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Mastertronic Group
Mastertronic Group
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Mastertronic Group Limited was a software publisher formed as a result of a merger between The Producers and Sold Out Sales & Marketing in 2004.[1] Frank Herman, one of the founders of the original Mastertronic and former chairman of Sega Europe, was involved in negotiations to buy back the name from Sega in 2003. Frank Herman died in 2009 and the company was run by MD Andy Payne and Garry Williams.

Key Information

Mastertronic Group licensed, published and distributed value PC software under the Sold Out, M.A.D. and PC Gamer Presents labels. They also owned the Everyone Can Play and Great Indie Games labels. Mastertronic closed in November 2015.[2]

History

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Mastertronic Group Limited was formed in 2004 out of a merger between The Producers Limited and Sold Out Sales & Marketing Limited. The 'Sold Out' label was retained and used to sell software at the £5 (frequently "3-for-£10") price-point. The company also distributed software under the original 'M.A.D.' imprint, as well as another label associated with PC Gamer magazine. Games on these labels were typically sold for £10 (or "3-for-£20").

Just Flight and Just Trains, both specialist simulation publishers, were acquired by the Mastertronic Group in 2008.

In 2009, Mastertronic Group started the Great Indie Games publishing label to spread independent games, only available on the internet, to shops.[3] Later that year, Mastertronic Group founder Andy Payne entered into a joint venture with Rupert Loman MD of Eurogamer Network and formed Get Games Go (known as Get Games) to market and sell PC games by direct download.[4]

In early 2014, in response to the changing games industry, the Group focused its efforts on its publishing activities. As part of the process, the sales team was spun out to re-form Sold Out Sales & Marketing, led by Garry Williams and James Cato.[5] Sold Out was later acquired by Toadman Interactive in November 2019.[6] Mastertronic Group had also become the sole owner and operator of Get Games.

Business units

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Mastertronic Group had five business units: Mastertronic Games, The Producers (manufacturing and fulfilment), Just Flight (Flight and Train Simulations), Blast Entertainment and Get Games.

Mastertronic Games

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Mastertronic published PC & console games under a range of labels, including PC Gamer Presents, M.A.D., Sold Out, Everyone Can Play and Great Indie Games. Recently, the brand has increased output of indie-developed digital titles such as 10 Second Ninja, Epanalepsis, 0RBITALIS, Tango Fiesta, Richard & Alice and Concursion.[7]

Get Games

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Get Games was online retail outlet for digital-download PC/Mac/Linux games from a number of various publishers, both large and small. Get Games also offered periodic bundle sales under the Get Loaded brand.

Just Flight & Just Trains

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Publishes and develops add-on content for the major flight simulation packages such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, Lockheed Martin Prepar3D and X-Plane. The internal development team recently completed work on its English Electric Canberra PR9 add-on[8] and has begun development of a Panavia Tornado add-on.[9]

In a similar vein to Just Flight, Just Trains published and developed add-on content for train simulation packages, primarily RailWorks.

The Producers

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The Producers provided manufacturing, fulfilment and distribution services to the group and third parties.

Blast! Entertainment

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Blast! Entertainment was a publishing joint-venture between Mastertronic and Disky Communications that published budget-priced, licensed-based video games for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PC, Wii and Nintendo DS aimed at younger players. The partnership was announced in April 2006, and the company sold its remaining stock c. 2009.[10][11] Their output included games commissioned by budgeted British developers, which included Casper's Scare School, Casper and the Ghostly Trio, Little Britain: The Video Game, Charlotte's Web, An American Tail, and Mr. Bean. Games published by Blast! were often panned by critics for outdated graphics, unfaithfulness to the license and short length; many titles were labelled as "shovelware".[12]

Sold Out

[edit]

Sold Out was a publishing label that published indie games.

References

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from Grokipedia
Mastertronic Group Ltd. was a British , , and developer founded in as a revival of the original brand, which had pioneered budget software in the , and it operated until entering administration in 2015. Established in the by industry veteran Frank Herman alongside Andy Payne and Garry Williams, the company focused on value publishing and distribution, releasing over 500 titles across PC, console, and mobile platforms by 2009. It built a portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including Sold Out Sales & Marketing and The Producers Limited in 2004 for enhanced distribution and production services, Just Flight and Just Trains in 2007 for flight and train , and the launch of its Blast Entertainment imprint in 2006 targeting the children's entertainment market. Notable releases under Mastertronic Group included over 117 credited games such as (2014), Speedball 2 HD (2013), and Sublevel Zero (2015), emphasizing budget-friendly and accessible titles. The company also ventured into mobile gaming with the MAD 4 Games label starting in 2004 and maintained a strong presence in the European value sector. Facing financial challenges after a failed investment deal in early 2015, Mastertronic Group entered administration on November 27, 2015, resulting in redundancies and the closure of its retail operations, with key assets like Sold Out Software sold to new ownership and the entity fully dissolved on November 14, 2017.

