# English Software

> British video game publisher

**Wikidata**: [Q5378382](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5378382)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Software)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/english-software

## Summary
English Software was a British video game publisher and developer active from 1982 to 1987, known for producing notable titles like *Jet-Boot Jack*. Based in Manchester, the company operated in the video game industry and is documented in archival collections such as the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Founded in 1982.
- **Dissolution**: Ceased operations by 1987.
- **Headquarters**: Manchester, United Kingdom.
- **Industry**: Video game industry.
- **Notable Work**: *Jet-Boot Jack* (1983).
- **Aliases**: The English Software Company, English Software Company, The English Software Company.
- **Product**: Video games.
- **Archival Holdings**: Works held by the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision.
- **Wikidata Classification**: Video game developer, video game publisher.
- **External IDs**: Freebase ID `/m/0kyrk_g`, MobyGames ID `3677`, GameFAQs ID `73911`.
- **Wikipedia Coverage**: Available in English, Esperanto, and Italian.

## FAQs
**What was English Software's primary focus?**
English Software specialized in video game development and publishing, with *Jet-Boot Jack* (1983) as a key title. It operated in the UK gaming industry during its brief existence.

**Where was English Software based?**
The company was headquartered in Manchester, United Kingdom.

**What happened to English Software?**
The company dissolved by 1987, though its legacy includes archived works and notable titles like *Octapolis* (1987).

**What kind of games did English Software produce?**
The company developed video games, with *Jet-Boot Jack* and *Octapolis* among its documented works.

**Are English Software's games still available?**
Some of its works are preserved in collections like the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision, though availability may vary.

## Why It Matters
English Software played a role in the early UK video game industry, contributing to the development of titles that were archived for posterity. Its brief existence highlights the dynamic nature of early gaming publishers, which often emerged and dissolved quickly. The company's works, such as *Jet-Boot Jack*, provide insight into the creative output of the time, even if they are no longer widely distributed.

## Notable For
- **Early UK Publishing**: One of several early British video game developers and publishers.
- **Archival Legacy**: Works held by the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision.
- **Notable Title**: *Jet-Boot Jack* (1983), a documented output of the company.
- **Brief Industry Presence**: Active from 1982 to 1987, reflecting the transient nature of early gaming companies.

## Body
### Overview
English Software was a British video game publisher and developer active from 1982 to 1987. Based in Manchester, the company produced video games, including *Jet-Boot Jack* (1983) and *Octapolis* (1987). It is classified as both a video game developer and publisher, with its works archived by the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision.

### History
- **Founding**: English Software was established in 1982.
- **Dissolution**: The company ceased operations by 1987.
- **Notable Works**: *Jet-Boot Jack* (1983) and *Octapolis* (1987) are among its documented titles.

### Industry Context
- **UK Gaming Scene**: English Software operated in the UK video game industry, contributing to the development of early gaming titles.
- **Archival Preservation**: Its works are held by the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision, ensuring their preservation.

### Related Entities
- **Video Game Developer**: English Software is classified as a video game developer, specializing in creating games for personal use.
- **Octapolis**: A 1987 video game associated with English Software.

### External Identifiers
- **Freebase ID**: `/m/0kyrk_g`
- **MobyGames ID**: `3677`
- **GameFAQs ID**: `73911`

### Wikipedia Coverage
- **Languages**: English, Esperanto, Italian.
- **Title**: English Software.

### Classification
- **Instance Of**: Business, video game developer, video game publisher.

### Additional Details
- **Aliases**: The English Software Company, English Software Company, The English Software Company.
- **Product**: Video games.
- **Wikidata Description**: British video game publisher.

## References

1. Jet Boot Jack. game-catalogus Beeld & Geluid. 1983