# Distinctive Software

> Canadian video game developer

**Wikidata**: [Q907331](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q907331)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinctive_Software)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/distinctive-software

## Summary
Distinctive Software was a Canadian video game developer based in Vancouver, founded in 1982 and dissolved in 1991, known for developing the "Test Drive" video game series.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1982 and dissolved in 1991
- Based in Vancouver, Canada
- Had 77 employees at some point
- Affiliated with Don Mattrick, a Canadian video game executive
- Known for developing the "Test Drive" video game series
- Operated as a software company specializing in video game development
- Had a MobyGames company ID of 24

### Q: When was Distinctive Software founded and when did it dissolve?
A: Distinctive Software was founded in 1982 and dissolved in 1991.

### Q: Where was Distinctive Software headquartered?
A: Distinctive Software was headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

### Q: Who was the director or manager of Distinctive Software?
A: Don Mattrick served as the director or manager of Distinctive Software.

### Q: How many employees did Distinctive Software have?
A: Distinctive Software had 77 employees at some point.

## Why It Matters
Distinctive Software holds significance as one of the early Canadian video game developers that contributed to the video game industry. Founded in 1982, it represented the growing Canadian presence in the gaming sector during the 1980s and 1990s. The company's development of the "Test Drive" series demonstrated its capability in creating driving simulation games, which became influential in the genre. Its dissolution in 1991 marked the end of an era for this early Canadian developer, though its work contributed to the evolution of video game technology and the broader gaming industry.

## Notable For
- Developed the "Test Drive" video game series
- Was one of the early Canadian video game developers
- Operated as a software company specializing in video game development
- Had a MobyGames company ID of 24
- Was affiliated with Don Mattrick, a prominent Canadian video game executive

### History and Operations
Distinctive Software was established in 1982 and operated as a software company specializing in video game development. The company was headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, and at its peak had 77 employees. It was affiliated with Don Mattrick, a Canadian video game executive who later became a significant figure in the gaming industry.

### Product Development
The company is most notably recognized for developing the "Test Drive" video game series, which was one of its primary products. This series contributed to the driving simulation genre and helped establish the company's reputation in the video game industry.

### Industry Classification
As a software company, Distinctive Software specialized in video game development, operating within the video game industry. It was classified as a video game developer and was part of the broader software industry.

### Legacy
Despite its relatively short lifespan (dissolved in 1991), Distinctive Software played a role in the early development of the Canadian video game industry and contributed to the evolution of driving simulation games. Its work helped shape the technological and creative landscape of early video game development.

## References

1. LastDodo
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013