Human Code

Human Code
Founded1993
FoundersBill Holt
Chipp Walters
Liz Walker
Gary Gattis
FateAcquired by Sapient Corporation
Headquarters
Austin, Texas
,
United States
Key peopleDavid Palumbo (vice president)
Number of employees
70 (1998)

Human Code was a video game developer and multimedia design firm based in Austin, Texas.

History

Human Code was founded in 1993 by Chipp Walters, Liz Walker, and Gary Gattis. Other founders included Bill Holt.

In 1995, Human Code acquired Japanese design firm IDEC. IDEC was later renamed Human Code Japan. The same year the company reported revenues of $2 million.

In 1998, Human Code started streaming nightly news broadcasts from local CBS affiliate K-EYE.

In 1999, Human Code helped design the software components of Zowie Intertainment's PlayZones toys. It also secured $5 million in venture capital funding to fuel its continued rapid market expansion.

By September 1999, Human Code employed 160 employees.

In February 2000, Human Code acquired Top Drawer Productions, a multimedia developer of custom e-learning applications for educational publishers and corporate training.

In August 2000, Human Code was acquired by Sapient Corporation for $103.8 million.

Products

Year Title Platform(s) Ref.
1993 Marsbook Macintosh
1994 The Cartoon History of the Universe Windows
1995 Nile: Passage to Egypt Macintosh, Windows
1995 Operation: Weather Disaster Macintosh, Windows
1996 Sky Trip America Macintosh, Windows
1996 Wishbone and the Amazing Odyssey Macintosh, Windows
1997 Geobee Challenge Macintosh, Windows
1998 Barbie Riding Club Windows
1998 Girl Talk Windows
1999 Arthur's 1st Grade Windows
1999 Trivial Pursuit Millennium Edition Windows
1999 Ellie's Enchanted Garden Windows
1999 Nickelodeon BrainBender Windows
2000 Disney's Mickey Saves The Day 3D Adventure Windows
2000 Arthur's Preschool Windows
2000 Barbie: Pet Rescue Windows

Presage Software

Presage Software (also known as Presage Software and Development Co)was a company acquired by Human Code in March 1999. It was founded in 1986 and was based in San Rafael, California.

Presage Software products

Title Platform(s) Ref.
Hexen: Beyond Heretic Macintosh version
Lode Runner Online: The Mad Monks' Revenge Macintosh and Windows95 versions
Lode Runner: The Legend Returns Macintosh and Windows versions
Prince of Persia Macintosh version
Star Wars Screen Entertainment Macintosh and Windows versions
Oh No! More Lemmings Macintosh version
Lemmings Macintosh version
Flashback Macintosh version
RoboSport Windows version
The Even More Incredible Machine Macintosh and Windows versions
BreakThru! Macintosh version
Contraption Zack MS-DOS and Amiga versions
Grand Slam Bridge II Windows version
The Incredible Toon Machine Macintosh and Windows versions
Jonny Quest: Curse of the Mayan Warriors MS-DOS version
Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra Macintosh version
Solitaire Deluxe Windows95 version
Spaceward Ho! Windows and MS-DOS versions
Take a Break! Crosswords Macintosh version
Vegas Games Entertainment Pack Macintosh version
World of Xeen Macintosh version
Drawing Discoveries Macintosh, Windows, and Windows95 versions
Chess Mates Macintosh, Windows and Windows95 versions
Menlo the Frog Macintosh, Windows, and Windows95 versions
Mario Teaches Typing Macintosh version
Mario's Fundamentals Macintosh, Windows, and MS-DOS versions
The Backyard Macintosh, Windows, and MS-DOS versions
Read, Write & Type Macintosh and Windows versions
Dvorak on Typing Windows version
The Playroom Macintosh, Windows, and Windows95 versions
Zurk's Learning Safari Macintosh and MS-DOS versions
Madeline 1st and 2nd Grade Reading Macintosh, Windows98, and Windows95 versions
Learn to Program BASIC Macintosh and Windows95 versions
Kid Pix Contributed Programming to the Macintosh, Windows and Windows95 versions
Star Control 3 Macintosh conversion
Rockett's Tricky Decision Macintosh, Windows, and Windows95 versions
Rockett's New School Macintosh, Windows, and Windows95 versions
Shanghai: Dynasty Contributed Art + Audio to the Macintosh and Windows95 versions
Lode Runner Ported LodeRunner 1.5 to the Playstation
Lode Runner 2 Windows95 and Macintosh versions

