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| founded = {{Start date and age|1991}}
| founded = {{Start date and age|1991}}
| founder = <!-- or: | founders = -->
| founder = <!-- or: | founders = -->
| defunct = {{End date|July 1, 2023}}
| defunct = {{End date|2023|07|01}}
| hq_location_city = [[Torrance, California|Torrance]], [[California]]
| hq_location_city = [[Torrance, California|Torrance]], [[California]]
| hq_location_country = U.S.
| hq_location_country = U.S.
| key_people =
| products = {{Plainlist|
| products = {{Plainlist|
*''[[Neopets]]''
*''[[Neopets]]''
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*''[[Blaster Learning System]]'' (Davidson & Associates)
*''[[Blaster Learning System]]'' (Davidson & Associates)
}}
}}
| num_employees = 201-500
| num_employees = 201–500
| num_employees_year = <!-- Year of num_employees data (if known) -->
| num_employees_year = <!-- Year of num_employees data (if known) -->
| parent = [[NetDragon Websoft]] (2017–present)
| parent = [[Vivendi Games|Vivendi Universal Games]] (1997–2004)<br>[[NetDragon Websoft]] (2017–2023)
| website = http://www.jumpstart.com
| website =
}}
}}


'''JumpStart Games, Inc.''', formerly '''Knowledge Adventure, Inc.''', was an American [[edutainment]] video game company based in [[Torrance, California]]. Founded in 1991, it owns the ''[[Neopets]]'' virtual pet website, and is itself owned by Chinese holding company [[NetDragon Websoft]].
'''JumpStart Games, Inc.''', formerly '''Knowledge Adventure, Inc.''', was an American [[edutainment]] video game company based in [[Torrance, California]]. Founded in 1991, it was acquired by Chinese holding company [[NetDragon Websoft]] in 2017.


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:Knowledge Adventure 1992 logo.png|thumb|left|Former logo as Knowledge Adventure, used from 1992 until 1998 (the animated version used from 1994 until 1998).]]
[[File:Knowledge Adventure 1992 logo.png|thumb|left|Former logo as Knowledge Adventure, used from 1993 until 1998 (the animated version used from 1994 until 1998).]]
From 1991 to 1994, Knowledge Adventure created [[DOS]] games.<ref>{{cite web
Until 1994, Knowledge Adventure had created DOS games, including ''Knowledge Adventure The Game'', ''[[Isaac Asimov]]'s Science Adventure'', ''Space Adventure'', ''Mario Teaches Typing'', ''[[Mario Is Missing!]]'', ''[[San Diego Zoo Presents: The Animals!]]'', ''Dinosaur Adventure'', ''The Tale of Peter Rabbit'', ''[[Mario's Time Machine]]'', ''Mario's Early Years! Fun with Letters'', ''Mario's Early Years! Fun with Numbers'', ''Imax's [[Speed (1984 film)|Speed]]'', ''[[Undersea Adventure]]'', ''[[3D Dinosaur Adventure]]'', ''Isaac Asimov's Science Adventure II'', ''Kid's Zoo: A Baby Animal Adventure'', ''[[3D Body Adventure]]'', ''Space Adventure II'', ''Aviation Adventure'', ''America Adventure'', ''[[Bug Adventure]]'', ''[[The Discoverers (video game)|Imax's The Discoverers]]'', ''Mario's Early Years! Preschool Fun'', ''Magic Theater'', ''My First Encyclopedia'', ''[[Zurk's Learning Safari]]'', ''[[Zurk's Rainforest Lab]]'', ''[[Zurk's Alaskan Trek]]'', ''[[Mario's Game Gallery|Mario's Fundamentals]]'', ''Mario's Early Years! Kindergarten Fun'', ''[[Pyramid: Challenge of the Pharaoh's Dream]]'', ''[[Chess Mates]]'', ''Bricks the Ultimate Construction Toy!'', ''Flipper'', ''Drawing Discoveries'', ''Mario Teachers Typing 2'', ''Kid Keys: The Magical Typing Tutor'', ''Kid Pilots'', ''Dinosaur Adventure 3-D'', ''Lionel Trains Presents: Trans-Con!''.<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.mobygames.com/browse/games/jumpstart-games-inc/offset,0/so,1d/list-games/
| url = https://www.mobygames.com/browse/games/jumpstart-games-inc/offset,0/so,1d/list-games/
| title = Game Browser » Jumpstart Games, Inc.
| title = Game Browser » Jumpstart Games, Inc.
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| quote = }}</ref>
| quote = }}</ref>


