Access Software

Access Software was an American video game developer and publisher, best known for its work in the late 1980s and 1990s. The company was founded in 1982 by Bruce Carver, Chris Jones, and several other partners in Salt Lake City, Utah. Access Software gained recognition for its innovation and quality in game design, particularly in the realms of adventure games and sports simulations.

One of the most significant contributions of Access Software was the "Tex Murphy" series of adventure games. The series, which began with "Mean Streets" in 1989, featured a blend of classic adventure gameplay and a futuristic detective narrative.

In 1999, Access Software was acquired by Microsoft, which integrated the company into its gaming division. Following the acquisition, Access Software continued to develop titles under the Microsoft umbrella, though the Tex Murphy series went on a long hiatus. Eventually, many of the original Access Software team members left to pursue other ventures.