Notes

  1. ↑ Other sources say $135 million

References

  1. ↑ "The multimedia directory". Carronade Group. 1996. p. 113. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  2. 1 2 "Other People's Mail". Bay Area Reporter. October 1992. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  3. ↑ Democker, Judy (April 28, 1999). "Too Cool for School". Wired. Archived from the original on January 21, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  4. ↑ Dial, Marla (July 10, 1998). "Human Code takes up space". Austin Business Journal. Archived from the original on December 11, 2004. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Egypt by CD-ROM". Austin American-Statesman. July 20, 1995. p. 121. Archived from the original on September 30, 2025. Retrieved December 29, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ↑ Gillespie, Spike (December 8, 1995). "Touring the Technology Factory". The Austin Chronicle. Archived from the original on November 11, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  7. ↑ HaFner, Katie (July 22, 1999). "I Link, Therefore I Am: a Web Intellectual's Diary". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 2, 2009. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  8. ↑ Hawkins, Lori (August 31, 1996). "Getting into the kid market". Austin American-Statesman. p. 57. Archived from the original on July 22, 2025. Retrieved December 29, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ↑ "Midsized companies". New York Rosen Central. 2000. p. 36. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  10. ↑ Hawkins, Lori (August 22, 1998). "Spinoff to develop cartoon series, related software". Austin American-Statesman. p. 47. Archived from the original on July 22, 2025. Retrieved December 29, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ↑ "Mutlimedia Genes". NewTekniques. August 1998. p. 18. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  12. 1 2 "Human Code to acquire Japanese design firm, IDEC". Human Code. 1995. Archived from the original on April 18, 2000. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  13. ↑ "Multimedia firm nets 6-title deal". Austin American-Statesman. August 31, 1996. p. 63. Archived from the original on July 22, 2025. Retrieved December 29, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ↑ Slaton, Joyce (May 29, 2000). "Web Shows: Does Anybody Watch?". Wired. Archived from the original on August 16, 2000. Retrieved September 21, 2026.
  15. 1 2 Ricadela, Aaron (February 8, 1999). "Zowie Intertainment Shows Three Interactive Toys". Computer Retail Week. Archived from the original on May 6, 1999. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  16. 1 2 3 "Human Code's Momentum Continues With $5 Million in Venture Capital Funding For Acquisitions, Expanded Services and Worldwide Growth". PR Newswire. March 15, 1999. Archived from the original on January 31, 2025. Retrieved December 29, 2025 – via Gale Research.
  17. ↑ "Austin Start Ups Bemoan lack of hip office space". The Wall Street Journal. September 1999. Archived from the original on March 6, 2000. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  18. ↑ "Human Code buys Top Drawer". Washington Business Journal. February 11, 2000. Archived from the original on July 22, 2025. Retrieved December 29, 2025 – via Gale Research.
  19. ↑ "Company News: Sapient to buy Human Code, a media developer". The New York Times. August 10, 2000. Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  20. ↑ Wray, Barbaar (March 23, 2001). "Seasoned tech execs add spice to VC firms". Austin Business Journal. Archived from the original on September 30, 2025. Retrieved December 29, 2025 – via Gale Research.
  21. ↑ Brewer, Charles (November 22, 1993). "Stumped for stocking stuffers? Try CD-ROMs". The News Journal. p. 44. Retrieved February 23, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ↑ "Human Code's Multimedia Project, "The Cartoon History of the Universe", Wins MacUser Editors' Choice Award". Human Code. January 25, 1995. Archived from the original on May 17, 1997. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  23. ↑ Greenman, Catherine (January 2, 1995). "Discovery Multimedia edu adventures to bow". HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network. Archived from the original on December 11, 2024. Retrieved December 29, 2025 – via The Free Library.
  24. ↑ Strauss, Robert (January 21, 1996). "Exploring with the Discovery Channel". Newsday. p. 97.
  25. ↑ Beauchamp, Lane (March 17, 1996). "A T show or computer game?". The Kansas City Star. p. 137. Retrieved February 2, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ↑ "Human Code and Palladium Interactive Team Up on CD-ROM Featuring Television's Canine Star Wishbone". Human Code. April 29, 1996. Archived from the original on May 17, 1997. Retrieved March 26, 2026.
  27. ↑ Savignano, Lisa. "Geobee Challenge". All Game Guide. Archived from the original on November 16, 2014. Retrieved October 8, 2026.
  28. ↑ Dial, Maria (December 6, 1998). "Human Code grooms Barbie". Austin Business Journal. Archived from the original on May 19, 2004. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  29. ↑ "take note". The Tribune. December 17, 1998. p. 16.
  30. ↑ "Arthur's 1st Grade". All Game Guide. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
  31. ↑ Games, Rovi. "Trivial Pursuit: Millennium Edition". All Game Guide. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved September 20, 2026.
