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: Ultima I (Apple II): Wizardry (Apple II): New World Computing Logos: Star Trek - Terren Empire Logo: Simpsons - The Shinning Bard & Willie: Might and Magic - Advertisements: Might and Magic Book 1 Secret of the Inner Sanctum (Apple II): The CRPG Addict - Might and Magic Book One: The CRPG Addict - Might and Magic Won!: The CRPG Addict - Might and Magic Final Ranking: The Digital Antiquarian - Might and Magic: Simpsons - Finding 20 Dollars: Might and Magic Book II - Gates to Another World (Apple II): Star Trek Trailer for S3E08 - The World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky: Nuclear War (DOS): Star Fleet Battles (Task Force Games): Tunnels and Trolls (DOS): Titan - First Look (Avalon Hill): Titan - Gameplay (Avalon Hill): King's Bounty (DOS): Might and Magic III: Planet's Edge (DOS): Might and Magic - Clouds of Xeen (DOS): Might and Magic - Darkside of Xeen - Speedrun (DOS): Spaceward Ho! (DOS): Empire Deluxe (DOS): Iron Cross (DOS): Zephyr (DOS): Heroes of Might and Magic (PC): SSI - Panzer General (PC): Heroes of Might and Magic II (PC): Might and Magic VI - Mandate of Heaven (PC): Heroes of Might and Magic III: Might and Magic VII: Might and Magic VIII: Legends of Might and Magic: Heroes of Might and Magic IV: Might and Magic IX: New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month! TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com Twitter: @tcwpodcast Patreon: Alex's Video Game History Blog: Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: Copyright: Attribution:

You can listen to New World Computing online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

New World Computing is an episode from They Create Worlds by Alex Smith, and Jeffrey Daum.

This episode is 103:52 long.

This episode was published on Jan 1, 2026.

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