Sir-tech Software

Sir-Tech Software was a prominent software development company that was founded in 1979 by Norman Sirotek and Robert Sirotek. The company was based in Liverpool, New York, USA. Sir-Tech initially focused on developing business software applications for microcomputers. However, Sir-Tech is best known for its contributions to the gaming industry. In 1981, the company released Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, which is widely regarded as one of the pioneering titles in the role-playing game (RPG) genre. Wizardry was highly successful and spawned a long-running series that expanded over several sequels and spin-offs.

The Wizardry series, developed by Sir-Tech, gained a dedicated following for its challenging gameplay, intricate dungeons, and character development systems. The games were initially released for various home computer systems, including the Apple II and Commodore 64, and later expanded to other platforms such as MS-DOS and consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).

Despite the success of the Wizardry and Jagged Alliance franchises, Sir-Tech faced financial difficulties in the late 1990s. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2001, leading to the closure of its operations. The intellectual property rights for the Wizardry series were later acquired by other companies, and the franchise continued under different developers and publishers.

Although Sir-Tech Software is no longer active, its legacy lives on through the games it developed, which left a lasting impact on the RPG and strategy genres. The Wizardry series, in particular, is still considered a classic in the RPG genre and has influenced countless game developers over the years.