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| name = The Learning Company
| name = The Learning Company
| logo = The Learning Company logo.svg
| logo = The Learning Company logo.svg
| logo_caption = Corporate logo used from 1995 to 2007
| logo_caption = Corporate logo used from September 18 1995 to March 7 2007
| fate = Acquired by [[The Learning Company (formerly SoftKey)|SoftKey]]
| fate = Acquired by [[SoftKey]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1980}} (as The Learning Co.)<br />[[Palo Alto, California|Palo Alto]], [[California]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1980}} (as The Learning Co.)<br />[[Palo Alto, California|Palo Alto]], [[California]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| defunct = 2018
| defunct = {{end date and age|1995}}
| founders = {{plainlist|
| founders = {{plainlist|
* Ann McCormick
* Ann McCormick
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| location_country = U.S.
| location_country = U.S.
| key_people = [[Warren Robinett]] <small>(co-founder)</small>
| key_people = [[Warren Robinett]] <small>(co-founder)</small>
| num_employees =
| num_employees =
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
⚫
| industry =
| traded_as = {{NYSE was|TLC}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/short-take-the-learning-company-moves-from-nasdaq/|title=Short Take: The Learning Company moves from Nasdaq|website=CNET}}</ref>
⚫
| industry =
| products = Educational games
| products = Educational games
| revenue =
| revenue =
| operating_income =
| operating_income =
| homepage = {{URL|learningcompany.com}}
| homepage = {{URL|learningcompany.com}}
}}
}}
'''The Learning Company''' ('''TLC''') was an [[educational software]] company founded in 1980 in [[Palo Alto, California]] and headquartered in [[Fremont, California]]. The company produced a grade-based line of learning software, [[edutainment]] games, and productivity tools. Its titles included the flagship series ''[[Reader Rabbit]]'', for preschoolers through second graders, and ''[[The ClueFinders]]'', for more advanced students. The company was also known for publishing licensed educational titles featuring characters such as [[Arthur Read|Arthur]], [[Scooby-Doo (character)|Scooby-Doo]], [[Zoboomafoo]], and [[Caillou]].
'''The Learning Company''' ('''TLC''') was an [[educational software]] company founded in 1980 in [[Palo Alto, California]] and headquartered in [[Fremont, California]]. The company produced a grade-based line of learning software, [[edutainment]] games, and productivity tools. Its titles included the flagship series ''[[Reader Rabbit]]'', for preschoolers through second graders, and ''[[The ClueFinders]]'', for more advanced students. The company was also known for publishing licensed educational titles featuring characters such as [[Arthur Read|Arthur]], [[The Powerpuff Girls|The Powerpuff Girls]], [[SpongeBob SquarePants (character)|SpongeBob SquarePants]] or [[Sesame Street]].


In 1995, the company was acquired by [[The Learning Company (formerly SoftKey)|SoftKey]] in a [[hostile takeover]] bid, at which point SoftKey assumed the Learning Company name and brand.
On December 8, 1995, the company was acquired by [[The Learning Company (formerly SoftKey)|SoftKey]] in a [[hostile takeover]] bid, at which point SoftKey assumed the Learning Company name and brand.


== History ==
== History ==
The Learning Company was founded in 1980 by Ann McCormick; Leslie Grimm; [[Teri Perl]]; and [[Warren Robinett]], a former [[Atari]] employee who had programmed the popular game ''[[Adventure (1979 video game)|Adventure]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://rcade.camden.rutgers.edu/2017robinett.html|title=Conversation with Warren Robinett Hosted by Andrew Ervin and Frank Lee Warren|website=Digital Studies Center, Rutgers University-Camden|access-date=2023-06-23}}</ref> They saw the [[Apple II]] as an opportunity to teach young children concepts of math, reading, science, problem-solving, and thinking skills. Part of the original funding for the company came from a [[National Science Foundation]] grant.
The Learning Company was founded in 8 May 1980 by Ann McCormick; Leslie Grimm; [[Teri Perl]]; and [[Warren Robinett]], a former [[Atari, Inc.]] employee who had programmed the game ''[[Adventure (1980 video game)|Adventure]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://rcade.camden.rutgers.edu/2017robinett.html|title=Conversation with Warren Robinett Hosted by Andrew Ervin and Frank Lee Warren|website=Digital Studies Center, Rutgers University-Camden|access-date=2023-06-23}}</ref> They saw the [[Apple II]] as an opportunity to teach young children concepts of math, reading, science, problem-solving, and thinking skills. Part of the original funding for the company came from a [[National Science Foundation]] grant.


