# First Star Software

> video game developer

**Wikidata**: [Q5453814](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5453814)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Star_Software)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/first-star-software

## Summary
First Star Software is a video game developer and publisher founded in 1982 in the United States, best known for creating the *Spy vs. Spy* series. Based in New York City, the company operated as a corporation and contributed to the video game industry during the 1980s and beyond.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1982 by Richard Spitalny.
- Headquartered in New York City, United States.
- Notable for developing the *Spy vs. Spy* video game series.
- Operated as both a video game developer and publisher.
- Legal form: Corporation (First Star Software, Inc.).
- Website active until 2017 (archived at https://web.archive.org/web/20170112031431/https://www.firststarsoftware.com/).
- VIAF identifier: 134157981.
- MobyGames company ID: 166.
- Crunchbase organization ID: first-star-software.

## FAQs
### Q: When was First Star Software founded?
A: First Star Software was founded in 1982 by Richard Spitalny.

### Q: What is First Star Software best known for?
A: The company is best known for developing the *Spy vs. Spy* video game series, based on the *Mad Magazine* franchise.

### Q: Is First Star Software still active?
A: The company’s website was last archived in 2017, but no explicit closure date is provided in the available data.

## Why It Matters
First Star Software played a notable role in the early video game industry, particularly in the 1980s, through titles like *Spy vs. Spy*. The *Spy vs. Spy* series, inspired by the *Mad Magazine* comic strip, stood out for its blend of strategy and humor, contributing to the growth of licensed gaming properties. As both a developer and publisher, the company exemplified the vertical integration common in the industry at the time. While its prominence may have waned in later decades, its work remains a reference point for retro gaming enthusiasts and historians studying the evolution of interactive entertainment.

## Notable For
- Developed the *Spy vs. Spy* series, a rare example of a video game directly adapted from a *Mad Magazine* property.
- Operated as one of the earlier independent game developers in the 1980s U.S. gaming scene.
- Functioned as both a developer and publisher, a dual role that was significant in the pre-digital distribution era.
- Maintained headquarters in New York City, a less common hub for game development compared to regions like Silicon Valley.

## Body
### Founding and History
First Star Software was established in 1982 by Richard Spitalny. Incorporated as a corporation (First Star Software, Inc.), the company was based in New York City, an atypical location for game developers during the industry’s formative years.

### Notable Works
The company’s flagship title, *Spy vs. Spy*, debuted in 1984 for platforms like the Commodore 64. The game adapted the espionage-themed rivalry from *Mad Magazine* into a turn-based strategy format, emphasizing sabotage and resource management. This title spawned sequels and adaptations across multiple 8-bit and 16-bit systems.

### Corporate Structure
First Star Software operated as a corporation, with Spitalny serving as a key founder. The company’s dual role as a developer and publisher allowed it to retain creative and distribution control over its projects, a strategic advantage in the 1980s market.

### Legacy
While the company’s activity diminished over time—its official website was last archived in 2017—its contributions to 1980s gaming culture are preserved through archival efforts. Titles like *Spy vs. Spy* remain accessible via emulation and retro gaming platforms, ensuring their historical relevance.

### External Identifiers
- **VIAF ID**: 134157981  
- **MobyGames Company ID**: 166  
- **Crunchbase ID**: first-star-software  
- **Wikipedia Languages**: English, Esperanto, Italian, Dutch

## References

1. LastDodo
2. VideoGameGeek
3. MobyGames