History

Formation and early years

The original Mastertronic was established in 1983 in by Martin Alper, Frank Herman, Terry Medway, and Alan Sharam as a specializing in low-cost computer games for home systems. The company quickly gained prominence for its affordable titles, often priced at £1.99, targeting the growing market for 8-bit computers like the and Commodore 64. In 1987, Mastertronic became the UK distributor for the . In 1988, it was fully acquired by Virgin Games, becoming Virgin Mastertronic. acquired Virgin Mastertronic in 1991, after which the Mastertronic brand lay dormant until its rights were repurchased from in 2003 by Frank Herman, one of the original founders, for a nominal fee. Mastertronic Group Ltd. was incorporated on 29 April 2003 and expanded through the 2004 merger with The Producers, a media manufacturing and duplication firm, and acquisition of Sold Out Sales & Marketing, a specialist in value-priced game distribution. This union created a vertically integrated entity focused on budget and mid-range publishing and distribution for PC and console platforms, leveraging the repurchased brand to revive its legacy in the value segment. Frank Herman served as chairman, drawing on his prior experience as chairman of Europe to guide strategy; he was joined by Andy Payne as managing director and Garry Williams as a key co-founder. The group's initial operations emphasized distribution services from Sold Out, providing early revenue streams through partnerships with major publishers to re-release older titles at discounted prices. Between 2004 and 2006, Mastertronic Group launched the Mastertronic Games publishing imprint, marking its entry into original and licensed budget title development and release. Early releases included compilations and value packs for and PC, such as sports and action games targeted at casual gamers, building on the merged entities' expertise in cost-effective production and sales. The company established its headquarters in , , to centralize manufacturing, publishing, and distribution activities, supported by financial backing from the founding partners to fuel initial expansion in the European market.

Expansion and acquisitions

In 2006, Mastertronic Group entered into a with Disky Communications, part of the Hermans Group, to launch Blast! Entertainment as a budget games label focused on family-friendly and licensed titles aimed at younger audiences. This initiative initially targeted games priced at £9.99, featuring properties from Hollywood studios, TV shows, and toys, and later expanded to children's titles for and platforms. The group's expansion continued in 2007 with the acquisition of Just Flight and its sister company Just Trains, both specialist publishers in the market. Just Flight, founded in 1995, specialized in high-quality flight add-ons for PC enthusiasts, while Just Trains focused on train , enabling to diversify into niche enthusiast segments beyond mainstream console and PC gaming. By 2009, Mastertronic launched the Get Games digital download store in partnership with the Network, marking a strategic shift toward amid evolving industry trends. This platform offered PC, Mac, and titles, including indie, classic, and new releases, to broaden access for European consumers. That same year, the company introduced the Great Indie Games label to promote independent PC titles in retail, starting with critically acclaimed releases like World of Goo by 2D Boy, which emphasized innovative gameplay and collaborative elements. Mastertronic's growth during this period was underscored by the release of over 500 games across its labels, including Sold Out, MAD, and Presents, by mid-2009, building on the sales infrastructure from the 2004 merger with Sold Out. The group also briefly entered the mobile market through its , launched in 2004 to distribute via partnerships like one with GAME stores. Revenue streams were bolstered by The Producers' manufacturing and distribution services, which provided end-to-end support for both internal labels and third-party clients. Key strategic decisions were influenced by group founder Andy Payne's role as ELSPA chairman, a position he held starting around 2009, which informed Mastertronic's navigation of regulatory and market challenges in the UK games industry.

