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Jordan WeismanAmerican game designer, writer, entrepreneur
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Biography of Jordan Weisman
- Early Life and Education
- Founding FASA Corporation
- Environmental Simulations Project and Virtual Worlds Entertainment
- FASA Interactive and Microsoft Acquisition
- Creation of WizKids and Topps Acquisition
- Work at Microsoft and Alternative Reality Games
- Cathy's Book and Later Ventures
- Current Endeavors
Biography of Jordan Weisman
Jordan Weisman is an American game designer, writer, and entrepreneur. He is the founder of four major gaming companies, each specializing in different genres and occupying a specific segment of the market.
Early Life and Education
Weisman completed his high school education at Francis W. Parker High School in Chicago, Illinois. He then attended the Merchant Marine Academy and briefly the University of Illinois, Chicago, but dropped out to pursue business ventures.
Founding FASA Corporation
In 1980, Weisman co-founded FASA Corporation with his partner L. Ross Babcock. The company released several expansions for the role-playing game 'Traveller' and later developed games such as 'BattleTech' and 'Shadowrun'.
Environmental Simulations Project and Virtual Worlds Entertainment
In 1990, Weisman founded the Environmental Simulations Project (later renamed Virtual Worlds Entertainment) with funding from FASA and a Japanese investor. The company created gaming centers based on the 'BattleTech' franchise and, in collaboration with Incredible Technologies, established the world's first network of such centers. However, the venture did not achieve commercial success.
FASA Interactive and Microsoft Acquisition
In 1995, Weisman founded FASA Interactive to focus on the development and release of the popular computer game series 'MechWarrior,' which sold over 9 million copies worldwide. In 1999, FASA Interactive was acquired by Microsoft, and Weisman became the creative director in the entertainment technology division.
Creation of WizKids and Topps Acquisition
In 2000, Weisman created WizKids, which released games such as 'Mage Knight,' 'Heroclix,' and 'Pirates of the Spanish Main.' The company quickly grew and achieved annual sales of $30 million within two years. In 2004, WizKids was acquired by Topps.
Work at Microsoft and Alternative Reality Games
During his time at Microsoft, Weisman developed the alternative reality game 'The Beast' to promote Steven Spielberg's film 'A.I.' In 2003, he founded 42 Entertainment, a studio known for its innovative approach to alternative reality games, including 'I Love Bees' and 'Year Zero.'
Cathy's Book and Later Ventures
In 2006, Weisman co-authored the interactive novel 'Cathy's Book' with Sean Stewart and illustrator Cathy Brigg. In 2007, he founded Smith & Tinker and later launched the project 'Fyreball,' which aimed to provide an alternative to email and is now known as Meteor Solutions.
Current Endeavors
Weisman currently works as a professor in the Interactive Media Division at the USC School of Cinema-Television. In 2012, he launched a Kickstarter project to support the creation of the video game 'Shadowrun Returns.' In 2011, he signed an agreement with Piranha Games to develop the 'MechWarrior Reboot' game.
