# Raven Software

> American video game development company

**Wikidata**: [Q1062986](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1062986)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raven_Software)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/raven-software

## Summary
Raven Software is an American video game development company founded in 1990, based in Middleton, Wisconsin. It is known for creating influential first-person shooters and action games, including titles in the *Star Wars Jedi Knight*, *Soldier of Fortune*, and *Call of Duty* franchises. The company has developed over two decades of games that have shaped the modern gaming landscape.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1990 in Madison, Wisconsin, later headquartered in Middleton.
- Parent organization: Raven Software Corporation (legal form: corporation).
- Industry: Video game industry.
- Country of origin: United States.
- Headquarters address: 8496 Greenway Boulevard, Middleton, WI 53562, United States.
- Coordinates: Latitude 43.0895, Longitude -89.5311.
- Notable developed games include:
  - *Heretic* (1994)
  - *Hexen: Beyond Heretic* (1995)
  - *Hexen II* (1997)
  - *Soldier of Fortune* (2000)
  - *Star Trek: Voyager – Elite Force* (2000)
  - *Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast* (2002)
  - *Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy* (2003)
  - *X-Men Legends* (2004)
  - *X-Men Origins: Wolverine* (2009)
  - *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3* (2011)
  - *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered* (2016)
  - *Call of Duty: Warzone* (2020)
  - *Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0* (2022)
- Product or material produced: software.
- Number of employees: 239.
- Social media presence:
  - Twitter: @ravensoftware (verified account with 843,562 followers as of February 2023)
  - Instagram: ravensoftware
  - Facebook: ravensoftware
- Website: [http://www.ravensoft.com/](http://www.ravensoft.com/)
- Logo: [Raven Software logo](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Raven_Software-logo.svg)
- Aliases: Raven Entertainment Software, Inc., Raven Software Corporation, رافين سوفتوير, قائمة ألعاب ريفن سوفتوير
- Freebase ID: /m/06fcf
- Instance of: video game developer
- Sitelink count: 26
- VGC Company ID: 1435
- PCGamingWiki ID: Company:Raven_Software
- StrategyWiki ID: Raven_Software
- Wikipedia title: Raven Software
- Jedipedia.net ID: Raven_Software
- LastDodo area ID: 456659
- Fandom article ID: memory-alpha:Raven_Software
- Lutris company ID: 11
- Mod DB company ID: raven-software
- GameFAQs company ID: 1362
- MobyGames company ID: 580
- Wikidata description: American video game development company
- Topic's main category: Category:Raven Software
- Gamereactor company ID: Raven+Software
- Media Arts Database ID: C45134
- Crunchbase organization ID: raven-software
- GamesIndustry.biz tag ID: companies/raven-software
- Former MobyGames scheme ID: raven-software-corporation

## FAQs

### What is Raven Software?
Raven Software is an American video game development company founded in 1990, specializing in the creation of first-person shooters and action games. It has developed numerous high-profile titles, including entries in the *Star Wars Jedi Knight*, *Soldier of Fortune*, and *Call of Duty* series.

### Where is Raven Software located?
The company was founded in Madison, Wisconsin, and currently operates from its headquarters in Middleton, Wisconsin, at 8496 Greenway Boulevard, ZIP code 53562.

### What notable games has Raven Software developed?
Raven Software has developed or co-developed several iconic games, including *Heretic*, *Hexen*, *Soldier of Fortune*, *Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast*, *X-Men Legends*, and multiple *Call of Duty* titles such as *Modern Warfare 3* and *Warzone*.

### Who owns Raven Software?
Raven Software is a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, though this relationship is not explicitly detailed in the provided data.

### How many people work at Raven Software?
As of the latest available data, Raven Software employs approximately 239 individuals.

### What platforms does Raven Software develop for?
While not explicitly stated, Raven Software has developed games primarily for PC and console platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo systems.

### Is Raven Software active on social media?
Yes, Raven Software maintains verified profiles on Twitter (@ravensoftware), Instagram, and Facebook. As of February 2023, their Twitter account had over 843,000 followers.

### What is the legal structure of Raven Software?
Raven Software is incorporated as a corporation under U.S. law.

### What other identifiers are associated with Raven Software?
Raven Software is identified by various IDs across databases including Freebase (/m/06fcf), MobyGames (580), PCGamingWiki (Company:Raven_Software), StrategyWiki (Raven_Software), and others.

## Why It Matters
Raven Software has played a pivotal role in shaping the first-person shooter genre through its early work on id Software’s engines and its own original IPs like *Heretic* and *Hexen*. Its contributions to major franchises such as *Star Wars*, *X-Men*, and *Call of Duty* have made it a significant force in mainstream gaming. The studio’s ability to adapt and evolve with changing technology and market demands has allowed it to remain relevant for over three decades, influencing both gameplay mechanics and narrative design in interactive entertainment.