  32. ↑ Laramee, Francois. "Brain Bender Puzzles & Activities". All Game Guide. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved October 10, 2026.
  33. ↑ Games, Rovi. "Disney's Mickey Saves the Day 3D Adventure". All Game Guide. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2026.
  34. ↑ "Human Code Hosts Arthur Author, Marc Brown". Human Code. May 8, 2000. Archived from the original on June 27, 2001. Retrieved September 22, 2026.
  35. ↑ "Barbie Pet Rescue CD-ROM". All Game Guide. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2026.
  36. ↑ "Untitled". Dartmouth Alumni Magazine. October 1995. p. 68. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  37. ↑ "Scott Shumway". Santa Cruz Sentinel. July 27, 1997. p. 94. Archived from the original on March 19, 2025. Retrieved December 29, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ↑ "Presage Products Hexen". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  39. ↑ "Presage Products Lode Runner Online". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  40. ↑ "Lode Runner: The Legend Returns". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  41. ↑ "Presage Products Prince of Persia". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  42. ↑ "Presage Products Star Wars Screen Entertainment". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  43. ↑ "Presage Products Oh No! More Lemmings". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  44. ↑ "Presage Products Lemmings". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  45. ↑ "Presage Products Flashback". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  46. ↑ "Presage Products RoboSport". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  47. ↑ "Presage Products The Even More Incredible Machine". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  48. ↑ "Presage Products BreakThru!". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  49. ↑ "Presage Products Contraption Zack". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  50. ↑ "Presage Products Grand Slam Bridge II". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  51. ↑ "Presage Products The Incredible Toon Machine". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  52. ↑ "Presage Products Jonny Quest: Curse of the Mayan Warriors". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  53. ↑ "Presage Products Might and Magic III". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  54. ↑ "Presage Products Solitaire Deluxe". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  55. ↑ "Presage Products Spaceward Ho!". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  56. ↑ "Presage Products Take a Break! Crosswords". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  57. ↑ "Presage Products Vegas Games". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  58. ↑ "Presage Products World of Xeen". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  59. ↑ "Steppong Stone Products Drawing Discoveries". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  60. ↑ "Stepping Stone Products Chess Mates". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  61. ↑ "Presage Products Menlo the Frog". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  62. ↑ "Presage Products Mario Teaches Typing". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  63. ↑ "Stepping Stone Products Mario's Fundamentals". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  64. ↑ "Presage Products The Backyard". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  65. ↑ "Presage Products Read, Write & Type". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  66. ↑ "Presage Products Dvorak on Typing". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  67. ↑ "Presage Products The Playroom". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  68. ↑ "Presage Products Zurk's Learning Safari". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  69. ↑ "Presage Products - Madeline". Presage Software. Archived from the original on January 28, 1999. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  70. ↑ "Stepping Stone Products - Learn to Program BASIC". Presage Software. Archived from the original on November 27, 1999. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  71. ↑ "Presage Products - KidPix Studio". Presage Software. Archived from the original on October 4, 1999. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  72. ↑ "Presage Products - Star Control 3". Presage Software. Archived from the original on January 29, 1999. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  73. ↑ "Presage Products - Rockett's Tricky Decision". Presage Software. Archived from the original on October 5, 1999. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  74. ↑ "Presage Products - Rockett's New School". Presage Software. Archived from the original on January 28, 1999. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  75. ↑ "Presage Products - Shanghai Dynasty". Presage Software. Archived from the original on January 28, 1999. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  76. ↑ "Presage Products - LodeRunner Extra". Presage Software. Archived from the original on October 4, 1999. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  77. ↑ "Presage Products - Lode Runner 2". Presage Software. Archived from the original on January 27, 1999. Retrieved May 19, 2026.