has had a conflict with [[Introversion Software]]. The company was distributing copies of Introversion's title ''[[Uplink (computer game)|Uplink]]'' entitled ''Uplink: Hacker Elite''. However, after filing for bankruptcy, Strategy First suspended paying royalties to Introversion, already owing them tens of thousands of dollars. Introversion severed its ties with the company.


In March 2009, Silverstar Holdings was delisted from the [[NASDAQ]] stock exchange. Subsequently, Empire Interactive was put into [[Administration in United Kingdom law|administration]] in May, with 49 out of 55 positions terminated.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/114428/Empire_Interactive_Confirmed_In_Administration_49_Staffers_Laid_Off.php |title=Empire Interactive Confirmed In Administration, 49 Staffers Laid Off |first=Leigh |last=Alexander |author-link=Leigh Alexander (journalist) |date=5 May 2009 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620212620/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/114428/Empire_Interactive_Confirmed_In_Administration_49_Staffers_Laid_Off.php |archive-date=20 June 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/confirmed-empire-goes-into-administration/ |title=Confirmed: Empire goes into administration |author=MCV Staff |date=5 May 2009 |website=[[MCV (magazine)|MCV]]}}</ref>
Former Strategy First developer Legend Studios also reported a conflict culminating in a press release issued February 11, 2005 where they claimed the publisher "breached the Software Publishing and Distribution Agreement", and that "we have not received a single sales report, payments for royalties and they practically have not fulfilled a single point in our agreement."


== Games ==
In a postmortem article about the development of ''[[Galactic Civilizations II]]'', [[Stardock]] founder Brad Wardell stated, regarding the original title, that "Publisher Strategy First filed for bankruptcy without paying a significant portion of the royalties we were owed."<ref>{{cite web|first=Brad|last=Wardell|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20060405/wardell_01.shtml|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615122044/http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20060405/wardell_01.shtml|archivedate=June 15, 2006|title=Postmortem: Stardock's Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords|date=April 5, 2006|accessdate=May 28, 2019}}</ref> Gaming news sites have also reported conflicts involving Strategy First, such as a news item by gaming industry site [[Gamasutra]] that reported developer [[BattleGoat Studios]] co-founder George Geczy stating that "We had to give them 50 cents off the dollar just to get our money out of them."<ref>{{cite web|first=Mathew|last=Kumar|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=10741|title=TIGC: How To Succeed At Indie Development|date=September 5, 2006|accessdate=May 28, 2019}}</ref>
{{Main|List of Strategy First games}}

The strategy developer [[Pollux Gamelabs]] also reported a conflict with Strategy First and the release of the [[4X game|4X]] strategy game ''[[Lost Empire]]''. According to the ''[[Lost Empire]]'' forums, [[Pollux Gamelabs]] cancelled all cooperation with Strategy First due to some disagreements between the two companies, details of which were not specified.

An openly published accusation from [[i-Deal Games Studio]], who were responsible for the sanctioned mod [[Jagged Alliance 2: Wildfire]], states: ''"Due Methodical breach of software distribution agreement by Strategy First side i-Deal Games has terminated its agreement with Strategy First inc."''

In a post on the Steam community forum on June 14, 2009, Technetium Games, publishers of "SlamIt Pinball", also posted claims that Strategy First was not paying royalties or making reports of sales. "Strategy First is still not paying us any money. They are not sending us any report on sales. They are telling us stories and giving explanations."

=== New ownership ===
In 2004, Strategy First Inc filed for bankruptcy protection.
On April 21, 2005 it was acquired by Silverstar Holdings. Terms of the acquisition included "cash consideration to the creditors of Strategy First of $609,000; we issued 377,000 shares of our common stock; warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of our common stock; and assumed approximately $400,000 in existing bank debt, as well as contingent consideration based on the future profitability of Strategy First."<ref name="SEC 10-Q Filing November 14th, 2006">{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1003390/000091068006000962/f10k-06302006.htm |title=FORM 10-K For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006}}</ref>

Silverstar Holdings Ltd. was a publicly traded company registered in Bermuda (traded on [[NASDAQ]] under symbol SSTR), with their web home page stating that they are "focusing on acquiring controlling positions in high-growth retail-driven and fee-based electronic game businesses that could benefit from the economies of scale generated by the Internet and other technology-related platforms." Silverstar completed a purchase of game developer [[Empire Interactive]] on December 4, 2006, and claimed in a same-day press release that with the addition of Empire Interactive titles to the Valve 'Steam' service, "we are delighted that in this short time the first collaborative effort between Empire and Strategy First has born fruit."<ref>[http://www.silverstarholdings.com/press/12-14-06.html Silverstar Press Release December 14, 2006] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927063131/http://www.silverstarholdings.com/press/12-14-06.html |date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref>

