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{{Short description|American video game developer}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox company
| name =
| logo = Iguana Entertainment.png
|
| logo_caption = Logo as Iguana Entertainment
| former_name = Iguana Entertainment (1991–1999)<br>Acclaim Studios Austin (1999–2004)
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]
Line 16 ⟶ 19:
}}
'''
== History ==
Prior to founding Iguana Entertainment, [[Jeff Spangenberg]], a self-taught programmer who skipped college to pursue a programming career,<ref name="IGN1">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/10/19/making-games-fun-again |title=Making Games Fun Again |author=IGN Staff |date=October 19, 2000 |website=ign.com |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref><ref name="IGN2">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/18/a-retrospective-the-story-of-retro-studios?page=2 |title=A Retrospective: The Story of Retro Studios |date=December 17, 2004 |website=ign.com |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref> served as [[lead designer]] for Punk Development, the development team of publisher RazorSoft.<ref name="HG101">{{cite web |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/techno-cop-amiga-atari-st-genesis-commodore-64-amstrad-cpc-zx-spectrum-apple-ii-1988/ |title=Techno Cop – Hardcore Gaming 101 |website=www.hardcoregaming101.net |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref> In 1991, Spangenberg founded his own company in [[Santa Clara, California]], and hired 20 staff, including friends of his.<ref name="IGN1" /><ref name="IGN2" /> Initially, the company did not have a name; Jay Moon, who served as development support manager for the company, explained that Spangenberg held two pet [[iguana]]s, named Spike and Killer, wherefore the team settled on "Iguana Entertainment", with Spike and Killer serving as mascots for the company.<ref name="IGN2" /> In 1992, Several Punk Development employees joined Iguana when the partnership between Punk and RazorSoft dissolved,<ref name="HG101" /> and Iguana hired further staff in 1993 through funding provided by publishers [[Sunsoft]] and [[Acclaim Entertainment]].<ref name="IGN1" />
Because of the high cost of living in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]] for Spangenberg and his employees, the company decided to move their headquarters.<ref name="IGN1" /><ref name="IGN2" /> Their first choice was [[Seattle, Washington]], which was also the location of [[Nintendo of America]], but getting to know [[Texas]]' expanding technology industry, several Iguana staff traveled to [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] in May 1993 to investigate the relocation possibilities in the area.<ref name="IGN1" /><ref name="IGN2" /> The team returned with videotape of the city's [[Sixth Street (Austin, Texas)|Sixth Street]] entertainment district.<ref name="IGN1" /><ref name="IGN2" /> All but one employee agreed to move to Austin, and the relocation was completed shortly after.<ref name="IGN1" /><ref name="IGN2" /> Later that year, Iguana achieved its first success with ''[[Aero the Acro-Bat]]'' and used profits generated from the game's sales to acquire [[Stockton-on-Tees]]-based<ref name="Spong">{{cite web |url=http://spong.com/press_release/5688/Falcus-Brothers-Complete-15-Years-in-Business |title=Falcus Brothers Complete 15 Years in Business – Timeline Event |website=spong.com |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref> developer [[Optimus Software]], which was rebranded Iguana UK.<ref name="Gamasutra1">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/128669/Worms_Studio_Team17_Amps_Up_Social_Strategy_With_Iguana_Acquisition.php |title=Worms Studio Team17 Amps Up Social Strategy With Iguana Acquisition |first=Eric |last=Caoili |website=gamasutra.com |date=December 13, 2011 |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref>
On December 21, 1994, Acclaim announced that they had agreed to acquire Iguana.<ref>{{cite
