Gentry Software
From Eli's Software Encyclopedia
Publisher | |
| Name | Gentry Software |
| Address | 9411 Winnetka Avenue Chatsworth, CA 91311 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Defunct | 1986 |
| Acquired by | |
History
- 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.
