DMA Design co-founder Mike Dailly has commemorated 35 years since the founding of DMA Design's original offices in Dundee.
The small, unassuming office at 134b Nethergate was the birthplace of some of the most iconic video games of the early 1990s, including the legendary Lemmings.
In a recent post on Twitter/X, Dailly shared fond memories of those early days, describing the office as "a tiny 2 room office" where creativity and innovation flourished. It was here that Dailly, alongside fellow developers, took the crucial step up from "bedroom coding" to a more structured development environment.
The creation of Lemmings, one of DMA Design's most celebrated games, took place on Gary Timmons' Amiga computer, which played a pivotal role in the game's development.
"Lemmings was born on Gary's Amiga - the one he's sitting beside here," Dailly recalls, emphasizing the importance of the hardware and the collaborative spirit that defined the team.
DMA Design, founded in 1987, quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to game development.
The studio's partnership with Psygnosis, a prominent game publisher of the time, was instrumental in providing the resources and support necessary to bring their creative visions to life.
"We got games up from Psygnosis that sat on the shelf in the hall," Dailly mentioned, highlighting the close relationship between the developer and publisher.
The early 1990s were a transformative period for the video game industry, with DMA Design at the forefront of this revolution. The success of Lemmings not only put the small Dundee-based studio on the map but also laid the groundwork for future successes, including the creation of Grand Theft Auto, which would become one of the most successful and influential video game franchises in history.
Reflecting on this anniversary, Dailly expressed gratitude for the experiences and opportunities that arose from those humble beginnings.
"This was such a good time," he reminisced, acknowledging the unique environment that fostered creativity and collaboration among the team.
The site of the Nethergate studio is still here today and the lower half of the building is now occupied by Wee Mexico, a popular tex-mex restaurant in the city. The site has a Lemmings sign on the window, serving as a reminder of the building's links to the video gaming industry.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the legacy of DMA Design and its contributions to the field remain a testament to the power of innovation and teamwork, with the gaming company now known to millions across the world, Rockstar North.
Comments