Spangenberg was fired from Iguana on July 8, 1998,<ref name="IGN2" /> and several undisclosed management changes at the studio were announced by Acclaim later the same month.<ref name="BizJournals2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/1998/07/27/daily13.html|title=Computer game-maker shifts personnel|date=July 30, 1998|website=www.bizjournals.com|access-date=2018-12-22}}</ref> Additionally, the company was placed under Acclaim Studios, a new, decentralized management for Acclaim's development studios led by former Iguana employee Darrin Stubbington.<ref name="BizJournals2" /> In October that year, Spangenberg filed a lawsuit against Acclaim, Acclaim co-founder [[Greg Fischbach]], and Iguana for [[breach of contract]] and [[fraud]].<ref name="IGN2" /><ref name="BizJournals1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/1998/10/05/story4.html|title=Iguana founder sues after firing|last=Dial|first=Marla|date=October 4, 1998|website=www.bizjournals.com|access-date=2018-12-22}}</ref> The suit, handled as "Jeffery Spangenberg vs. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., Iguana Entertainment, Inc., and Gregory Fischbach", alleged that Fischbach urged Spangenberg to purchase Acclaim shares worth {{US$|25,000|long=no}} in February 1998, and convinced him to keep them just shortly before Spangenberg was relieved of his position, resulting in his loss of [[stock options]].<ref name="IGN2" /><ref name="BizJournals1" /> Spangenberg founded a new development company, [[Retro Studios]], on October 1, 1999.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/1998/11/30/story3.html|title=Iguana founder goes Retro with new company|last=Dial|first=Marla|date=November 30, 1998|website=www.bizjournals.com|access-date=2018-12-22}}</ref>
In May 1999, Acclaim Studios announced that they would unify all development studios owned by the company under the same branding; as part of this move, Iguana, Iguana UK and Iguana West became Acclaim Studios Austin, Acclaim Studios Teesside and Acclaim Studios Salt Lake City, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Acclaim+Studios+Evolves+into+a+Single+Worldwide+Entity;+Internal...-a054615013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805203403/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Acclaim+Studios+Evolves+into+a+Single+Worldwide+Entity;+Internal...-a054615013|title=Acclaim Studios Evolves into a Single Worldwide Entity; Internal Development Cornerstone of Product Success. – Free Online Library |website=[[Business Wire]]|publisher=[[Berkshire Hathaway]]|archive-date=August 5, 2018|date=May 12, 1999 |via=thefreelibrary.com |access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref> When Acclaim's agreement with GMAC Commercial Finance, their primary lender, expired on August 20, 2004,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2004/12/06/daily18.html|title=Acclaim's assets to go on the auction block|date=December 8, 2004|website=www.bizjournals.com|access-date=2018-12-22}}</ref> the company closed all of its facilities, including Acclaim Studios Austin, on August 27,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/08/27/acclaim-closes-offices |title=Acclaim Closes Offices |first=Douglass C. |last=Perry |date=August 27, 2004 |website=ign.com |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref> of which the Austin and New York studios saw all employees let go.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/acclaim-shutters-offices-staffers-ushered-off-premises/1100-6106088/ |title=Acclaim shutters offices, staffers ushered off premises |first=Curt |last=Feldman |date=August 31, 2004 |website=gamespot.com |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref> Acclaim itself filed for [[Chapter 7 bankruptcy]] with the [[United States bankruptcy court]] in [[Central Islip, New York]] on September 1.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/acclaim-bankruptcy-now-official/1100-6106290/ |title=Acclaim bankruptcy now official |first=Curt |last=Feldman |date=September 1, 2004 |website=gamespot.com |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/95197/Acclaim_Officially_Files_For_Bankruptcy.php |title=Gamasutra – The Art & Business of Making Games |first=Simon |last=Carless |website=www.gamasutra.com |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref>▼