## Notable For
- Pioneering early 3D first-person shooters with *ShadowCaster* (1993) and *Heretic* (1994)
- Developing the critically acclaimed *Hexen* series, which expanded on the *Doom*-derived engine
- Creating the *Soldier of Fortune* franchise, known for its graphic violence and tactical realism
- Co-developing *Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast* and *Jedi Academy*, which are considered among the best Star Wars games ever made
- Contributing to the *Call of Duty* franchise, including *Modern Warfare 3*, *Warzone*, and *Warzone 2.0*
- Being one of the few studios to successfully transition from independent developer to major AAA contributor
- Maintaining a strong presence in modding communities through support for user-generated content
- Longevity in the industry, having operated continuously since 1990

## Body

### History
Raven Software was established in 1990 in Madison, Wisconsin, and later moved its operations to Middleton. The company quickly gained recognition in the early 1990s for its innovative approach to first-person shooter design, building upon the success of id Software’s *Doom* engine. Their debut title, *ShadowCaster* (1993), marked their entry into the genre, followed by *Heretic* (1994), which became a commercial and critical success due to its fantasy setting and advanced engine features.

In the mid-to-late 1990s, Raven continued to push boundaries with the *Hexen* series (*Beyond Heretic*, 1995; *Hexen II*, 1997) and *MageSlayer* (1997). These titles solidified their reputation for technical innovation and creative storytelling within the FPS space.

### Major Game Franchises
#### Heretic & Hexen Series
Raven’s *Heretic* (1994) and *Hexen* (1995–1997) series were groundbreaking in their use of fantasy themes in a genre dominated by sci-fi and military settings. These games were built using modified versions of id Software’s engines and introduced new gameplay mechanics, including puzzle-solving elements and cooperative multiplayer modes.

#### Soldier of Fortune Series
The *Soldier of Fortune* franchise (2000, 2002) brought a gritty, realistic tone to the FPS genre, featuring intense combat scenarios and a focus on tactical shooting. The series was notable for its use of real-world weapons and environments, appealing to fans of military and espionage fiction.

#### Star Wars Jedi Knight Series
Raven Software co-developed *Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast* (2002) and *Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy* (2003) with LucasArts. These titles were praised for their seamless blend of lightsaber combat and traditional FPS gameplay, becoming some of the most beloved entries in the *Star Wars* gaming universe.

#### X-Men and Marvel Games
In the early 2000s, Raven expanded into licensed properties with *X-Men Legends* (2004), *X-Men Origins: Wolverine* (2009), and *Marvel: Ultimate Alliance* (2006). These action RPGs combined deep character customization with engaging narratives, earning acclaim for their faithful adaptation of comic book lore.

#### Call of Duty Contributions
Raven Software has been a key developer in the *Call of Duty* franchise, contributing to titles such as *Modern Warfare 3* (2011), *Modern Warfare Remastered* (2016), and *Warzone* (2020) and *Warzone 2.0* (2022). Their work on these titles has helped maintain the series’ dominance in the competitive multiplayer gaming space.

### Technology and Innovation
Raven Software has consistently leveraged cutting-edge technology to enhance player experiences. Early on, they worked closely with id Software’s engines, adapting them for unique gameplay needs. Over time, they adopted and integrated newer technologies, including advanced physics engines and AI systems, to create more immersive and dynamic worlds.

### Community and Modding Support
Raven Software has long supported modding communities, particularly during the *Doom* and *Quake* eras. Titles like *Hexen* and *Heretic* inspired countless user-created levels and modifications, fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation that influenced the broader gaming industry.

### Corporate Structure and Ownership
Raven Software operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, though specific details about its corporate hierarchy are not provided in the source material. The company maintains a distinct identity while benefiting from the resources and distribution power of its parent organization.

### Industry Recognition and Influence
Raven Software’s influence extends beyond individual game releases. Their early innovations in 3D engine design, narrative integration, and genre blending have left a lasting impact on the industry. Titles like *Heretic* and *Jedi Outcast* are frequently cited as benchmarks for fantasy and sci-fi FPS design, respectively.

### International Presence
While based in the United States, Raven Software’s games have achieved global popularity, with localized versions available in multiple languages including English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, and others. This international reach underscores their broad appeal and cultural significance.

### Digital Footprint and Online Engagement
Raven Software maintains a robust online presence through official websites, social media accounts, and community forums. Their engagement with fans via platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook helps sustain interest in both legacy and upcoming projects.

### Legacy and Future Outlook
With over three decades of continuous operation, Raven Software remains a respected name in the video game industry. Their legacy includes pioneering technical achievements, memorable franchises, and ongoing relevance in the AAA gaming space. As the industry evolves, Raven continues to adapt, ensuring its place in the future of interactive entertainment.

## References

1. LastDodo
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. National Software Reference Library
4. Quora
5. [Source](https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Raven_Software?oldid=2047438)
6. VideoGameGeek
7. [Raven Software - The Doom Wiki at DoomWiki.org](https://doomwiki.org/wiki/Raven_Software)
8. [Games - Gamereactor UK](https://www.gamereactor.eu/games/?company=Raven+Software)
9. Video Games Chronicle