Mel Croucher is a British writer and video games pioneer. Originally an architect, he moved into computers and set up Automata UK in 1977, making the first broadcasts of computer game software over AM and FM radio. After the release of the Sinclair ZX81, his label published several games for the early home computer market, including three Computer Trade Association award-winners: Pimania (1982), Groucho (1983, aka My Name Is Uncle Groucho, You Win A Fat Cigar), and the groundbreaking "multi-media" title Deus Ex Machina (1984).
He has also written text books, computer manuals and comedy, and worked as a journalist, writing regular columns like Without Prejudice, The Rubber Room, and a sci-fi humorous serial called Tamara Knight for the ZX Spectrum magazine CRASH in the 1980s, as well as columns for various computer magazines since.
He is currently CEO of MelCroucher.net, an internet creative and marketing company; Editor In Chief of CollectValue.com, a social network for collectors; Founder of WritersDirect.net, a promotions company for authors, and StardomAwaits.com, a showcase website for voice talent.
Mel Croucher is the author of Zygote in Computer Shopper every month since 1987, the Rants And Raves column and the Great Moments In Computing cartoon strip in the same magazine.
In 2010 Feeding Tube Records, a small label in the United States, released "Pimania: The Music of Mel Croucher", a deluxe vinyl LP album of the music to the Pimania games, as well as tracks from other Automata releases. The album came with extensive liner notes by Croucher and Caroline Bren, as well as a large poster featuring selections from the original Automata print campaigns.
Mel Croucher is currently producing a remake of Deus Ex Machina, starring Sir Christopher Lee, to be released as Deus Ex Machina 2.
Read more about Mel Croucher: Video Games, Books and Journalism