Decline and closure

Following the death of co-founder and chairman Frank Herman on March 30, 2009, Mastertronic Group was led by managing director Andy Payne and operations director Garry Williams, who navigated the company through an increasingly challenging market landscape. The group shifted toward digital publishing in the early to adapt to the rise of online distribution platforms, which eroded demand for physical that had been a core strength through labels like Sold Out. This transition was hampered by the physical distribution sector's decline, as digital sales reduced the profitability of boxed products and fulfillment services provided by The Producers unit. Financial pressures intensified from 2014, with the company closing its headquarters and laying off nearly half its staff—around 30 employees—while seeking protection to avoid . A temporary agreement in February 2015 provided short-term relief but ultimately collapsed due to unreliable funding from Bahrain- and Qatar-based backers, exacerbating debt issues and leading to the loss of operational stability. In November 2013, the Sold Out sales and arm had been spun out to the entity International Ninjas Sales & Limited, allowing it to operate separately before its acquisition by Toadman Interactive in 2019 for £16 million. By late 2015, these challenges culminated in Mastertronic Group entering administration on November 27, with joint administrators David Dunckley and of Grant Thornton UK LLP appointed to manage the process, resulting in employee redundancies and claims. The administration led to the winding down of core operations, including The Producers' manufacturing and fulfillment services, after 32 years since the original 's formation in 1983. Assets were sold to a new investor to preserve some jobs and , though CEO Andy Payne departed the firm; notable among the sales was Just Flight, which declared and continued as an operational flight simulation publisher post-closure. The closure marked the end of a significant player in the UK games industry, which had distributed hundreds of titles across PC and console formats, contributing to the budget publishing segment but highlighting the sector's vulnerability to digital disruption. Subsequent attempts to revive the Mastertronic brand, including acquisitions for retro and indie releases, have not resulted in a successful operational relaunch as of 2025.

Business units

Mastertronic Games

Mastertronic Games served as the primary publishing label of Mastertronic Group, established in 2004 following the merger of The Producers and Sold Out Sales & Marketing, with a focus on budget and mid-range titles for consoles and PC. The label targeted key platforms including , , , and PC, distributing both re-releases of established hits and original content to broaden accessibility in the gaming market. The label's portfolio emphasized affordable entertainment, featuring budget re-releases of popular action games and sports simulations, alongside original titles developed in partnership with indie studios. Notable examples include the fast-paced action platformer 10 Second Ninja released in 2014, which showcased quick-time challenges against robotic foes, and collaborations through the Great Indie Games initiative launched in 2009 to bring digital-only indie titles to physical retail. By 2015, Mastertronic Games had contributed to over 300 titles, including mid-range offerings like Orcs Must Die! (2011) and Worms: Ultimate Mayhem (2012), prioritizing engaging gameplay over high-end production values. Operationally, the label adopted a of accessible pricing in the to segment, typically £5 to £20, to appeal to casual gamers through major retail chains like and . Marketing efforts highlighted value-driven bundles and licensed content, such as family-oriented action titles, to drive volume sales in physical stores. Post-2010, Mastertronic Games transitioned toward , integrating releases with platforms like to complement the group's Get Games digital arm and reach broader audiences online. Key achievements included surpassing 500 games published across Mastertronic Group labels by 2009, with Mastertronic Games handling the majority of console and PC output, solidifying its reputation as a leader in value publishing. The label's focus on indie partnerships and budget innovations earned recognition in the industry for democratizing access to quality gaming experiences.

Sold Out Sales & Marketing

Sold Out Sales & Marketing served as the primary sales and distribution arm of the Mastertronic Group following the merger between The Producers and Sold Out Sales & Marketing Ltd., which formed the group under the leadership of Frank Herman. Originally founded in 1994 as Investaplex Ltd., Sold Out focused on budget software distribution, handling retail channels across the and for low-cost re-releases and value-priced titles, typically at £4.99 or £9.99. This integration positioned it as the backbone for physical distribution, enabling Mastertronic to dominate the budget sector by securing placements in major retailers and emphasizing accessible pricing to broaden market reach. From 2004 to 2014, Sold Out's operations centered on and distributing both Mastertronic's own titles and third-party games, generating through client partnerships where it acted as the partner. It ran campaigns promoting value packs and re-release bundles, such as high-profile PC titles repackaged for affordability, which expanded into bundling services to enhance retail appeal and drive volume . These efforts contributed significantly to the group's physical , with Sold Out managing distribution that accounted for a substantial portion of Mastertronic's boxed product , including worldwide boxed representing around 40% of total turnover in key periods. The division also integrated briefly with The Producers for fulfillment support, streamlining logistics for European markets. In 2014, amid Mastertronic's challenges, founders Garry Williams and James Cato spun out Sold Out as an independent entity, Sold Out Sales & Marketing Ltd., to refocus on and distribution free from the parent company's constraints. This separation allowed it to evolve beyond budget re-releases into full-price while maintaining success in value . In 2019, Swedish firm Toadman Interactive acquired the company for £16 million. In 2022, under Toadman's parent company (EG7), Sold Out was rebranded as Fireshine Games. Although Toadman Interactive was shut down by EG7 in January 2025, Fireshine Games continues to operate as a under EG7 as of November 2025, focusing on indie and multi-platform titles.