The Silverstar SEC filing for its quarter ended September 30, 2006, indicates that Strategy First was not providing a significant flow of revenue: "We have recognized a net loss of $941,000 during first quarter fiscal 2007 compared to a net loss of $48,000 during the same period in the prior fiscal year. Significant items that contributed to the increased loss included an increase in operating losses to $583,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 as compared to $421,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2006. This increase was primarily caused by decreases in sales recognized by Strategy First."<ref name="SEC 10-Q Filing November 14th, 2006"/>

=== Financial difficulties ===
On March 12, 2009 Strategy First's parent company Silverstar Holdings Ltd was formally delisted from the NASDAQ market after failing to meet a timeline extension to become compliant with NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, specifically they "had not regained compliance with the stockholders' equity requirement".<ref>[http://google.brand.edgar-online.com/displayfilinginfo.aspx?FilingID=6502851-1530-4831&type=sect&TabIndex=2&companyid=3763&ppu=%252fDefault.aspx%253fticker%253dSSTRF Edgar Online Filing 2009]</ref> The final statements publicly published by Silverstar were for the period ending December 31, 2008, filed on February 20, 2009.<ref>[http://google.brand.edgar-online.com/displayfilinginfo.aspx?FilingID=6430567-1050-120579&type=sect&TabIndex=2&companyid=3763&ppu=%252fDefault.aspx%253fticker%253dSSTRF SEC 10-Q Filing February 20, 2009]</ref> In these statements, Silverstar indicated that Strategy First revenues were minimal for the three months ended December 31, 2008 ("about $400,000" out of revenues of $8.7 million), with the bulk of revenues coming from the Empire Interactive division. Silverstar's total loss for this period was $3.4 million. As of December 31, 2008 Silverstar reports current assets of about $4 million versus liabilities of $17 million. Accounts Payable and Royalties Payable totaled $4.3 million, versus only $422,000 in available cash. In their management review Silverstar states "These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Since June 2008, the Company has been seeking to raise additional capital in the form of both debt and equity; to this point with no success. The results of the quarter ended December 31, 2008 have further impacted the Company’s liquidity position and without a very short-term solution to this lack of liquidity, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ongoing viability."

Subsequent to the SEC 10-Q filing, Silverstar reported that on May 1, 2009 their [[Empire Interactive]] division filed for "administration" ([[bankruptcy]]) in the UK, and that "Empire has sold its intellectual property assets to New World IP, LLC ",<ref>[http://google.brand.edgar-online.com/displayfilinginfo.aspx?FilingID=6576867-1061-6728&type=sect&TabIndex=2&companyid=3763&ppu=%252fDefault.aspx%253fticker%253dSSTRF Empire Interactive Bankruptcy SEC Filing]</ref> and all 49 staff were laid off.<ref>[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/empire-ip-rights-sold-as-49-staff-made-redundant Empire IP Rights Sold As 49 Staff Made Redundant] from [[Eurogamer#GamesIndustry.biz|GamesIndustry.biz]]</ref> New World IP then leased the rights to publish Empire's entire catalogue to [[Zoo Games]].<ref name="ZG EI G">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=23525 | title = Zoo Publishing Picks Up Empire Slate | publisher = [[Gamasutra]] | first = Kris | last = Graft | date = 2009-05-07 | accessdate = 2009-05-12}}</ref>

Additionally, Silverstar has reported that it is in default on its repayments on both its 2008 and 2006 Debentures.<ref>[http://google.brand.edgar-online.com/displayfilinginfo.aspx?FilingID=6493283-1061-14004&type=sect&TabIndex=2&companyid=3763&ppu=%252fDefault.aspx%253fticker%253dSSTRF SEC Filing Default on Debentures]</ref>

== Notable games ==
* ''[[1914 Shells of Fury]]''
* ''[[Bad Rats: The Rats' Revenge]]''
* ''[[Brigade E5: New Jagged Union]]''
* ''[[Clusterball]]''
* ''[[Culpa Innata]]''
* ''[[Dangerous Waters]]''
* ''[[Darkstar: The Interactive Movie]]''
* ''[[Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive]]''
* ''[[Disciples: Sacred Lands]]''
* ''[[Disciples II: Dark Prophecy]]''
* ''[[Enemy Engaged 2]]''
* ''[[Europa Universalis]]''
* ''[[FlatOut 3: Chaos & Destruction]]''
* ''[[FlatOut 4: Total Insanity]]''
* ''[[Galactic Civilizations]]''
* ''[[Hearts of Iron]]''
* ''[[Jagged Alliance]]''
* ''[[Jagged Alliance 2]]''
* ''[[Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns]]''
* ''[[Legion Arena]]''
* ''[[Man of War (video game)|Man of War]]''
* ''[[Making History: The Calm & The Storm]]''
* ''[[O.R.B: Off-World Resource Base]]''
* ''[[Perimeter 2: New Earth]]''
* ''[[Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood]]''
* ''[[Space Empires IV]]''
* ''[[Space Empires V]]''
* ''[[Submarine TITANS]]''
* ''[[Sudden Strike]]''
* ''[[Supreme Ruler 2010]]''
* ''[[Timelines: Assault on America]]''
* ''[[World War II Online]]''