===Purchase by CUC International===
⚫
On November 5, 1996, [[CUC International]] announced that it would acquire Knowledge Adventure and was completed on February 3, 1997, its [[Davidson & Associates]] subsidiary that CUC acquired in February 1996 will later merge with Knowledge Adventure in October 1998.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kaplan|first= Karen|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-11-06-fi-61744-story.html|title=CUC Will Buy Knowledge Adventure|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=November 6, 1996|access-date=September 3, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-02-10-fi-27220-story.html |title=Davidson Founders Make Quiet Exit |first=Karen|last=Kaplan|date=February 10, 1997 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=September 3, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.cucsoftware.com/press/kaacq.html|title=CUC International Completes Acquisition of Knowledge Adventure|publisher=CUC International|date=February 3, 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970714182108/http://www.cucsoftware.com/press/kaacq.html|access-date=September 3, 2020|archive-date=1997-07-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release|url=http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/press-room/all/k9030prepre070.html|title=Knowledge Adventure® Introduces ClassWorks™ Gold, A Revolutionary Classroom Alternative to Integrated Learning Systems and Stand-Alone Software|access-date=2002-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020320021246/http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/press-room/all/k9030prepre070.html|archive-date=2002-03-20|url-status=dead}}</ref>

⚫
On November 5, 1996, [[CUC International]] announced that it would acquire Knowledge Adventure;<ref>{{cite news|last=Kaplan|first= Karen|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-11-06-fi-61744-story.html|title=CUC Will Buy Knowledge Adventure|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=November 6, 1996|access-date=September 3, 2020}}</ref> the acquisition was completed on February 3, 1997.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.cucsoftware.com/press/kaacq.html|title=CUC International Completes Acquisition of Knowledge Adventure|publisher=CUC International|date=February 3, 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970714182108/http://www.cucsoftware.com/press/kaacq.html|access-date=September 3, 2020|archive-date=1997-07-14}}</ref> In February 1996, CUC had acquired [[Davidson & Associates]];<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-02-10-fi-27220-story.html |title=Davidson Founders Make Quiet Exit |first=Karen|last=Kaplan|date=February 10, 1997 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=September 3, 2020}}</ref> this subsidiary was later merged with Knowledge Adventure in October 1998.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/press-room/all/k9030prepre070.html|title=Knowledge Adventure® Introduces ClassWorks™ Gold, A Revolutionary Classroom Alternative to Integrated Learning Systems and Stand-Alone Software|access-date=2002-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020320021246/http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/press-room/all/k9030prepre070.html|archive-date=2002-03-20|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Knowledge Adventure 1998 logo.png|thumb|left|200px|Former logo as Knowledge Adventure, used from 1998 until 2011.]]
[[File:Knowledge Adventure 1998 logo.png|thumb|left|200px|Former logo as Knowledge Adventure, used from 1998 until 2011.]]


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Knowledge Adventure released ''JumpStart Baby'' in 2000.<ref name="auto1">{{cite journal |last=Galley |first=Michelle |date=May 10, 2000 |title=Computer Companies Give Birth to 'Lapware' for Babies |journal=Education Week |volume=19 |issue=35 |pages=Section: ACROSS THE NATION |issn=0277-4232}}</ref>
Knowledge Adventure released ''JumpStart Baby'' in 2000.<ref name="auto1">{{cite journal |last=Galley |first=Michelle |date=May 10, 2000 |title=Computer Companies Give Birth to 'Lapware' for Babies |journal=Education Week |volume=19 |issue=35 |pages=Section: ACROSS THE NATION |issn=0277-4232}}</ref>


===Separation from Vivendi===
In October 2004, Vivendi sold Knowledge Adventure to a group of investors interested in taking a more active management strategy, and in developing new educational software. The company has since released new products under both the JumpStart and Math Blaster brands.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ron Fahey|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/vivendi-universal-sells-educational-games-division|title=Vivendi Universal sells educational games division|website=Gamesindustry.biz|date=October 6, 2004|access-date=September 3, 2020}}</ref>
In October 2004, Vivendi sold Knowledge Adventure to a group of investors interested in taking a more active management strategy, and in developing new educational software. The company released new products under both the JumpStart and Math Blaster brands.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ron Fahey|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/vivendi-universal-sells-educational-games-division|title=Vivendi Universal sells educational games division|website=Gamesindustry.biz|date=October 6, 2004|access-date=September 3, 2020}}</ref>
[[File:Knowledge Adventure 2011 logo.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Former logo as Knowledge Adventure, used from 2011 until 2012.]]
[[File:Knowledge Adventure 2011 logo.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Last logo as Knowledge Adventure, used from 2011 until 2012.]]