TLC produced [[launch title]]s for the [[IBM PCjr|PCjr]], announced in late 1983.<ref name="wiswell19840124">{{cite news |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=kSzKzjWHeVEC&pg=PA142|title = Coming Soon: Games For The PCjr|work = PC|date = January 24, 1984|access-date = January 26, 2015|author = Wiswell|pages = 142–145|first = Phil}}</ref> From 1980 through 1984, it created a line of 15 widely acclaimed children's educational software products, which were sold through the U.S. retail and school computer software channels.
TLC produced [[launch title]]s for the [[IBM PCjr|PCjr]], announced in late 1983.<ref name="wiswell19840124">{{cite news |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=kSzKzjWHeVEC&pg=PA142|title = Coming Soon: Games For The PCjr|work = PC|date = January 24, 1984|access-date = January 26, 2015|author = Wiswell|pages = 142–145|first = Phil}}</ref> From 1980 through 1984, it created a line of 15 widely acclaimed children's educational software products, which were sold through the U.S. retail and school computer software channels.
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In the first half of 1985, the board hired as CEO Bill Dinsmore. Shortly thereafter, Reece Duca, a founding Partner of the Investment Group of Santa Barbara (IGSB), became a member of the board of directors and purchased shares from several founders and original venture firms. In late 1986, Duca was elected chairman of the board. At that time, IGSB became The Learning Company's largest shareholder.
In the first half of 1985, the board hired as CEO Bill Dinsmore. Shortly thereafter, Reece Duca, a founding Partner of the Investment Group of Santa Barbara (IGSB), became a member of the board of directors and purchased shares from several founders and original venture firms. In late 1986, Duca was elected chairman of the board. At that time, IGSB became The Learning Company's largest shareholder.


Between 1985 and 1995, TLC's revenues grew at a 36% compounded rate from $2.4M to $53.2M and profitability increased from breakeven in 1985 to a 20% pre-tax margin. The leading families of products were the ''Reader Rabbit'' series for ages 2–8, the ''Treasure Mountain'' Reading-Math-Science series for ages 5–9, the ''Super Solver'' series for ages 7–12, the ''Student Writing & Publishing Center'' for ages 7-adult, and the ''Foreign Language Learning'' series for ages 15-adult.
Between March 1985 and September 1995, TLC's revenues grew at a 36% compounded rate from $2.4M to $53.2M and profitability increased from breakeven in 1985 to a 20% pre-tax margin. The leading families of products were the ''Reader Rabbit'' series for ages 2–8, the ''Treasure Mountain'' Reading-Math-Science series for ages 5–9, the ''Super Solver'' series for ages 7–12, the ''Student Writing & Publishing Center'' for ages 7-adult, and the ''Foreign Language Learning'' series for ages 15-adult.


TLC went public on April 28, 1992, in an IPO led by [[Morgan Stanley]] and Robertson, Stephens & Co. From 1992 to 1995, TLC achieved 16 consecutive quarters of revenues and profits growth, never experiencing a down quarter or year. TLC's early struggles, followed by 10 consecutive years of outstanding performance, were the subject of case studies at both Harvard and Stanford universities.
TLC went public on April 28, 1992, in an IPO led by [[Morgan Stanley]] and Robertson, Stephens & Co. From 1992 to 1995, TLC achieved 16 consecutive quarters of revenues and profits growth, never experiencing a down quarter or year. TLC's early struggles, followed by 10 consecutive years of outstanding performance, were the subject of case studies at both Harvard and Stanford universities.
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=== SoftKey acquisition ===
=== SoftKey acquisition ===
{{Main|The Learning Company (formerly SoftKey)}}
{{Main|The Learning Company (formerly SoftKey)}}
On December 8, 1995, TLC was acquired by SoftKey for $606M<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/08/business/softkey-reaches-agreement-to-buy-learning-company.html|title=Softkey Reaches Agreement to Buy Learning Company|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=December 8, 1995|access-date=January 19, 2017}}</ref> in a hostile takeover bid, and a large percentage of the staff were fired. After the acquisition was complete, SoftKey changed its name to The Learning Company and continued to use its brand.
On December 8, 1995, TLC was acquired by SoftKey for $606M<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/08/business/softkey-reaches-agreement-to-buy-learning-company.html|title=Softkey Reaches Agreement to Buy Learning Company|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=December 8, 1995|access-date=January 19, 2017}}</ref> in a hostile takeover bid, and a large percentage of the staff was fired. After the acquisition was complete, SoftKey changed its name to The Learning Company and continued to use its brand. The Learning Company née SoftKey was subsequently acquired by [[Mattel]] on August 7, 1999.