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Official website|strategyfirst.com}}
* [http://www.strategyfirst.com/ Official website]


[[Category:1988 establishments in Quebec]]
[[Category:1988 establishments in Quebec]]
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[[Category:Video game companies of Canada]]
[[Category:Video game companies of Canada]]
[[Category:Video game publishers]]
[[Category:Video game publishers]]
[[Category:Video game publishing brands]]
[[Category:Video game development companies]]

Latest revision as of 18:49, 6 December 2022

Strategy First Inc.
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryVideo games
Founded1988; 36 years ago (1988)
Founders
  • Don McFatridge
  • Steve Wall
  • Dave Hill
Headquarters
Montreal, Quebec
,
Canada
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Emanuel Wall (director)
ProductsSee List of Strategy First games
ParentSilverstar Holdings (2005–present)
Websitehttp://www.strategyfirst.com/

Strategy First Inc. is a Canadian video game publisher based in Montreal. Founded in 1988 by Don McFatridge, Steve Wall and Dave Hill, the company filed for bankruptcy in 2004 and was subsequently acquired by Silverstar Holdings in 2005. Initially specializing in developing strategy video games, it since switched to primarily publishing, releasing games like the Disciples series, the Jagged Alliance series, O.R.B: Off-World Resource Base, and the Space Empires series.

History[edit]

The original logo for Strategy First; each character represents one of the four founding partners, as well as a strategy sub-genre the company intended to develop.[1]

Strategy First was founded by Don McFatridge, Steve Wall and Dave Hill, three board game designers. During one lunch break in 1988, they decided that they would begin their careers anew, establishing Strategy First as a video game development company. Richard Therrien joined as a partner shortly thereafter. The four wished to focus on strategy video games and named the company accordingly.[1]

By May 2004, Strategy First had amassed over US$5 million in debt and had shrunk from more than 100 employees in three offices to sixteen staff in its primary office in Montreal. The debts included almost $4 million owed to investors, as well as $1.7 million owed to developers. As a result, Strategy First filed for bankruptcy on 4 August 2004.[2][3] Due to this insolvency, multiple developers, including Stardock and Paradox Interactive, did not receive royalties for their respective games published by Strategy First.[4][5] Subsequently, Polish developer Techland cut all ties with Strategy First, disallowing Strategy First from distributing any Techland product, effective on 18 September.[6]

Silverstar Holdings, a public company based in Boca Raton, Florida, that specialized in the acquisition of pay-to-play businesses, announced on 22 April 2005 that it had acquired Strategy First from the bankruptcy proceedings. The company contributed $600,000 in cash and 400,000 shares of common stock to Strategy First's creditors, while also assuming $400,000 of Strategy First's existing debt.[7][8] Clive Kabatznik, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Silverstar Holdings, stated that the company intended to use Strategy First as a niche publisher, in parallel to its other recent acquisition, Empire Interactive, which Kabatznik described as a "more fully fledged publisher".[9] In April 2005, Strategy First acquired and absorbed all assets of Santa Rosa, California-based developer Malfador Machinations. That company's president and CEO, Aaron Hall, joined Strategy First's management team as a result.[10][11]

In March 2009, Silverstar Holdings was delisted from the NASDAQ stock exchange. Subsequently, Empire Interactive was put into administration in May, with 49 out of 55 positions terminated.[12][13]

Games[edit]

Main article: List of Strategy First games

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Keefer, John (31 March 2006). "GameSpy Retro: Developer Origins, Page 9 of 19". GameSpy. Archived from the original on 9 June 2007.
  2. ^ Jenkins, David (22 September 2004). "Strategy First Files For Bankruptcy". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  3. ^ Walker, John (5 February 2014). "Correction Regarding Strategy First". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  4. ^ Hall, Charlie (7 August 2013). "Solving Paradox: How the historical strategy game maker stayed alive". Polygon. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  5. ^ Peel, Jeremy (6 October 2016). "The other Gabe: Stardock CEO Brad Wardell talks independence, feminism, and taking responsibility". PCGamesN. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  6. ^ Jenkins, David (24 September 2004). "Strategy First Loses Techland Rights". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  7. ^ jkdmedia (22 April 2005). "Silverstar Holdings Announces Acquisition of Strategy First". GameZone. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  8. ^ Maragos, Nich (7 July 2005). "Strategy First Signs Post-Resurrection European Distribution Deal". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  9. ^ Dobson, Jason (16 February 2007). "Q&A: Kabatznik On FlatOut Growth For Empire/Strategy First". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  10. ^ Dobson, Jason (5 April 2006). "Strategy First Acquires Malfador Machinations". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  11. ^ Stahie, Silviu (7 April 2006). "Strategy First Acquires the Assets of Malfador Machinations". Softpedia. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  12. ^ Alexander, Leigh (5 May 2009). "Empire Interactive Confirmed In Administration, 49 Staffers Laid Off". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  13. ^ MCV Staff (5 May 2009). "Confirmed: Empire goes into administration". MCV.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Strategy_First&oldid=1125947267"