Game company profile: 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Although Sir-Tech Software is no longer active, its legacy lives on through the games it developed, which left a lasting impact on the RPG and strategy genres.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.

Based in:

Canada

Founded by:

Norman Sirotek, Robert Woodhead

Established in:

1979

Closed in:

2003

Sir-tech Software site:

https://web.archive.org/web/20120330022656/http://bitmob.com/articles/forgotten-ruins-the-roots-of-computer-role-playing-games-sir-tech

Wiki page:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir-Tech

Games by Sir-tech Software

A chronological list of games published or developed by Sir-tech Software from 1981 to 1999 on Abandonware DOS for DOS, Windows, Linux or Mac.

Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord

1981DOSrpg dungeon crawl, first-person party-based RPG

Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord is a role-playing video game that was first released in 1981. It's one of the pioneering titles in the dungeon-crawling genre and one of the first computer role-playing games (CRPGs).Developed by Andrew C. Greenberg and Robert Woodhead, and published by Sir-Tech, Wizardry was initially released for the Apple II and later adapted for various other platforms, including the Commodore 64 and MS-DOS.
Wizardry 2: The knight of diamonds

1982DOSrpg dungeon crawl, first-person party-based RPG
Wizardry 3: Legacy of Llylgamyn

1983DOSrpg dungeon crawl, first-person party-based RPG
Deep space: Operation Copernicus

1986DOSvehicle simulation space combat, space simulation
Wizardry 4: The Return of Werdna

1988DOSrpg dungeon crawl, first-person party-based RPG
Wizardry 5: Heart of the Maelstrom

1988DOSrpg dungeon crawl, first-person party-based RPG
The Usurper

1989DOSadventure interactive fiction
Wizardry 6: Bane of the Cosmic Forge

1990DOSLinuxMacrpgprotected dungeon crawl, first-person party-based RPG
Wizardry 7: Crusaders of the Dark Savant

1992Windows XP/98/95LinuxDOSrpgprotected first-person party-based RPG

Wizardry VII: Crusaders of the Dark Savant is a first-person perspective party-based RPG developed and released by Sir-tech Software in 1992 for Windows, Linux and DOS. Wizardry 7 is the seventh chapter in the Wizardry series and it's part of the Dark Savant trilogy, set in a world where sci-fi themes (space travel, androids) are mixed with fantasy themes (weapons and armors, magic).
Jagged Alliance

1994DOSstrategyprotected turn-based tactics
Jagged Alliance: Deadly Games

1996DOSstrategyprotected turn-based tactics
Jagged Alliance 2

1999Windows XP/98/95LinuxMacstrategyprotected turn-based tactics

Jagged Alliance 2 is a turn-based tactical role-playing strategy game developed by Sir-Tech and released in 1999 for Windows. It is the sequel to the original Jagged Alliance and has earned a reputation as one of the best games in the turn-based strategy genre.Set in the fictional country of Arulco, Jagged Alliance 2 presents players with the task of liberating Arulco from the oppressive rule of a dictator named Deidranna. The player takes on the role of a commander who must assemble a team of mercenaries, each with their unique skills and personalities, to overthrow the dictator and restore freedom to the country.