# Epyx

> video game developer and publisher

**Wikidata**: [Q1347787](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1347787)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epyx)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/epyx

## Summary
Epyx was a United States-based video game developer and publisher operating within the video game industry. Founded in 1978 by Jon Freeman and headquartered in San Francisco, the company was also known as Automated Simulations. Epyx operated as a public company until its dissolution in 1993.

## Key Facts
*   **Founded:** 1978 by Jon Freeman.
*   **Dissolved:** 1993.
*   **Headquarters:** San Francisco, United States.
*   **Industry:** Video game industry.
*   **Business Type:** Public company; classified as a business, enterprise, video game developer, and video game publisher.
*   **Aliases:** Automated Simulations, Epyx, Inc., Epyx Inc.
*   **Notable Product:** *Temple of Apshai*.
*   **Affiliated Personnel:** David Shannon Morse (Co-founder of Amiga Corporation) and Anne Westfall (Video game programmer).

## FAQs
### Q: When was Epyx founded and when did it cease operations?
A: Epyx was founded in 1978 in San Francisco, United States. The company was dissolved or abolished in 1993.

### Q: Who founded Epyx?
A: The company was founded by Jon Freeman. It also maintained affiliations with notable industry figures such as programmer Anne Westfall and David Shannon Morse.

### Q: What type of company was Epyx?
A: Epyx was a public company operating in the video game industry. It functioned as both a developer and publisher of video games.

### Q: What games or products is Epyx known for?
A: According to available records, Epyx produced the video game *Temple of Apshai*. The company is recognized as a significant developer and publisher from the late 1970s to early 1990s.

## Why It Matters
Epyx holds a significant place in video game history as one of the early American software development organizations specializing in video games. Operating out of San Francisco starting in 1978, the company bridged the gap between the earliest days of PC gaming and the console era, lasting until 1993. Under the legal form of a public company, Epyx contributed to the establishment of the video game industry as a viable commercial sector.

The firm is historically relevant for its association with industry pioneers like founder Jon Freeman and programmer Anne Westfall. Furthermore, its affiliation with David Shannon Morse, the co-founder of Amiga Corporation, highlights its connection to critical hardware and software innovations of the era. By producing titles such as *Temple of Apshai*, Epyx helped define early computer role-playing game mechanics. The company's transition from "Automated Simulations" to "Epyx" reflects the broader evolution of the industry from hobbyist simulations to professional video game publishing.

## Notable For
*   **Longevity:** Operated for 15 years within the volatile early video game industry (1978–1993).
*   **Dual Role:** Functioned simultaneously as a video game developer and a video game publisher.
*   **Early Industry Presence:** Established in 1978, pre-dating the video game crash of 1983.
*   **Key Associations:** Connected to Amiga Corporation co-founder David Shannon Morse and influential game designer Jon Freeman.
*   **Product Legacy:** Credited with the production of *Temple of Apshai*, a significant early video game title.

## Body

### Corporate History and Structure
Epyx was established in 1978 with its location of formation in San Francisco, United States. The entity was founded by Jon Freeman. Originally known as **Automated Simulations**, the organization eventually adopted the name Epyx, Inc. Structured as a public company, Epyx specialized in the video game industry, serving dual roles as both a developer and publisher.

The company maintained operations for over a decade before being dissolved, abolished, or demolished in 1993.

### Key Personnel and Affiliations
The organization featured associations with several notable figures in computer science and game development:
*   **Jon Freeman:** Credited as the founder of the company.
*   **Anne Westfall:** An affiliated video game programmer and United States citizen.
*   **David Shannon Morse:** Affiliated with Epyx; recognized as the Co-founder of Amiga Corporation (1943–2007) and a computer scientist.

### Products and Operations
Epyx specialized in the creation and publishing of video games. A specific product cited in company records is **Temple of Apshai**. The company is classified as a business and enterprise within the software development sector.

### Identifiers and Aliases
The company is recognized under several aliases and identifiers across various databases:
*   **Aliases:** Automated Simulations, Epyx Inc, Epyx, Inc.
*   **Industry IDs:** MobyGames Company ID (35), C64 Wiki ID (Epyx), VideoGameGeek Company ID (1417).
*   **Library IDs:** VIAF ID (152592290), ISNI (0000000115236751), Freebase ID (/m/0393wp).

## References

1. Epyx, Inc.. MobyGames
2. LastDodo
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Quora
5. VideoGameGeek