Gentry Software: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 18:41, June 26, 2025

Gentry Software
Address	9411 Winnetka Avenue Chatsworth, CA 91311
Country	United States of America
Founded	1983
Defunct	1986
Acquired by	Software Toolworks

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.

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.

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.

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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