Gentry Software: Difference between revisions

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== Founding of Gentry Software ==
== Founding of Gentry Software ==
* Gentry Software was introduced by [[Datasoft]] in 1983 as a value-oriented imprint, aimed at distributing lower-cost games in the $15–20 range. The first 12 titles premiered at Summer CES that year.
* According to [[Datasoft]] founder [[Patrick Ketchum|Pat Ketchum]], Gentry was created to publish quality titles from external programmers that didn’t quite fit the premium [[Datasoft]] brand—but still offered a compelling, affordable experience for mass-market retail channels.
===Pricing Strategy and Product Quality===
* Gentry titles were deliberately priced under $20 (typically closer to $15) and were sold with both disk and cassette versions plus simple printed manuals.
* Reviewers praised several of these budget releases. For example, Starbase Fighter was noted for re-creating the excitement of popular arcade shooters like <i>Asteroids</i>— making it “a steal” at $15.95.
===Role within Datasoft===
* Gentry functioned as a sub-brand focused on mass-market distribution, tapping into external programming talent—about 50% of submissions from outside were accepted.
* Meanwhile, [[Datasoft]] proper continued to focus on in-house development and premium licensed ports, preserving quality under its core branding.
===Legacy and Fate===
* Gentry’s game lineup helped [[Datasoft]] capture budget-conscious gamers during the early home-computer boom.
* Datasoft later declared bankruptcy in 1987. Its assets were acquired, and the company briefly lived on as IntelliCreations before being absorbed into [[Software Toolworks]] in 1988.
* Gentry, having been always an imprint within [[Datasoft]], ceased operations alongside the parent company.


== History ==
== History ==

Revision as of 18:38, June 26, 2025

Gentry Software
Address 9411 Winnetka Avenue
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Country United States of America
Phone (213) 701-9228


Founding of Gentry Software

  • Gentry Software was introduced by Datasoft in 1983 as a value-oriented imprint, aimed at distributing lower-cost games in the $15–20 range. The first 12 titles premiered at Summer CES that year.
  • According to Datasoft founder Pat Ketchum, Gentry was created to publish quality titles from external programmers that didn’t quite fit the premium Datasoft brand—but still offered a compelling, affordable experience for mass-market retail channels.

Pricing Strategy and Product Quality

  • Gentry titles were deliberately priced under $20 (typically closer to $15) and were sold with both disk and cassette versions plus simple printed manuals.
  • Reviewers praised several of these budget releases. For example, Starbase Fighter was noted for re-creating the excitement of popular arcade shooters like Asteroids— making it “a steal” at $15.95.

Role within Datasoft

  • Gentry functioned as a sub-brand focused on mass-market distribution, tapping into external programming talent—about 50% of submissions from outside were accepted.
  • Meanwhile, Datasoft proper continued to focus on in-house development and premium licensed ports, preserving quality under its core branding.

Legacy and Fate

  • Gentry’s game lineup helped Datasoft capture budget-conscious gamers during the early home-computer boom.
  • Datasoft later declared bankruptcy in 1987. Its assets were acquired, and the company briefly lived on as IntelliCreations before being absorbed into Software Toolworks in 1988.
  • Gentry, having been always an imprint within Datasoft, ceased operations alongside the parent company.

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