TCW249 - New World Computing

TCW Podcast Episode 249 - New World Computing

We look at the rise and fall of New World Computing through the career of Jon Van Caneghem. Coming from the era of the lone programmer as the industry shifted toward larger development houses, Jon built Might and Magic into one of the most influential RPG franchises of its time. We trace the evolution of the series from its early focus on quest driven gameplay, early auto mapping, and the introduction of features like quest logs and reactive character portraits. Along the way, New World Computing briefly experimented with board games, returning to video games with King’s Bounty, a title that would later be reimagined as Heroes of Might and Magic after a marketing push to leverage the stronger Might and Magic name. We examine the company’s shifting publishing relationships, struggles with distribution, and eventual acquisition by the 3DO Company. While Heroes of Might and Magic III brought major success, pressure from 3DO led to rushed releases, excessive expansions, and declining quality across both franchises. As Might and Magic moved into 3D and real time combat, development resources became increasingly strained. The episode closes with the collapse of 3DO, failed efforts to spin off New World Computing, and the quiet end of a studio that helped define computer role playing games.

Dedicated to Ember - Beloved cat, and producer of the show. Oct 2008 - Dec 2025.

Darkside of Xeen Intro:    • Might and Magic V: Darkside of Xeen Intro  

Ultima I (Apple II):    • Apple II Game: Ultima (1981 California Pac...  
Wizardry (Apple II):    • Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overl...  
New World Computing Logos:    • New World Computing Logo History  
Star Trek - Terren Empire Logo: https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/...
Simpsons - The Shinning Bard & Willie:    • Simpsons The Shinning Bart and Willie  
Might and Magic - Advertisements: https://www.mobygames.com/game/1619/m...
Might and Magic Book 1 Secret of the Inner Sanctum (Apple II):    • Might and Magic - Book One: Secret of the ...  
The CRPG Addict - Might and Magic Book One: https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2010/...
The CRPG Addict - Might and Magic Won!: https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2010/...
The CRPG Addict - Might and Magic Final Ranking: https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2010/...
The Digital Antiquarian - Might and Magic: https://www.filfre.net/2021/12/might-...
Simpsons - Finding 20 Dollars:    • The Simpsons - Finding 20 Dollars  
Might and Magic Book II - Gates to Another World (Apple II):    • Might and Magic II Gates to Another World ...  
Star Trek Trailer for S3E08 - The World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky:    • Original Star Trek TV Series Trailer S03E0...  
Nuclear War (DOS):    • Nuclear War (PC/DOS) 1989, New World Compu...  
Star Fleet Battles (Task Force Games):    • Star Fleet Battles (Task Force Games) Revi...  
Tunnels and Trolls (DOS):    • Tunnels & Trolls: Crusaders of Khazan (MS-...  
Titan - First Look (Avalon Hill):    • Avalon Hill Titan First Look  
Titan - Gameplay (Avalon Hill):    • Titan   1  
King's Bounty (DOS):    • King's Bounty (PC/DOS) 1990, New World Com...  
Might and Magic III:    • Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra — Part...  
Planet's Edge (DOS):    • Planet's Edge (MS-DOS) Intro und Gameplay  
Might and Magic - Clouds of Xeen (DOS):    • Might and Magic IV: Clouds Of Xeen (PC/DOS...  
Might and Magic - Darkside of Xeen - Speedrun (DOS):    • Might and Magic: World of Xeen speed run  
Spaceward Ho! (DOS):    • Spaceward Ho! gameplay (PC Game, 1990)  
Empire Deluxe (DOS):    • Empire Deluxe - Full Campaign vs 5 Expert ...  
Iron Cross (DOS):    • Iron Cross gameplay (PC Game, 1994)  
Zephyr (DOS):    • Zephyr  
Heroes of Might and Magic (PC):    • Old Games - Heroes 1 (HoMM) / Ironfist Cam...  
SSI - Panzer General (PC):    • Panzer General gameplay (PC Game, 1994)  
Heroes of Might and Magic II (PC):    • DOS Game: Heroes of Might and Magic 2  
...
Rest of the show notes at https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com

New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!

TCW Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon:   / theycreateworlds  
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1


Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/Airplane...
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rol...

Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...