In October 2012, Knowledge Adventure changed its name to JumpStart Games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=7882809|title=Company Overview of JumpStart Games, Inc.|website=[[Bloomberg News]] |access-date=June 26, 2019}}</ref>
In October 2012, Knowledge Adventure changed its name to JumpStart Games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=7882809|title=Company Overview of JumpStart Games, Inc.|website=[[Bloomberg News]] |access-date=June 26, 2019}}</ref>


On March 17, 2014, JumpStart Games purchased [[Neopets]] from [[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]].<ref>{{cite web
On March 17, 2014, JumpStart Games purchased ''[[Neopets]]'' from [[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]].<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.neopets.com/nf.phtml?nf_date=2014-03-17#js
| url = http://www.neopets.com/nf.phtml?nf_date=2014-03-17#js
| title = New Features - 18th March - Illusen Day
| title = New Features - 18th March - Illusen Day
Line 67: Line 70:


=== Closure and transfer of ''Neopets'' ===
=== Closure and transfer of ''Neopets'' ===
[[File:JumpStart Final Logo.png|thumb|Final logo for JumpStart Games from 2012 until 2023]] On June 13, 2023, Jumpstart Games announced the closure of the company and the end of support of all games, excluding [[Neopets]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Jellyneo.net {{!}} Neopets Help, Neopets Guides, and Neopets News! |url=https://www.jellyneo.net/?comments=14351 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=www.jellyneo.net}}</ref> on June 30, 2023. The company officially closed July 1, 2023 at 3am EST with servers and their website also shutting down. No reason upon the closure was given.
[[File:JumpStart Final Logo.png|thumb|Final and only logo for JumpStart Games from 2012 until 2023]] On June 13, 2023, Jumpstart Games announced it was ceasing all of its operations and ending support of all games, excluding ''Neopets'',<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Jellyneo.net {{!}} Neopets Help, Neopets Guides, and Neopets News! |url=https://www.jellyneo.net/?comments=14351 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=www.jellyneo.net}}</ref> on June 30, 2023. The company officially closed July 1, 2023 at 3am EST with servers and their website also shutting down. No reason upon the closure was given.


Neopets has been transferred over to Fluffy Dog Studios which was formerly JumpStart Vancouver.<ref name=":0" />
Neopets was briefly transferred over to Fluffy Dog Studios, which was formerly JumpStart Vancouver,<ref name=":0" /> before being spun off as World of Neopia, Inc. in a management buyout deal.


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Educational software companies]]
[[Category:Educational software companies]]
[[Category:Software companies based in California]]
[[Category:Software companies based in California]]
[[Category:Video game companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Defunct video game companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Video game companies established in 1991]]
[[Category:Video game companies established in 1991]]
[[Category:Software companies established in 1991]]
[[Category:Software companies disestablished in 2023]]
[[Category:Video game development companies]]
[[Category:Video game development companies]]
[[Category:Companies based in Torrance, California]]
[[Category:Companies based in Torrance, California]]
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[[Category:2017 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:2017 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:Video game companies disestablished in 2023]]
[[Category:Video game companies disestablished in 2023]]
[[Category:1991 establishments in California]]
[[Category:2023 disestablishments in California]]
[[Category:Defunct educational software companies]]
[[Category:Defunct software companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Defunct companies based in California]]

Latest revision as of 19:02, 21 December 2024

JumpStart Games, Inc.
FormerlyKnowledge Adventure, Inc. (1991–2012)
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryVideo games
Education
PredecessorDavidson & Associates
CUC Software
Cendant Software
Havas
Founded1991; 34 years ago (1991)
DefunctJuly 1, 2023 (2023-07-01)
Headquarters
Torrance, California
,
U.S.
Products
Number of employees
201–500
ParentVivendi Universal Games (1997–2004)
NetDragon Websoft (2017–2023)
Websitewww.knowledgeadventure.com Edit this on Wikidata

JumpStart Games, Inc., formerly Knowledge Adventure, Inc., was an American edutainment video game company based in Torrance, California. Founded in 1991, it was acquired by Chinese holding company NetDragon Websoft in 2017.

History

[edit]
Former logo as Knowledge Adventure, used from 1993 until 1998 (the animated version used from 1994 until 1998).

From 1991 to 1994, Knowledge Adventure created DOS games.[1]

Purchase by CUC International

[edit]

On November 5, 1996, CUC International announced that it would acquire Knowledge Adventure;[2] the acquisition was completed on February 3, 1997.[3] In February 1996, CUC had acquired Davidson & Associates;[4] this subsidiary was later merged with Knowledge Adventure in October 1998.[5]

Former logo as Knowledge Adventure, used from 1998 until 2011.

