# DMA Design

> British video game developer which was merged into Rockstar Games

**Wikidata**: [Q21563329](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21563329)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMA_Design)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dma-design

## Summary
DMA Design was a British video game developer founded in 1987 and headquartered in Dundee, United Kingdom. It is best known for creating the *Grand Theft Auto* series and the *Lemmings* franchise before being merged into Rockstar Games.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1987 in Dundee, United Kingdom.
- Developed iconic games including *Grand Theft Auto* (1997), *Grand Theft Auto 2* (1999), and *Grand Theft Auto III* (2001).
- Created the *Lemmings* series, including *Lemmings* (1991) and *Lemmings 2: The Tribes* (1993).
- Also developed *Wild Metal Country* (1999) and the *Grand Theft Auto: London, 1961* mission pack (1999).
- Merged into Rockstar Games, becoming part of its development structure.
- Classified as a video game developer specializing in action-adventure and open-world games.
- Headquarters located in Dundee, Scotland.
- Notable works include *Grand Theft Auto 2* (officially listed as a "notable work").
- Assigned multiple industry identifiers, including VIAF ID 131818272, UVL Company ID 190, and GameFAQs Company ID 72560.
- Listed in databases such as TheGamesDB (IDs 5394, 10255) and Launchbox Games Database (IDs 9376, 78).
- Wikipedia entry exists under the title "DMA Design" (English only).
- Library of Congress Authority ID: nr2002015004.
- Internet Game Database Company ID: dma-design.

## FAQs

**What games did DMA Design create?**
DMA Design developed several influential games, including the *Grand Theft Auto* series (*GTA*, *GTA 2*, *GTA III*), the *Lemmings* franchise (*Lemmings*, *Lemmings 2: The Tribes*), *Wild Metal Country*, and the *Grand Theft Auto: London, 1961* mission pack.

**When and where was DMA Design founded?**
DMA Design was founded in 1987 in Dundee, United Kingdom, where it maintained its headquarters throughout its operation.

**What happened to DMA Design?**
The company was merged into Rockstar Games, contributing its development expertise and intellectual properties to the larger studio.

**What is DMA Design’s most notable work?**
While DMA Design created multiple successful titles, *Grand Theft Auto 2* is officially listed as its "notable work" in structured data sources.

**What industry identifiers are associated with DMA Design?**
DMA Design is referenced in multiple gaming databases, including VIAF (131818272), UVL (190), GameFAQs (72560), TheGamesDB (5394, 10255), and Launchbox Games Database (9376, 78).

## Why It Matters
DMA Design played a pivotal role in shaping the video game industry, particularly in the open-world and puzzle genres. Its *Grand Theft Auto* series revolutionized action-adventure gaming by introducing expansive, nonlinear environments and controversial yet immersive storytelling. The *Lemmings* franchise, meanwhile, became a defining example of puzzle-platform games, influencing countless titles that followed. By merging into Rockstar Games, DMA Design’s legacy endured, contributing to one of the most successful and culturally impactful game studios in history. Its innovations in gameplay design and world-building set benchmarks that continue to influence modern game development.

## Notable For
- Creating the *Grand Theft Auto* series, which pioneered the open-world action-adventure genre.
- Developing the *Lemmings* franchise, a landmark in puzzle-platform gaming.
- Being one of the earliest British game developers to achieve global recognition.
- Merging into Rockstar Games, where its intellectual properties became cornerstones of the studio’s success.
- Headquartered in Dundee, a key hub for the UK’s video game industry.
- Holding multiple industry identifiers across gaming databases, reflecting its historical significance.

## Body

### History and Founding
DMA Design was established in 1987 in Dundee, Scotland, a city that would later become a notable center for the UK’s video game development industry. The company quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to game design, particularly in the puzzle and action-adventure genres.

### Key Developments and Games
DMA Design’s portfolio includes some of the most influential titles in gaming history:

- **Grand Theft Auto Series**:
  - *Grand Theft Auto* (1997): An open-world action-adventure game that introduced players to a top-down, crime-filled sandbox environment.
  - *Grand Theft Auto 2* (1999): Expanded on the original with improved mechanics and a darker, more satirical tone. Officially cited as DMA Design’s "notable work."
  - *Grand Theft Auto III* (2001): Transitioned the series to 3D, revolutionizing open-world gaming with its immersive, nonlinear gameplay.
  - *Grand Theft Auto: London, 1961* (1999): A mission pack expansion set in 1960s London, adding new content to the original *GTA* and its *London, 1969* expansion.

- **Lemmings Franchise**:
  - *Lemmings* (1991): A puzzle-platform game where players guide a group of lemmings through obstacle courses, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
  - *Lemmings 2: The Tribes* (1993): A sequel introducing new mechanics and tribal themes, further refining the series’ gameplay.

- **Other Titles**:
  - *Wild Metal Country* (1999): An action game featuring vehicular combat in an open environment, showcasing DMA Design’s versatility.

### Merger and Legacy
In a significant industry move, DMA Design was merged into Rockstar Games, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive. This merger allowed DMA Design’s intellectual properties, particularly the *Grand Theft Auto* series, to flourish under Rockstar’s broader resources and distribution networks. The transition marked the end of DMA Design as an independent entity but ensured the continuation of its most iconic franchises.

### Industry Recognition and Identifiers
DMA Design’s contributions to gaming are documented across multiple industry databases and authority systems:
- **VIAF ID**: 131818272 (Virtual International Authority File).
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: nr2002015004.
- **UVL Company ID**: 190.
- **GameFAQs Company ID**: 72560.
- **TheGamesDB Developer IDs**: 5394, 10255.
- **Launchbox Games Database Developer IDs**: 9376, 78.
- **SNESMusic.org Company ID**: 98.
- **Internet Game Database Company ID**: dma-design.

These identifiers reflect the company’s enduring presence in gaming archives and its historical importance in the evolution of video game development.

### Headquarters and Location
DMA Design was based in Dundee, Scotland, a city that has since become a hub for game development in the UK. Its location contributed to the growth of the local gaming industry, inspiring other studios and developers in the region.

### Classification and Industry Role
DMA Design was classified as a video game developer specializing in software creation for personal use. Its work spanned multiple genres, but it is most closely associated with open-world action-adventure games and puzzle-platformers. The company’s innovations in these areas helped define the standards for future titles in these genres.

## References

1. LastDodo