== Software ==
== Software ==
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=== ''Carmen Sandiego'' series ===
=== ''Carmen Sandiego'' series ===
{{main|Carmen Sandiego (video game series)}}
{{main|Carmen Sandiego (video game series)}}
*''[[Carmen Sandiego's ThinkQuick Challenge]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Carmen Sandiego's ThinkQuick Challenge]]'' (1999)
*''[[Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Treasures of Knowledge]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Treasures of Knowledge]]'' (2001)
*''[[Carmen Sandiego Adventures in Math]]'' (2011–2012)
* ''[[Carmen Sandiego Adventures in Math]]'' (2011–2012)
*''[[Carmen Sandiego Returns]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Carmen Sandiego Returns]]'' (2015)


=== ''The ClueFinders'' series ===
=== ''The ClueFinders'' series ===
{{main|The ClueFinders}}
{{main|The ClueFinders}}
*Grade-based titles
* Grade-based titles
**''[[The ClueFinders 3rd Grade Adventures]]'' (1998)
** ''[[The ClueFinders 3rd Grade Adventures]]'' (1998)
**''[[The ClueFinders 4th Grade Adventures]]'' (1998)
** ''[[The ClueFinders 4th Grade Adventures]]'' (1998)
**''[[The ClueFinders 5th Grade Adventures]]'' (1999)
** ''[[The ClueFinders 5th Grade Adventures]]'' (1999)
**''[[The ClueFinders 6th Grade Adventures]]'' (1999)
** ''[[The ClueFinders 6th Grade Adventures]]'' (1999)
*Other titles
* Other titles
**''[[The ClueFinders Math Adventures]]'' (1998)
** ''[[The ClueFinders Math Adventures]]'' (1998)
**''[[The ClueFinders Reading Adventures]]'' (1999)
** ''[[The ClueFinders Reading Adventures]]'' (1999)
**''[[The ClueFinders Search and Solve Adventures]]'' (2000)
** ''[[The ClueFinders Search and Solve Adventures]]'' (2000)
**''[[The ClueFinders: The Incredible Toy Store Adventure!]]'' (2001)
** ''The ClueFinders Real World Adventure Kit'' (2001)
**''[[The ClueFinders: Mystery Mansion Arcade]]'' (2002)
** ''[[The ClueFinders: The Incredible Toy Store Adventure!]]'' (2001)
** ''The ClueFinders: Mystery Mansion Arcade'' (2002)


=== ''Fisher-Price'' series ===
=== ''Fisher-Price'' series ===
{{main|Fisher-Price}}
{{main|Fisher-Price}}
Created and published by [[Davidson & Associates]] / [[Knowledge Adventure]] and re-released by The Learning Company.
Created and published by [[Davidson & Associates]] / [[Knowledge Adventure]] and re-released by The Learning Company.
*''Fisher-Price: Dream Dollhouse'' (1995)
* ''Fisher-Price: Dream Dollhouse'' (1995)
*''Fisher-Price: Great Adventures: Castle'' (1995)
* ''Fisher-Price: Great Adventures: Castle'' (1995)
*''Fisher-Price: Great Adventures: Pirate Ship'' (1996)
* ''Fisher-Price: Great Adventures: Pirate Ship'' (1996)
*''Fisher-Price: Great Adventures: Wild Western Town'' (1997)
* ''Fisher-Price: Great Adventures: Wild Western Town'' (1997)
*''Fisher-Price: Big Action Garage'' (1998)
* ''Fisher-Price: Big Action Garage'' (1998)
*''Fisher-Price: Big Action Construction'' (1998)
* ''Fisher-Price: Big Action Construction'' (1998)
*''Fisher-Price: Little People Christmas Activity Center'' (1999)
* ''Fisher-Price: Little People Christmas Activity Center'' (1999)
*''Fisher-Price: Time to Play Dollhouse'' (1999)
* ''Fisher-Price: Time to Play Dollhouse'' (1999)
*''Fisher-Price: Time to Play Pet Shop'' (1998)
* ''Fisher-Price: Time to Play Pet Shop'' (1998)
*''Fisher-Price: Outdoor Adventures: Ranger Trail'' (1999)
* ''Fisher-Price: Outdoor Adventures: Ranger Trail'' (1999)
*''Fisher-Price: Rescue Heroes: Hurricane Havoc'' (1999)
* ''Fisher-Price: Rescue Heroes: Hurricane Havoc'' (1999)
*''Fisher-Price: Toddler'' (1999)
* ''Fisher-Price: Toddler'' (1999)
*''Fisher-Price: Preschool'' (1999)
* ''Fisher-Price: Preschool'' (1999)
*''Fisher-Price: Kindergarten'' (1999)
* ''Fisher-Price: Kindergarten'' (1999)


