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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cPFL0NfsRg
Ultima I (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI5ypVUk_wk
Wizardry (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJhMpPnnXMo
New World Computing Logos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g647Hk4UHkc
Star Trek - Terren Empire Logo: https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Terran_Empire
Simpsons - The Shinning Bard & Willie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kddzyds4fGo
Might and Magic - Advertisements: https://www.mobygames.com/game/1619/might-and-magic-book-one-secret-of-the-inner-sanctum/promo/group-56698/image-479480/
Might and Magic Book 1 Secret of the Inner Sanctum (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0airoGX9xk
The CRPG Addict - Might and Magic Book One: https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2010/07/game-19-might-magic-i.html
The CRPG Addict - Might and Magic Won!: https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2010/07/might-magic-won.html
The CRPG Addict - Might and Magic Final Ranking: https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2010/07/might-magic-final-ranking.html
The Digital Antiquarian - Might and Magic: https://www.filfre.net/2021/12/might-and-magic/
Simpsons - Finding 20 Dollars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZch40U9Bfk
Might and Magic Book II - Gates to Another World (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TEz9KlDaZY
Star Trek Trailer for S3E08 - The World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T70fEIAsDE0
Nuclear War (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqSHQp-RsRE
Star Fleet Battles (Task Force Games): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXoRauMyzfk
Tunnels and Trolls (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXtB08H2yqw
Titan - First Look (Avalon Hill): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65ltwXWfO9I
Titan - Gameplay (Avalon Hill): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSXIM6R4VYQ
King's Bounty (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnWYfBauwh4
Might and Magic III: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY7oOwU5WIs&list=PLuiwX2gLmzqNtcsOv5AOh9pIg25lX8OAD
Planet's Edge (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU5xpWdonmU
Might and Magic - Clouds of Xeen (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGGE-kPwZFI
Might and Magic - Darkside of Xeen - Speedrun (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VgBR8-BCos
Spaceward Ho! (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ8ExG1_HMY
Empire Deluxe (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrzZWdmzolY
Iron Cross (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74q69zR6VjA
Zephyr (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VycrjZ5dkRs
Heroes of Might and Magic (PC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQSouS2y4Yg&list=PLic3HXuw97t4Wv5su8gNMqhI1ndNO3Olb
SSI - Panzer General (PC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG5TcIZfu50
Heroes of Might and Magic II (PC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g42gSMad09Y
Might and Magic VI - Mandate of Heaven (PC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfr3I_N5cMw
Heroes of Might and Magic III: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSaac_TqXRw&list=PLic3HXuw97t62UA75v3t_EpTiA5CfXARm
Might and Magic VII: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuGvXM5p-RM
Might and Magic VIII: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXZhuHYJVB0
Legends of Might and Magic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnuSWgV-QaU
Heroes of Might and Magic IV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUfjckaGezc
Might and Magic IX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzTI_LbC0HE
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/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/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/