On May 28, 1997, CUC International announced plans to merge with Hospitality Franchise Systems to create a single, "one-stop" entity.[6][7] The merger was finalized in December that year and created Cendant.[8] As a result of the merger, CUC Software was renamed Cendant Software.[9] On November 20, 1998, French media company Havas (later acquired by water utility Vivendi) announced that it would acquire Cendant Software for $800 million in cash and up to $200 million contingent on the performance of Cendant Software.[10][11] Subsequently, the division was renamed Havas Interactive.[12]

During that time, Knowledge Adventure released many branded games such as JumpStart, Dr. Brain, Fisher-Price, Barbie, Bear in the Big Blue House, Blaster, Teletubbies, Noddy, Jurassic Park III, Captain Kangaroo, Curious George and American Idol.[citation needed]

Knowledge Adventure released JumpStart Baby in 2000.[13]

Separation from Vivendi

[edit]

In October 2004, Vivendi sold Knowledge Adventure to a group of investors interested in taking a more active management strategy, and in developing new educational software. The company released new products under both the JumpStart and Math Blaster brands.[14]

Last logo as Knowledge Adventure, used from 2011 until 2012.

In October 2012, Knowledge Adventure changed its name to JumpStart Games.[15]

On March 17, 2014, JumpStart Games purchased Neopets from Viacom.[16]

On July 7, 2017, JumpStart Games was acquired by Chinese online game publisher NetDragon Websoft.[17]

Back-catalog digital re-releases

[edit]

On November 25, 2014, five Knowledge Adventure titles were re-released digitally as DRM-Free exclusives on ZOOM-Platform.com through a partnership between JumpStart Games and the Jordan Freeman Group. The five titles included 3D Body Adventure, 3D Dinosaur Adventure, Dinosaur Adventure (Original), Space Adventure, and Undersea Adventure.[18]

On March 6, 2015, another Knowledge Adventure title, Bug Adventure, was re-released digitally as a DRM-Free exclusive on ZOOM-Platform.com. This title was also released through the partnership between JumpStart and the Jordan Freeman Group. ZOOM-Platform.com indicated the game was released due to the "incredible reaction" they got to the first batch of Knowledge Adventure titles.[19]

Closure and transfer of Neopets

[edit]
Final and only logo for JumpStart Games from 2012 until 2023

On June 13, 2023, Jumpstart Games announced it was ceasing all of its operations and ending support of all games, excluding Neopets,[20] on June 30, 2023. The company officially closed July 1, 2023 at 3am EST with servers and their website also shutting down. No reason upon the closure was given.

Neopets was briefly transferred over to Fluffy Dog Studios, which was formerly JumpStart Vancouver,[20] before being spun off as World of Neopia, Inc. in a management buyout deal.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Game Browser » Jumpstart Games, Inc". mobygames.com. MobyGames. Retrieved 2021-04-15.
  2. ^ Kaplan, Karen (November 6, 1996). "CUC Will Buy Knowledge Adventure". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  3. ^ "CUC International Completes Acquisition of Knowledge Adventure" (Press release). CUC International. February 3, 1997. Archived from the original on 1997-07-14. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  4. ^ Kaplan, Karen (February 10, 1997). "Davidson Founders Make Quiet Exit". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  5. ^ "Knowledge Adventure® Introduces ClassWorks™ Gold, A Revolutionary Classroom Alternative to Integrated Learning Systems and Stand-Alone Software" (Press release). Archived from the original on 2002-03-20. Retrieved 2002-03-20.
  6. ^ Bagli, Charles V. (May 28, 1997). "$11 Billion Merger Plan Would Join HFS and CUC". The New York Times. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  7. ^ "CUC-HFS Merger Deal to Create Strong One-Stop-Shopping Entity". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. May 28, 1997. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  8. ^ Jebens, Harley (April 28, 2000). "CUC Gets Renamed". GameSpot. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  9. ^ "CUC Now Cendant". Game Developer. UBM TechWeb. March 1998. p. 13.
  10. ^ Hansell, Saul (November 20, 1998). "Cendant Said to Near Sale of Software Division". The New York Times. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  11. ^ "Cendant Sells Software Unit". Wired. November 20, 1998. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  12. ^ "Vivendi's High Wireless Act". Wired. December 1, 2000. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  13. ^ Galley, Michelle (May 10, 2000). "Computer Companies Give Birth to 'Lapware' for Babies". Education Week. 19 (35): Section: ACROSS THE NATION. ISSN 0277-4232.
  14. ^ Ron Fahey (October 6, 2004). "Vivendi Universal sells educational games division". Gamesindustry.biz. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  15. ^ "Company Overview of JumpStart Games, Inc". Bloomberg News. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  16. ^ "New Features - 18th March - Illusen Day". Neopets.com. Neopets, Inc. 2014-03-18. Retrieved 2021-04-15.
  17. ^ Whyte, Alexandra (July 7, 2017). "Neopets owner acquired by China's NetDragon". kidscreen.com. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  18. ^ "Edenwaith : Blog". www.edenwaith.com. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
  19. ^ "ZOOM Announces Exclusive Release of Knowledge Adventure Back-Catalog". November 25, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  20. ^ a b "Jellyneo.net | Neopets Help, Neopets Guides, and Neopets News!". www.jellyneo.net. Retrieved 2023-06-15.
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