=== ''Reader Rabbit'' series ===
=== ''Reader Rabbit'' series ===
{{main|Reader Rabbit}}
{{main|Reader Rabbit}}
*Age-based titles
* Age-based titles
**''[[Reader Rabbit Playtime for Baby]]'' (1999)
** ''[[Reader Rabbit Playtime for Baby]]'' (1999)
**''[[Reader Rabbit Toddler]]'' (1997)
** ''[[Reader Rabbit Toddler]]'' (1997)
*Grade-based titles
* Grade-based titles
**''Reader Rabbit Preschool'' (1995; originally titled ''Let's Start Learning!'')
** ''Reader Rabbit Preschool'' (1995; originally titled ''Let's Start Learning!'')
**''[[Reader Rabbit Preschool: Sparkle Star Rescue]]'' (2001)
** ''[[Reader Rabbit Preschool: Sparkle Star Rescue]]'' (2001)
**''[[Reader Rabbit Kindergarten]]'' (1997)
** ''[[Reader Rabbit Kindergarten]]'' (1997)
**''Reader Rabbit Kindergarten: Bounce Down in Balloon Town'' (2001)
** ''Reader Rabbit Kindergarten: Bounce Down in Balloon Town'' (2001)
**''[[Reader Rabbit: 1st Grade]]'' (1998)
** ''[[Reader Rabbit: 1st Grade]]'' (1998)
**''Reader Rabbit 1st Grade: Capers on Cloud Nine'' (2001)
** ''Reader Rabbit 1st Grade: Capers on Cloud Nine'' (2001)
**''Reader Rabbit: 2nd Grade'' (1998)
** ''Reader Rabbit: 2nd Grade'' (1998)
**''Reader Rabbit 2nd Grade: Mis-cheese-ious Dreamship Adventures'' (2001)
** ''Reader Rabbit 2nd Grade: Mis-cheese-ious Dreamship Adventures'' (2001)
*Other titles
* Other titles
**''[[Reader Rabbit (video game)|Reader Rabbit]]'' (1984)
** ''[[Reader Rabbit (video game)|Reader Rabbit]]'' (1984)
**''[[Math Rabbit]]'' (1986; later titled ''Reader Rabbit Math'')
** ''[[Math Rabbit]]'' (1986; later titled ''Reader Rabbit Math'')
**''[[Writer Rabbit]]'' (1986)
** ''[[Writer Rabbit]]'' (1986)
**''[[Reader Rabbit 2]]'' (1991)
** ''[[Reader Rabbit 2]]'' (1991)
**''[[Reader Rabbit's Ready for Letters]]'' (1992)
** ''[[Reader Rabbit's Ready for Letters]]'' (1992)
**''[[Reader Rabbit 3]]'' (1993)
** ''[[Reader Rabbit 3]]'' (1993)
**''[[Reader Rabbit's Interactive Reading Journey]]'' (1994)
** ''[[Reader Rabbit's Interactive Reading Journey]]'' (1994)
**''[[Reader Rabbit's Reading Development Library]]'' series
** ''[[Reader Rabbit's Reading Development Library]]'' series
***''Reader Rabbit's Reading Development Library 1'' (1995)
*** ''Reader Rabbit's Reading Development Library 1'' (1995)
***''Reader Rabbit's Reading Development Library 2'' (1995)
*** ''Reader Rabbit's Reading Development Library 2'' (1995)
***''Reader Rabbit's Reading Development Library 3'' (1996)
*** ''Reader Rabbit's Reading Development Library 3'' (1996)
***''Reader Rabbit's Reading Development Library 4'' (1996)
*** ''Reader Rabbit's Reading Development Library 4'' (1996)
**''[[Reader Rabbit's Interactive Reading Journey 2]]'' (1996)
** ''[[Reader Rabbit's Interactive Reading Journey 2]]'' (1996)
**''Interactive Math Journey'' (1996)
** ''Interactive Math Journey'' (1996)
**''Reader Rabbit's Math Ages 6-9'' (1998)
** ''Reader Rabbit's Math Ages 6-9'' (1998)
**''Reader Rabbit's Learn to Read'' (1999)
** ''Reader Rabbit's Learn to Read'' (1999)
**''Reader Rabbit Thinking Adventures'' (1999)
** ''Reader Rabbit Thinking Adventures'' (1999)
**''Reader Rabbit Learn to Read with Phonics Preschool & Kindergarten'' (2000)
** ''Reader Rabbit Learn to Read With Phonics 1st & 2nd Grade'' (2002)
**''Reader Rabbit Learn to Read with Phonics 1st & 2nd Grade'' (2002)