▲In May 1999, Acclaim Studios announced that they would unify all development studios owned by the company under the same branding; as part of this move, Iguana, Iguana UK and Iguana West became Acclaim Studios Austin, Acclaim Studios Teesside and Acclaim Studios Salt Lake City, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Acclaim+Studios+Evolves+into+a+Single+Worldwide+Entity;+Internal...-a054615013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805203403/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Acclaim+Studios+Evolves+into+a+Single+Worldwide+Entity;+Internal...-a054615013|title=Acclaim Studios Evolves into a Single Worldwide Entity; Internal Development Cornerstone of Product Success. – Free Online Library |website=[[Business Wire]]|publisher=[[Berkshire Hathaway]]|archive-date=August 5, 2018|date=May 12, 1999 |via=thefreelibrary.com |access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref> When Acclaim's agreement with GMAC Commercial Finance, their primary lender, expired on August 20, 2004,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2004/12/06/daily18.html|title=Acclaim's assets to go on the auction block|date=December 8, 2004|website=www.bizjournals.com|access-date=2018-12-22}}</ref> the company closed all of its facilities, including Acclaim Studios Austin, on August 27,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/08/27/acclaim-closes-offices |title=Acclaim Closes Offices |first=Douglass C. |last=Perry |date=August 27, 2004 |website=ign.com |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref> of which the Austin and New York studios saw all employees let go.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/acclaim-shutters-offices-staffers-ushered-off-premises/1100-6106088/ |title=Acclaim shutters offices, staffers ushered off premises |first=Curt |last=Feldman |date=August 31, 2004 |website=gamespot.com |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref> Acclaim itself filed for [[Chapter 7, Title 11, United States Code|Chapter 7 bankruptcy]] with the [[United States bankruptcy court]] in [[Central Islip, New York]] on September 1.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/acclaim-bankruptcy-now-official/1100-6106290/ |title=Acclaim bankruptcy now official |first=Curt |last=Feldman |date=September 1, 2004 |website=gamespot.com |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/95197/Acclaim_Officially_Files_For_Bankruptcy.php |title=Gamasutra – The Art & Business of Making Games |first=Simon |last=Carless |website=www.gamasutra.com |date=September 2004 |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref>
The "Iguana Entertainment" name was reused by brothers Jason and Darren Falcus, who had founded Optimus Software in February 1988,<ref name="Spong" /> when they created a studio of the same name in 2009.<ref name="GIbiz">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2011-12-13-team17-hires-iguana-entertainment-founders |title=Team17 hires Iguana Entertainment founders |website=gamesindustry.biz |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref> That studio was acquired by and incorporated into [[Team17]] in December 2011.<ref name="Gamasutra1" /><ref name="GIbiz" />▼
▲The "Iguana Entertainment" name was reused by brothers Jason and Darren Falcus, who had founded Optimus Software in February 1988,<ref name="Spong" /> when they created a studio of the same name in 2009.<ref name="GIbiz">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2011-12-13-team17-hires-iguana-entertainment-founders |title=Team17 hires Iguana Entertainment founders |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=December 13, 2011 |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref> That studio was acquired by and incorporated into [[Team17]] in December 2011.<ref name="Gamasutra1" /><ref name="GIbiz" />
== Games developed ==▼
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ As Iguana Entertainment
Line 49 ⟶ 54:
| ''[[Aero the Acro-Bat 2]]''
|-
| ''[[The Pirates of Dark Water#
| Sega Genesis
|-
Line 64 ⟶ 69:
| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
|-
| ''[[NFL Quarterback Club (video game)|NFL Quarterback Club]]''
| Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
|-
Line 83 ⟶ 88:
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1997
| ''[[All-Star Baseball '97 featuring Frank Thomas]]''
|-
| ''[[Turok: Dinosaur Hunter]]''
Line 89 ⟶ 94:
|-
| ''[[NFL Quarterback Club 98]]''
| rowspan="
|-
| rowspan="
| ''[[NHL Breakaway 98]]''
|-
| ''[[All-Star Baseball 99]]''
|-▼
|-
| ''[[Iggy's Reckin' Balls]]''
Line 107 ⟶ 110:
|-
| ''[[South Park (video game)|South Park]]''
|-
| ''[[Turok 2: Seeds of Evil]]''
| Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 64
|-
| 1999
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! Platform(s)
|-
| rowspan="
| ''[[South Park: Chef's Luv Shack]]''
| [[Dreamcast]], Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 64, PlayStation
|-
| ''[[Turok: Rage Wars]]''
▲|-
| ''[[NFL Quarterback Club 2000]]''
| Nintendo 64, Dreamcast
|-
| 2000
| ''[[Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion]]''
| Nintendo 64
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2001
| |||