# Defense Grid: The Awakening

> 2008 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q1135890](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1135890)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Grid:_The_Awakening)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/defense-grid-the-awakening

## Summary
Defense Grid: The Awakening is a 2008 tower defense science fiction video game developed and published by Hidden Path Entertainment. Released on December 8, 2008, it features both single-player and multiplayer modes across platforms including Microsoft Windows and macOS.

## Key Facts
- **Initial Release Date:** December 8, 2008
- **Developer & Publisher:** Hidden Path Entertainment (founded 2006, Bellevue, WA)
- **Genre:** Tower defense, science fiction
- **Software Engine:** Gamebryo
- **Platforms:** Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Xbox network
- **Game Modes:** Single-player and multiplayer
- **Distribution Formats:** Digital distribution (Steam, Epic Games Store) and DVD
- **ESRB Rating:** Everyone 10+ (Fantasy Violence, Mild Language)
- **Input Support:** Computer keyboard, mouse, and gamepad

## FAQs
### Q: Who developed Defense Grid: The Awakening?
A: The game was developed by Hidden Path Entertainment, an American video game developer based in Bellevue, Washington, which was founded in 2006.

### Q: What platforms can run Defense Grid: The Awakening?
A: The game is available on Microsoft Windows and macOS. It also supports the Xbox network and can be played using a keyboard, mouse, or gamepad.

### Q: What languages is the game available in?
A: Defense Grid: The Awakening supports multiple languages, including English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish.

### Q: Is Defense Grid: The Awakening a single-player or multiplayer game?
A: The game supports both single-player and multiplayer video game modes, allowing for different styles of strategic play.

## Why It Matters
Defense Grid: The Awakening is a foundational title in the tower defense genre, specifically within the science fiction subgenre. Developed by Hidden Path Entertainment using the Gamebryo engine, it brought a high level of technical polish to a genre often associated with simpler web-based titles. Its release in 2008 marked the beginning of the Defense Grid series and demonstrated the commercial viability of tower defense games on major digital platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store. By supporting multiple input methods—including gamepads and traditional mouse/keyboard setups—and offering compatibility across both Windows and macOS, it reached a broad audience of strategy enthusiasts. The game's longevity is reflected in its presence across numerous digital storefronts and its various international ratings, including PEGI 12 and USK 12, which helped establish it as a standard-bearer for strategic defense gameplay.

## Notable For
- **Genre Hybridization:** Successfully combines traditional tower defense mechanics with a detailed science fiction setting.
- **Multi-Platform Accessibility:** Available on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Xbox network with support for various controllers.
- **Engine Utilization:** Built on the Gamebryo software engine, providing a robust technical framework for its era.
- **Broad Distribution:** Distributed through major digital channels including Steam and the Epic Games Store, as well as physical DVD media.

## Body

### Development and Origins
Defense Grid: The Awakening was created by Hidden Path Entertainment, an American developer that began operations in 2006. Based in Bellevue, Washington, the studio acted as both the developer and the primary publisher for the title. The game was officially released on December 8, 2008, and is recognized as the first entry in the Defense Grid series.

### Technical Specifications
The game was developed using the Gamebryo software engine. At launch, it was optimized for Microsoft Windows and later made available for macOS. Technical details include:
- **Version:** 1.0.0.0
- **Input Devices:** Supports computer keyboard, computer mouse, and gamepad.
- **Distribution:** Handled by Hidden Path Entertainment and Aspyr, with digital availability on Steam (App ID: 18500) and the Epic Games Store.

### Gameplay and Classification
As a tower defense title, the game focuses on strategic placement of defensive structures to thwart enemies. It is classified under the science fiction genre and offers both single-player and multiplayer modes. 
- **Ratings:** 
  - ESRB: Everyone 10+ (Fantasy Violence, Mild Language)
  - PEGI: 12
  - USK: 12
- **Localization:** The game features support for English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish.

### Database and Identification
The entity is tracked across various industry databases with the following identifiers:
- **IMDb ID:** tt4054056
- **Freebase ID:** /m/03nxl_9
- **RAWG ID:** defense-grid-the-awakening
- **PCGamingWiki ID:** Defense_Grid:_The_Awakening
- **Steamgriddb ID:** 1600

## References

1. Steam
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. ESRB rating database
4. PCGamingWiki
5. GameSpot
6. [PCGamingWiki](https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Defense_Grid:_The_Awakening)
7. Giant Bomb
8. Q124398839
9. GamesMeter.nl
10. GOG Dreamlist
11. VGChartz
12. Source