=== ''StarFlyers'' series ===
=== ''StarFlyers'' series ===
{{main|Starflyers}}
{{main|Starflyers}}
*''Royal Jewel Rescue'' (2002)
* ''Royal Jewel Rescue'' (2002)
*''Alien Space Chase'' (2002)
* ''Alien Space Chase'' (2002)


=== ''Super Seekers'' games ===
=== ''Super Seekers'' games ===
*''[[Treasure Mountain!]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Treasure Mountain!]]'' (1990)
**Note: This game was originally released as a regular ''Super Solvers'' title.
** Note: This game was originally released as a regular ''Super Solvers'' title.
*''[[Treasure MathStorm!]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Treasure MathStorm!]]'' (1992)
*''[[Treasure Cove!]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Treasure Cove!]]'' (1992)
*''[[Treasure Galaxy!]]'' (1994)
* ''[[Treasure Galaxy!]]'' (1994)


=== ''Super Solvers'' series ===
=== ''Super Solvers'' series ===
*''[[Midnight Rescue!]]'' (later re-released as ''Super Solvers Reading'' and then ''Leap Ahead! 3rd Grade'') (1989)
* ''[[Midnight Rescue!]]'' (later re-released as ''Super Solvers Reading'' and then ''Leap Ahead! 3rd Grade'') (1989)
*''[[OutNumbered!]]'' (later re-released as ''Leap Ahead! 3rd Grade'') (1990)
* ''[[OutNumbered!]]'' (later re-released as ''Leap Ahead! 3rd Grade'') (1990)
*''[[Challenge of the Ancient Empires!]]'' (''Ancient Empires'') (1990)
* ''[[Challenge of the Ancient Empires!]]'' (''Ancient Empires'') (1990)
*''[[Spellbound!]]'' (later re-released as ''Leap Ahead! Spelling'') (1991)
* ''[[Spellbound!]]'' (later re-released as ''Leap Ahead! Spelling'') (1991)
*''[[Gizmos & Gadgets!]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Gizmos & Gadgets!]]'' (1993)
*''[[Mission: T.H.I.N.K.]]'' (1997)
* ''[[Mission: T.H.I.N.K.]]'' (1997)


=== ''Trail'' series ===
=== ''Trail'' series ===
{{see also|The Oregon Trail (series)}}
{{see also|The Oregon Trail (series)}}
*''[[Africa Trail]]'' (1995)
*''[[The Yukon Trail]]'' (1994)
*''[[The Oregon Trail 3rd Edition]]'' (1997)
* ''[[Africa Trail]]'' (1995)
*''[[Amazon Trail 3rd Edition]]'' (1998)
* ''[[The Oregon Trail 3rd Edition]]'' (1997)
*''[[The Oregon Trail 4th Edition]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Amazon Trail 3rd Edition]]'' (1998)
*''[[The Oregon Trail 5th Edition]]'' (2001)
* ''[[The Oregon Trail 4th Edition]]'' (1999)
* ''[[The Oregon Trail 5th Edition]]'' (2001)


=== ''Zoombinis'' series ===
=== ''Zoombinis'' series ===
{{main|Zoombinis}}
{{main|Zoombinis}}
*''[[Logical Journey of the Zoombinis|Zoombinis Logical Journey]]'' (1996; remade 2015)
* ''[[Logical Journey of the Zoombinis|Zoombinis Logical Journey]]'' (1996; remade 2015)
*''[[Zoombinis Mountain Rescue]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Zoombinis Mountain Rescue]]'' (2001)
*''[[Zoombinis Island Odyssey]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Zoombinis Island Odyssey]]'' (2002)


