Shareware was a major distribution model for consumer software and games from the 1980s through to the 2000s. We’re privileged to be joined on the show by journalist and tech historian Richard Moss, the author of "Shareware Heroes: The renegades who redefined gaming at the dawn of the internet." In the most common scenario, a piece of shareware is distributed free of charge but users pay a fee to "register" their copy which may include unlocking additional features or content. Some of the most popular PC utilities and games of the 80s and 90s were distributed largely through shareware including PKZip and Doom. Richard discusses the history, impact, and evolution of the shareware model.

Show Notes

Richard on X/Twitter
Richard on Mastodon
Richard on Bluesky
Shareware Heroes Website
The Secret History of Mac Gaming Website
First Person Shooter: The Definitive FPS Documentary
Richard's Website
The Life & Times of Video Games Podcast
Shareware Heroes on Amazon
The Secret History of Mac Gaming on Amazon

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#121 Shareware with Richard Moss

Show Notes