# Postal

> 1997 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q1049783](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1049783)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postal_(video_game))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/postal

## Summary
*Postal* is a 1997 shoot 'em up video game developed by Running with Scissors and published by Ripcord Games. It is the debut entry in the *Postal* series, featuring the protagonist known as "The Postal Dude" in the fictional setting of Paradise, Arizona.

## Key Facts
- **Initial Release Date:** November 14, 1997
- **Developer:** Running with Scissors (founded 1996 in Tucson, Arizona)
- **Platforms:** Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Classic Mac OS, Android, and web browsers
- **Genre:** Shoot 'em up
- **License:** Source code is licensed under GNU General Public License v2.0; also distributed as freeware and under proprietary licenses
- **Protagonist:** The Postal Dude (voiced by Rick Hunter and Vince Desi)
- **Software Engine:** RSPiX
- **Ratings:** ESRB Mature 17+, BBFC 18, and Australian Classification RC (Refused Classification)

## FAQs
### Q: Who is the main character of Postal?
A: The protagonist and player character is "The Postal Dude," who is voiced by Rick Hunter and Vince Desi. Another character, "The Demon," is also identified as a protagonist/player character in the game's records.

### Q: What platforms support Postal?
A: The game is compatible with a wide range of systems, including modern operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, as well as legacy systems like Classic Mac OS. It can also be played via a web browser.

### Q: Is the source code for Postal available to the public?
A: Yes, the source code for *Postal* has been released under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0. It is hosted in a source code repository on GitHub for preservation.

### Q: Where does the game take place?
A: The narrative is primarily located in the town of Paradise, Arizona, and specifically includes the Postal Dude's home.

## Why It Matters
*Postal* is a foundational title in the indie game sector, known for its dark themes and the controversy it generated upon release. Developed by Running with Scissors using their RSPiX engine, it established the "Postal Dude" as a recognizable, albeit polarizing, figure in gaming culture. The game's significance is further marked by its restrictive legal history; it was notably Refused Classification (RC) in Australia and received high age ratings (18+ or Mature 17+) in other territories due to its depictions of violence. 

Technically, the game has demonstrated significant longevity through its transition to an open-source model under the GNU General Public License v2.0. This move has allowed the title to be preserved and ported to numerous platforms long after its 1997 debut. Its inclusion in various compilations, such as the *10th Anniversary Collector's Edition* and *Postal: Classic and Uncut*, underscores its status as a cult classic that helped define the identity of its developer, Running with Scissors.

## Notable For
- **Open Source Transition:** The release of its source code under the GNU General Public License v2.0 for preservation purposes.
- **Refused Classification:** One of the notable video games to receive an "RC" rating from the Australian Classification board.
- **Franchise Origin:** The first installment in the *Postal* series, which includes sequels like *Postal 2* and various compilations like the *Fudge Pack*.
- **Voice Talent:** Features the original voice work of Rick Hunter and Running with Scissors founder Vince Desi as the Postal Dude.

## Body
### Development and Technical Profile
*Postal* was developed by Running with Scissors, a Tucson-based company established in 1996. The game was built using the **RSPiX software engine**. While originally released on CD-ROM in 1997, the game has since been distributed through digital platforms including Steam, GOG, the Humble Store, and Google Play.

### Gameplay and Narrative
The game is classified as a **shoot 'em up** and features both single-player and multiplayer modes. 
- **Protagonist:** The Postal Dude.
- **Setting:** Paradise, Arizona.
- **Input Methods:** Supports computer keyboard and touchscreen (specifically for the Android version).

### Distribution and Versions
The game has been released in several editions and is part of multiple compilations:
- **Compilations:** *Postal: Classic and Uncut*, *Postal: 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition*, *Postal Plus*, and *The POSTAL Package: Curated Classics*.
- **Editions:** Includes a version titled *Super Postal*.
- **Digital IDs:** The game is identified on Steam by AppID 232770 and on GOG as `postal_classic_and_uncut`.

### Legal and Ratings
*Postal* has been subject to various international ratings due to its content:
- **ESRB:** Mature 17+ for Animated Blood and Gore and Animated Violence.
- **BBFC:** 18 certificate (issued December 15, 1997).
- **Australia:** Refused Classification (RC) for the CD-ROM version in 1997.
- **Copyright:** The game remains copyrighted, though the source code is available under the GPL v2.0.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "VideoGame",
  "name": "Postal",
  "description": "A 1997 shoot 'em up video game developed by Running with Scissors following the character known as The Postal Dude.",
  "url": "http://www.gopostal.com/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1049783",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postal_(video_game)"
  ],
  "gamePlatform": [
    "Microsoft Windows",
    "macOS",
    "Linux",
    "Classic Mac OS",
    "Android",
    "Web browser"
  ],
  "author": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Running with Scissors"
  },
  "genre": "shoot 'em up",
  "publisher": [
    {
      "@type": "Organization",
      "name": "Ripcord Games"
    },
    {
      "@type": "Organization",
      "name": "Whiptail Interactive"
    }
  ],
  "datePublished": "1997-11-14"
}

## References

1. Steam
2. [Source](https://runningwithscissors.com/games/postal/)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. GOG.com
5. Humble Store
6. ESRB rating database
7. PCGamingWiki
8. BBFC database
9. Australian Classification database
10. [Source](https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C34949)
11. [PCGamingWiki](https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Postal)
12. Game World Navigator
13. Giant Bomb