=== Other games ===
=== Other games ===
*''Explore Yellowstone'' (1997)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://macintoshgarden.org/apps/explore-yellowstone|title=Explore Yellowstone – Macintosh Garden}}</ref>
* ''Explore Yellowstone'' (1997)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://macintoshgarden.org/apps/explore-yellowstone|title=Explore Yellowstone - Macintosh Garden|website=macintoshgarden.org}}</ref>
* ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]: Mojo Jojo's Clone Zone'' (2002)
* ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]: Mojo Jojo's Clone Zone'' (2002)
* ''The Powerpuff Girls: Princess Snorebucks'' (2003)
* ''The Powerpuff Girls: Princess Snorebucks'' (2003)
*''[[Prince of Persia 3D]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Prince of Persia 3D]]'' (1999)
*''[[Soul Fighter]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Soul Fighter]]'' (1999)
*''SpongeBob SquarePants Typing'' (2004)
* ''SpongeBob SquarePants Typing'' (2004)
*''[[Vlad Tepes Dracula]]'' (1997)
* ''[[Vlad Tepes Dracula]]'' (1997)
*Real World series
* Real World series
**''[[Operation Neptune (game)|Operation Neptune]]'' (1991)
** ''[[Operation Neptune (game)|Operation Neptune]]'' (1991)
***Note: This game was eventually added to the ''Super Solvers'' series.
*** Note: This game was eventually added to the ''Super Solvers'' series.
**''Time Riders in American History''
** ''Time Riders in American History''
**''Math For The Real World''
** ''Math For The Real World''
**''PokéROM''
** ''PokéROM''
*Adventure/puzzle games
* Adventure/puzzle games
**''[[Rocky's Boots]]'' (1982)
** ''[[Rocky's Boots]]'' (1982)
**''[[Gertrude's Secrets]]'' (1984)
** ''[[Gertrude's Secrets]]'' (1984)
**''[[Gertrude's Puzzles]]'' (1984)
** ''[[Gertrude's Puzzles]]'' (1984)
**''[[Robot Odyssey]]'' (1984)
** ''[[Robot Odyssey]]'' (1984)
**''[[Think Quick!]]'' (1987)
** ''[[Think Quick!]]'' (1987)
**''Logic Quest 3D'' (1996)
** ''Logic Quest 3D'' (1996)
**''Road Adventures USA''
** ''Road Adventures USA''
*Achieve! games
* Achieve! games
**''Achieve! Math & Science: Grades 1–3''
** ''Achieve! Math & Science: Grades 1–3''
**''Achieve! Phonics, Reading & Writing: Grades 1–3''
** ''Achieve! Phonics, Reading & Writing: Grades 1–3''
**''Achieve! Math & Science: Grades 3–6''
** ''Achieve! Math & Science: Grades 3–6''
**''Achieve! Writing & Language Arts Grades 3–6''
** ''Achieve! Writing & Language Arts Grades 3–6''
*[[PBS Kids]] tie-in games
* [[PBS Kids]] tie-in games
**''[[Caillou]]'s Magic Playhouse''
** ''[[Caillou]]'s Magic Playhouse''
**''Caillou's Four Seasons of Fun''
** ''Caillou's Four Seasons of Fun''
**''Caillou's Party Fun and Games''
** ''Caillou's Party Fun and Games''
**''[[Zoboomafoo]] Animal Alphabet''
** ''[[Zoboomafoo]] Animal Alphabet''
**''Zoboomafoo Creature Quest''
** ''Zoboomafoo Creature Quest''
**''[[Arthur Read|Arthur]]: Ready to Race''
** ''[[Arthur Read|Arthur]]: Ready to Race''
**''[[Jay Jay the Jet Plane]]: Jay Jay Earns his Wings''
** ''[[Jay Jay the Jet Plane]]: Jay Jay Earns his Wings''
**''Jay Jay the Jet Plane: Sky Heroes to the Rescue''
** ''Jay Jay the Jet Plane: High-Flying Sky Circus''
** ''Jay Jay the Jet Plane: Sky Heroes to the Rescue''
⚫
**''[[Cyberchase]]: Carnival Chaos''
**''Cyberchase: Castleblanca Quest''
** ''[[Cyberchase]]: Carnival Chaos''
⚫
** ''Cyberchase: Castleblanca Quest''
**''[[Liberty's Kids]]''
**''[[Arthur Read|Arthur's]] Absolutely Fun Day!'' (2000)
** ''[[Liberty's Kids]]''
** ''[[Arthur Read|Arthur's]] Absolutely Fun Day!'' (2000)
*Tools and other programs
* Tools and other programs
**''All-Star Typing''
** ''All-Star Typing''
**''[[The American Girls Premiere]]''
** ''[[The American Girls Premiere]]''
**''Read, Write, and Type''
** ''Read, Write, and Type''
**''MetroGnomes' Music''
** ''MetroGnomes' Music''
**''The Children's Writing & Publishing Center''
** ''The Children's Writing & Publishing Center''
**''The Writing Center''
** ''The Writing Center''
**''Student Writing Center''
** ''Student Writing Center''
*Other early educational programs
* Other early educational programs
**''Magic Spells''
** ''Magic Spells''
**''Bumble Games''
** ''Bumble Games''
**''Bumble Plot''
** ''Bumble Plot''
**''Moptown Hotel''
** ''Moptown Hotel''
**''Moptown Parade''
** ''Moptown Parade''
**''Wordspinner''
** ''Wordspinner''
**''Juggles' Butterfly''
** ''Juggles' Butterfly''
**''Juggles' Rainbow''
** ''Juggles' Rainbow''
**''Juggles' House''
** ''Juggles' House''
**''Ultimate Children's Encyclopedia''
** ''Ultimate Children's Encyclopedia''


