Episode Details

TCW Podcast Episode 249 - New World Computing

We look at the rise and fall of New World Computing through the career of Jon Van Caneghem. Coming from the era of the lone programmer as the industry shifted toward larger development houses, Jon built Might and Magic into one of the most influential RPG franchises of its time. We trace the evolution of the series from its early focus on quest driven gameplay, early auto mapping, and the introduction of features like quest logs and reactive character portraits. Along the way, New World Computing briefly experimented with board games, returning to video games with King’s Bounty, a title that would later be reimagined as Heroes of Might and Magic after a marketing push to leverage the stronger Might and Magic name. We examine the company’s shifting publishing relationships, struggles with distribution, and eventual acquisition by the 3DO Company. While Heroes of Might and Magic III brought major success, pressure from 3DO led to rushed releases, excessive expansions, and declining quality across both franchises. As Might and Magic moved into 3D and real time combat, development resources became increasingly strained. The episode closes with the collapse of 3DO, failed efforts to spin off New World Computing, and the quiet end of a studio that helped define computer role playing games.

Dedicated to Ember - Beloved cat, and producer of the show. Oct 2008 - Dec 2025.

Darkside of Xeen Intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cPFL0NfsRg

Ultima I (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI5ypVUk_wk

Wizardry (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJhMpPnnXMo

New World Computing Logos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g647Hk4UHkc

Star Trek - Terren Empire Logo: https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Terran_Empire

Simpsons - The Shinning Bard & Willie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kddzyds4fGo

Might and Magic - Advertisements: https://www.mobygames.com/game/1619/might-and-magic-book-one-secret-of-the-inner-sanctum/promo/group-56698/image-479480/

Might and Magic Book 1 Secret of the Inner Sanctum (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0airoGX9xk

The CRPG Addict - Might and Magic Book One: https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2010/07/game-19-might-magic-i.html

The CRPG Addict - Might and Magic Won!: https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2010/07/might-magic-won.html

The CRPG Addict - Might and Magic Final Ranking: https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2010/07/might-magic-final-ranking.html

The Digital Antiquarian - Might and Magic: https://www.filfre.net/2021/12/might-and-magic/

Simpsons - Finding 20 Dollars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZch40U9Bfk

Might and Magic Book II - Gates to Another World (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TEz9KlDaZY

Star Trek Trailer for S3E08 - The World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky: https://www