Quicksilva
Quicksilva
|
|
| Founded | 1979 |
| Defunct | 1984 |
| Acquired by | Argus Press Software |
History
Quicksilva: A Pioneer of the British Games Industry (1979–1984)
Quicksilva was one of the first, influential software publishers in the formative years of the UK games industry. Founded in 1979 in Southampton by Nick Lambert, the company began as a small home operation producing hardware add-ons for Sinclair computers. Its name came from the American psychedelic rock band Quicksilver Messenger Service, whose music inspired Lambert.
Early Innovations and Hardware Roots
Quicksilva’s first product was a 3K RAM expansion card for the Sinclair ZX80, followed by a version for the ZX81. Lambert’s first game, QS Defenda, required this RAM card and was distributed by mail order through magazines like Interface and Practical Electronics. In an era before dedicated computer shops or gaming press, these ads reached a growing audience of hobbyists. By 1981, Lambert had recruited Mark Eyles— who became the company’s first full-time employee and later Creative Director— and John Hollis, an electronics expert who helped design Quicksilva’s sound and character boards, allowing true pixel graphics and arcade-quality sound.
Professional Presentation and Design
Quicksilva distinguished itself through its professional packaging and full-colour cover art, the first of its kind in the UK home-computer market. Artist Steinar Lund created the iconic airbrushed “QS” logo and early game artwork, setting a new visual standard. The company’s mix of hardware design, quality presentation, and creative marketing gave it an edge over rivals such as Artic, Bug-Byte, and Automata.
Growth and Leadership
As sales grew, Caroline Hayon joined the firm, becoming one of the first women in the UK game-development scene. In 1982, business expansion brought in Rod Cousens, a young insurance salesman turned entrepreneur who built Quicksilva’s overseas distribution network and later became Managing Director. Under Cousens’ direction, the company began selling through WH Smith and international channels, transforming from a mail-order outfit to a national publisher.
Creative Expansion and the Spectrum Era
By 1982, Quicksilva moved from hardware into software publishing, releasing titles for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum such as Space Intruders and Meteor Storm. These games featured early examples of backstory fiction on their packaging— written by Mark Eyles— to add imaginative depth. Quicksilva’s adverts, notably the full-color back cover of ZX Computing’s debut issue, were the first full-color game advertisements in the UK press.
Legacy and Transition
Quicksilva’s innovative mix of engineering, design, and storytelling helped shape the fledgling British games market, bridging the gap between bedroom programming and professional publishing. The company published and distributed works from independent developers, held the UK’s first press launch (for 4D Timegate), and co-hosted the first UK games industry awards (“Quick Byte”) with Bug-Byte.
By summer 1984, Quicksilva was sold for £1.25 million. Lambert and Hollis relocated to Guernsey; Eyles and Hayon founded a holography studio; Cousens went on to lead major studios including Acclaim, Codemasters, and Jagex. Quicksilva’s brief but influential presence during the birth of the UK game-development industry, transformed amateur enthusiasm into a sustainable creative business.
Logos
People
- Nick Lambert, Founder
- Mark Eyles, Creative Director 1981-1984
- John Hollis
- Caroline Hayon
- Rod Cousens, Managing Director 1981-1985