== References ==
== References ==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20180218175711/http://www.hmhco.com/at-home/featured-shops/the-learning-company}} (archived)
* {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20180218175711/http://www.hmhco.com/at-home/featured-shops/the-learning-company}} (archived)
*[http://www.mobygames.com/company/learning-company ''The Learning Company''] at [[MobyGames]]
* [http://www.mobygames.com/company/learning-company ''The Learning Company''] at [[MobyGames]]


{{Houghton Mifflin Harcourt}}
{{Houghton Mifflin Harcourt}}
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[[Category:Companies based in San Francisco]]
[[Category:Companies based in San Francisco]]
[[Category:Video game companies established in 1980]]
[[Category:Video game companies established in 1980]]
[[Category:Video game companies disestablished in 2018]]
[[Category:Video game companies disestablished in 1995]]
[[Category:Software companies based in Iowa]]
[[Category:Software companies based in Iowa]]
[[Category:Defunct educational software companies]]
[[Category:Defunct educational software companies]]

Latest revision as of 17:01, 20 October 2024

This article is about the company purchased by SoftKey in 1995. For other uses, see The Learning Company (disambiguation).

The Learning Company
Company typePublic
NYSE: TLC[1]
Founded1980; 44 years ago (1980) (as The Learning Co.)
Palo Alto, California, U.S.
Founders
Defunct1995; 29 years ago (1995)
FateAcquired by SoftKey
Headquarters
Boston, Massachusetts
,
U.S.
Key people
Warren Robinett (co-founder)
ProductsEducational games
Websitelearningcompany.com

The Learning Company (TLC) was an educational software company founded in 1980 in Palo Alto, California and headquartered in Fremont, California. The company produced a grade-based line of learning software, edutainment games, and productivity tools. Its titles included the flagship series Reader Rabbit, for preschoolers through second graders, and The ClueFinders, for more advanced students. The company was also known for publishing licensed educational titles featuring characters such as Arthur, The Powerpuff Girls, SpongeBob SquarePants or Sesame Street.

On December 8, 1995, the company was acquired by SoftKey in a hostile takeover bid, at which point SoftKey assumed the Learning Company name and brand.

History

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The Learning Company was founded in 8 May 1980 by Ann McCormick; Leslie Grimm; Teri Perl; and Warren Robinett, a former Atari, Inc. employee who had programmed the game Adventure.[2] They saw the Apple II as an opportunity to teach young children concepts of math, reading, science, problem-solving, and thinking skills. Part of the original funding for the company came from a National Science Foundation grant.

TLC produced launch titles for the PCjr, announced in late 1983.[3] From 1980 through 1984, it created a line of 15 widely acclaimed children's educational software products, which were sold through the U.S. retail and school computer software channels.

In the first half of 1985, the board hired as CEO Bill Dinsmore. Shortly thereafter, Reece Duca, a founding Partner of the Investment Group of Santa Barbara (IGSB), became a member of the board of directors and purchased shares from several founders and original venture firms. In late 1986, Duca was elected chairman of the board. At that time, IGSB became The Learning Company's largest shareholder.

Between March 1985 and September 1995, TLC's revenues grew at a 36% compounded rate from $2.4M to $53.2M and profitability increased from breakeven in 1985 to a 20% pre-tax margin. The leading families of products were the Reader Rabbit series for ages 2–8, the Treasure Mountain Reading-Math-Science series for ages 5–9, the Super Solver series for ages 7–12, the Student Writing & Publishing Center for ages 7-adult, and the Foreign Language Learning series for ages 15-adult.

TLC went public on April 28, 1992, in an IPO led by Morgan Stanley and Robertson, Stephens & Co. From 1992 to 1995, TLC achieved 16 consecutive quarters of revenues and profits growth, never experiencing a down quarter or year. TLC's early struggles, followed by 10 consecutive years of outstanding performance, were the subject of case studies at both Harvard and Stanford universities.

SoftKey acquisition

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Main article: The Learning Company (formerly SoftKey)

On December 8, 1995, TLC was acquired by SoftKey for $606M[4] in a hostile takeover bid, and a large percentage of the staff was fired. After the acquisition was complete, SoftKey changed its name to The Learning Company and continued to use its brand. The Learning Company née SoftKey was subsequently acquired by Mattel on August 7, 1999.

