Matt Chat 41: The History of Cinemaware with Bob Jacob

In this episode, I interview Bob Jacob, co-founder of Cinemaware. Cinemaware published some of the best and most definitive games ever made for the Commodore Amiga, including such hits as Defender of the Crown, the TV Sports games, Wings, The Three Stooges, and many more. Bob tells us the story of Cinemaware and its fabulous movie-inspired games.

Category:

Gaming

Tags:

• cinemaware
• robert jacob
• bob jacob
• amiga
• commodore
• games
• videogames
• defender of the crown
• wings
• three stooges
• it came from the desert
• deluxe paint

[TwelveFortySix]

I had a C64, but always wanted an Amiga. It was incredibly difficult to find a Commodore around her,e let alone an Amiga. Had to travel 45 miles north out of the hinterlands where I lived just to find a place that sold a few C64 titles...so I was lucky to have what I did.

Still, I loved Defender of the Crown. Was more into Ultima/SSI Goldbox games, but DofC was classic. Always came back to it.

[blacklily8]

Sounds about like me! I grew up in rural Louisiana, and the closest place to buy any computer stuff was about 45 minutes away in Monroe--not exactly a major city! Once Electronics Boutique stopped carrying it, we were screwed.

[Seabloon]

Hey, I would love to learn more about Jacob's relationship with NEC in North America (TurboGrafx-16) and Japan (PC Engine). It was my understanding that Cinemaware was in a dire financial situation and the deal with NEC was an attempt to stay afloat (in fact, I think some TG-16 projects were finished after Cinemaware closed its doors). I could be mistaken, of course. Thanks in advance for any clarification you can provide. Love your interviews, keep up the great work!

[blacklily8]

I don't think it was really "dire" so much as they saw it is a great opportunity. Unfortunately, Cinemaware bet "wrong" on the Amiga and got addled with another unpopular platform (TG-16) and that was what broke them. Bob regretted going with NEC, of course. They should have focused on DOS, Nintendo, or perhaps Sega at that point.

[HardWarUK]

Many say that Defender of the Crown was better on Commodore 64, with more options and gameplay features -0 making it better value for money... What's your view Matt?

[blacklily8]

I've heard that, too, and according to Bob it sold a lot better. Still, I prefer the Amiga version for its atmosphere.

[najbjergpoulsen]

great game company miss them..enjoyed, defender of the crown, sinbad, sdi and of couse the great wings!!

[dougsha]

Wow! Bob Jacob talked about Defender of The Crown and avoided saying the name of the designer and art director, Kellyn Beeck. Kellyn also designed Rocket Ranger. Stay classy, Bob!

[tmservo]

Had every cinemaware game.. on the IIGS. But always respected the Amiga option as well ;)

[weaselfierce]

Rock on with the amiga. Still own one and use it almost daily :)

[FredDude27]

Pleh! I have NO sympathies for people who never heard of Cinemaware...I say burn them at the stake!

[andersdenkend]

Jim Sachs was (is?) THE man.

[vintagevideogamegeek]

So why was it bad for Cinemaware when NEC put out the Turbo Graphx?

[vintagevideogamegeek]

Chesty women FTW!!!

[Seabloon]

Indeed, I see your point. I must be confusing the timeline: I suppose Cinemaware was in decent health when they initially forged the NEC deal, but Cinemaware's health grew steadily worse moving forward. As an aside, I wonder if Cinemaware recouped their costs for TG-CD's "It Came From the Desert"--Reardon @ Cinemaware filmed FMV exclusive sequences for it. The money spent to record "Sea of Love", though, was worth it. I love that song. :)