Originally starting as small computer games shop ''
Just Micro'' in Sheffield UK,
Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd was established in April 1984 by
Ian Stewart and
Kevin Norburn. This was probably the direct result of the computer shop attracting local talented 8-bit bedroom coders such as
Tony Crowther,
Pete Harrap and
Shaun Hollingworth. Consequently, for some years
Gremlin focused on the 8-bit games market before turning their attention to 16-bit platforms in the late 1980s. In the early 1990s,
Gremlin enjoyed major success on the Amiga and other 16-bit platforms with the publication of flagship franchise games
ZOOL,
LOTUS TURBO and
PREMIER MANAGER. In 1994, they were renamed to
Gremlin Interactive as they widened their net to capture the more mature PC/console market also. In 1997,
Gremlin acquired legendary developers
DMA Design (creators of
LEMMINGS and
GRAND THEFT AUTO). In 1999,
Gremlin themselves were reportedly acquired by
Infogrames for £24 million and, in 2000, were renamed to
Infogrames Sheffield House. A few short years later in 2003, the studio was forced into closure by parent company
Infogrames.
Gremlin Interactive's back-catalogue of games and name have since been acquired by original founder
Ian Stewart's new company
Urbanscan.