Software

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Note: When The Learning Company purchased Broderbund Software and MECC, they gained the rights to the long-running Carmen Sandiego and Trail series, respectively. Only those games created during the ownership of The Learning Company are included here.

Carmen Sandiego series

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Main article: Carmen Sandiego (video game series)

The ClueFinders series

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Main article: The ClueFinders

Fisher-Price series

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Main article: Fisher-Price

Created and published by Davidson & Associates / Knowledge Adventure and re-released by The Learning Company.

  • Fisher-Price: Dream Dollhouse (1995)
  • Fisher-Price: Great Adventures: Castle (1995)
  • Fisher-Price: Great Adventures: Pirate Ship (1996)
  • Fisher-Price: Great Adventures: Wild Western Town (1997)
  • Fisher-Price: Big Action Garage (1998)
  • Fisher-Price: Big Action Construction (1998)
  • Fisher-Price: Little People Christmas Activity Center (1999)
  • Fisher-Price: Time to Play Dollhouse (1999)
  • Fisher-Price: Time to Play Pet Shop (1998)
  • Fisher-Price: Outdoor Adventures: Ranger Trail (1999)
  • Fisher-Price: Rescue Heroes: Hurricane Havoc (1999)
  • Fisher-Price: Toddler (1999)
  • Fisher-Price: Preschool (1999)
  • Fisher-Price: Kindergarten (1999)

Reader Rabbit series

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Main article: Reader Rabbit

StarFlyers series

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Main article: Starflyers
  • Royal Jewel Rescue (2002)
  • Alien Space Chase (2002)

Super Seekers games

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Super Solvers series

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Trail series

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See also: The Oregon Trail (series)

Zoombinis series

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Main article: Zoombinis

Other games

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  • Explore Yellowstone (1997)[5]
  • The Powerpuff Girls: Mojo Jojo's Clone Zone (2002)
  • The Powerpuff Girls: Princess Snorebucks (2003)
  • Prince of Persia 3D (1999)
  • Soul Fighter (1999)
  • SpongeBob SquarePants Typing (2004)
  • Vlad Tepes Dracula (1997)
  • Real World series
    • Operation Neptune (1991)
      • Note: This game was eventually added to the Super Solvers series.
    • Time Riders in American History
    • Math For The Real World
    • PokéROM
  • Adventure/puzzle games
  • Achieve! games
    • Achieve! Math & Science: Grades 1–3
    • Achieve! Phonics, Reading & Writing: Grades 1–3
    • Achieve! Math & Science: Grades 3–6
    • Achieve! Writing & Language Arts Grades 3–6
  • PBS Kids tie-in games
    • Caillou's Magic Playhouse
    • Caillou's Four Seasons of Fun
    • Caillou's Party Fun and Games
    • Zoboomafoo Animal Alphabet
    • Zoboomafoo Creature Quest
    • Arthur: Ready to Race
    • Jay Jay the Jet Plane: Jay Jay Earns his Wings
    • Jay Jay the Jet Plane: High-Flying Sky Circus
    • Jay Jay the Jet Plane: Sky Heroes to the Rescue
    • Cyberchase: Carnival Chaos
    • Cyberchase: Castleblanca Quest
    • Liberty's Kids
    • Arthur's Absolutely Fun Day! (2000)
  • Tools and other programs
    • All-Star Typing
    • The American Girls Premiere
    • Read, Write, and Type
    • MetroGnomes' Music
    • The Children's Writing & Publishing Center
    • The Writing Center
    • Student Writing Center
  • Other early educational programs
    • Magic Spells
    • Bumble Games
    • Bumble Plot
    • Moptown Hotel
    • Moptown Parade
    • Wordspinner
    • Juggles' Butterfly
    • Juggles' Rainbow
    • Juggles' House
    • Ultimate Children's Encyclopedia

References

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  1. ^ "Short Take: The Learning Company moves from Nasdaq". CNET.
  2. ^ "Conversation with Warren Robinett Hosted by Andrew Ervin and Frank Lee Warren". Digital Studies Center, Rutgers University-Camden. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  3. ^ Wiswell, Phil (January 24, 1984). "Coming Soon: Games For The PCjr". PC. pp. 142–145. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  4. ^ "Softkey Reaches Agreement to Buy Learning Company". The New York Times. December 8, 1995. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
  5. ^ "Explore Yellowstone - Macintosh Garden". macintoshgarden.org.
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