# Ocean Software

> British software company

**Wikidata**: [Q1408498](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1408498)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_Software)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ocean-software

## Summary
Ocean Software was a British video game development and publishing company founded in 1983 in Manchester. It produced notable titles including "The Great Escape" and "Daley Thompson's Olympic Challenge" before being dissolved in 1998.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1983 in Manchester, United Kingdom
- Dissolved in 1998 after operating for 15 years
- Operated as a private company limited by shares (legal form)
- Specialized in video game development and publishing
- Notable works include "The Great Escape", "Hollywood Collection", "Daley Thompson's Olympic Challenge", and "2-Hot 2-Handle"
- Preceded by Imagine Software and followed by Infogrames
- Had organizational divisions including "The Hit Squad"
- Used ISBN prefixes 978-2-36247, 978-2-907064, and 978-2-916533
- Also known as Ocean Software Ltd, Ocean, Bandai Namco Games UK Ltd, and 海洋軟件

## FAQs
### Q: What was Ocean Software's most famous game?
A: Ocean Software developed several notable titles, but "The Great Escape" is often regarded as one of their most famous games.

### Q: Why did Ocean Software dissolve?
A: The source material does not explicitly state why Ocean Software dissolved, only that it was dissolved in 1998.

### Q: What happened to Ocean Software after dissolution?
A: According to the source material, Infogrames followed Ocean Software, suggesting a potential acquisition or succession in the industry.

### Q: Where was Ocean Software headquartered?
A: Ocean Software was headquartered in Manchester, United Kingdom.

### Q: Did Ocean Software have any specialized divisions?
A: Yes, Ocean Software had an organizational division called "The Hit Squad."

## Why It Matters
Ocean Software played a significant role in the early British video game industry during the 1980s and 1990s. As a prominent developer and publisher, it contributed to the growth of gaming culture and created memorable titles that influenced future game developers. The company's dissolution in 1998 marked a transition period in the industry, with its assets and influence presumably passing to successors like Infogrames. Ocean Software's legacy lives on through its catalog of games that continue to be remembered and celebrated in retro gaming communities.

## Notable For
- Development of "The Great Escape," a classic video game adaptation of the famous World War II film
- Creation of sports games like "Daley Thompson's Olympic Challenge" featuring Olympic themes
- Operation under multiple aliases including "Ocean Software Ltd" and "Bandai Namco Games UK Ltd"
- Its transition from a standalone British company to being followed by French company Infogrames
- Use of unique ISBN prefixes for publications related to its games

## Body
### Company Overview
Ocean Software was a British video game development and publishing company founded in 1983. The company operated as a private company limited by shares and was headquartered in Manchester, United Kingdom. Ocean Software specialized in creating and publishing video games, making it a significant player in the early British video game industry.

### Timeline and Evolution
Founded in 1983, Ocean Software operated for 15 years before being dissolved in 1998. The company was preceded by Imagine Software and followed by Infogrames, indicating a succession in the video game industry landscape. This succession suggests potential acquisition or merger of assets between these companies.

### Notable Works
Ocean Software developed several notable video games during its operational years, including:
- "The Great Escape"
- "Hollywood Collection"
- "Daley Thompson's Olympic Challenge"
- "2-Hot 2-Handle"

These titles demonstrated the company's versatility in different game genres, including adaptations of films, sports games, and original concepts.

### Organizational Structure
Ocean Software had various organizational divisions, including "The Hit Squad," which specialized in particular aspects of game development or publishing. This structure allowed the company to diversify its portfolio and tackle different market segments.

### Legal and Bibliographic Information
The company operated as a private company limited by shares with company number 08698875. Ocean Software also used specific ISBN prefixes for its publications: 978-2-36247, 978-2-907064, and 978-2-916533, which were registered under its various aliases.

### Industry Context
Ocean Software operated within the video game industry, a rapidly growing sector during the 1980s and 1990s. As a British company, it contributed to the development of the UK's gaming industry alongside other notable developers of the era. The company's dissolution in 1998 coincided with a period of consolidation in the video game industry, with larger companies acquiring smaller studios.

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## References

1. LastDodo
2. The Hit Squad. MobyGames
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. MusicBrainz
5. [Source](https://www.afnil.org/afnil_editeurs/712577/)
6. VideoGameGeek