History
Founded in 1982 by Bill Stealey and Sid Meier, Microprose Software Inc. was primarily known as a publisher of flight simulators, military simulations, and strategy titles for 8-bit home computers such as the Commodore 64, Apple II, and Atari 8-bit family, with titles such as Spitfire Ace and Hellcat Ace. It also published a few strategy games at the time.
As industry changed over to 16-bit and 32-bit CPUs in late 1980s, MicroProse started supporting IBM PC compatibles and 68000-based machines like the Amiga and Atari ST. MicroProse also started a UK branch to cross-publish titles in Europe, and to import some European titles to be published in the United States. Notable products from this period include Silent Service, Airborne Ranger, Pirates!, F-19 Stealth Fighter and Gunship.
In 1990 and 1991, MicroProse released the blockbusters Railroad Tycoon and Civilization, designed by Sid Meier and developed by its internal division MPS Labs, on multiple platforms. They quickly became two of the best-selling strategy games of all time and spawned multiple sequels. MicroProse also released Geoff Crammond's Formula One Grand Prix to adulation in 1991 (the Amiga and Atari ST versions were released first, and the DOS version followed in early 1992). Games were also published by under the labels Firebird (Fire and Brimstone) and Rainbird (Midwinter).
In 1992, MicroProse acquired Leeds-based flight simulation developer Vektor Grafix, who had already developed titles for (them such as B-17 Flying Fortress), turning it into a satellite development studio.
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