The Producers

The Producers was established as an independent manufacturing and fulfillment company specializing in CD and DVD duplication, packaging, and related services for the industry prior to its integration into the Mastertronic Group. In , it merged with Sold Out Sales & Marketing to form the Mastertronic Group, enabling by bringing production capabilities in-house to support the group's budget-oriented model. From 2004 to 2015, The Producers operated as a wholly owned , providing comprehensive "cradle to grave" services that encompassed , assembly, , warehousing, and for physical game products. These services extended to both internal Mastertronic labels and external clients in the games sector, with facilities based in the facilitating European distribution and handling PAL territory , including cash collection for partners like Gamecock Media Europe. The subsidiary's expertise, built on over two decades of prior experience, supported efficient production of physical media such as discs for titles including Stronghold Crusader Extreme and . The Producers played a pivotal role in the Mastertronic Group's by enabling cost-effective manufacturing that aligned with its focus on affordable, high-volume game releases, while coordinating with downstream partners like Sold Out for retail sales and promotion. At its peak, the subsidiary contributed to the group's ability to manage large-scale physical distribution across global markets. Following the Mastertronic Group's entry into administration in November 2015, The Producers was wound down as part of the broader , with its assets subsequently sold off, effectively ending the group's in-house physical operations.

Just Flight and Just Trains

In 2007, the Mastertronic Group acquired Just Flight and its sister company Just Trains, targeting the dedicated PC simulation community with specialized add-on content for aviation and rail enthusiasts. Just Flight, founded in 1996 as a developer of flight simulation expansions, primarily produced add-ons for , while Just Trains focused on train simulation software compatible with platforms like . The product portfolio of Just Flight and Just Trains emphasized high-fidelity simulations, including detailed aircraft models such as the BAe 146 and Fokker F28 for flight sim enthusiasts, alongside scenery packs that enhanced virtual environments with realistic global locations. For rail simulations, Just Trains offered expansive route packs like the Western Mainlines and meticulously modeled locomotives, ensuring compatibility with evolving platforms such as and later . Both divisions adopted a model of annual updates and (DLC) expansions, allowing users to access seasonal improvements and additional assets that extended the lifespan of core simulation titles. From 2007 to 2015, Just Flight and Just Trains integrated into the Group's publishing pipeline, benefiting from shared marketing resources while maintaining their focus on community-driven development. This period included active beta testing programs and participation in events, fostering loyalty among a niche but dedicated user base that valued authentic, enthusiast-grade content. Revenue stemmed from steady sales in this specialized market, supported by both digital downloads and physical editions manufactured by The Producers. Following the Mastertronic Group's closure in late 2015, Just Flight and Just Trains transitioned to independent operations, retaining their core teams and product lines. The companies continued releasing updates and new add-ons, with ongoing support for modern platforms like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Train Sim World 5 as of 2025, solidifying their role as key providers in the simulation sector.

Get Games

Get Games was a digital download platform launched in 2009 as a between the Network and , spearheaded by Mastertronic managing director Andy Payne. The service debuted in August 2009, with its first live sale on November 24, 2009, positioning itself as a Steam-like storefront focused on PC indie games, new releases, classics, and titles. It offered a curated selection of , including games published by Mastertronic, to leverage Eurogamer's editorial reach and Mastertronic's distribution expertise in reaching over 30 million units sold historically. From 2009 to 2015, Get Games operated as an online retail outlet for PC, Mac, and games from a mix of large and small publishers, emphasizing indie adventures, puzzles, and other genres through features like daily deals, bundles, and exclusives. Examples of key titles included puzzle games like Clones and point-and-click adventures such as , often delivered via keys for platforms including and , with later support for GOG. The platform incorporated user accounts, wishlists, and community integration with Eurogamer's audience, fostering a digital pivot for Mastertronic Group amid the rising popularity of direct downloads. Get Games contributed significantly to Mastertronic's shift toward digital sales, offering numerous exclusive deals and enhancing accessibility for indie developers in a competitive market. By integrating editorial recommendations from , it built a loyal user base centered on value-driven purchases. The platform ceased operations in 2015 alongside Mastertronic Group's entry into administration after 32 years, prompted by failed investment deals and mounting debt; remaining assets, including key redemption for purchased games, were transitioned to ensure continued customer access through partners.

Blast! Entertainment

Blast! Entertainment was established in 2006 as a between the Mastertronic Group and the Disky Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Herman's Group based in the , specializing in budget-priced video games for children and families. The label focused on casual and licensed titles, drawing from popular TV shows, , and characters to appeal to young audiences and parents seeking affordable options. The company's product lineup emphasized accessible gameplay in genres such as puzzle, adventure, and educational software, with releases targeting platforms including the Nintendo DS, Wii, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation Portable. Notable examples included Bob the Builder: Festival of Fun, a family-oriented adventure game featuring construction-themed mini-games, and Johnny Bravo in The Hukka-Mega-Mighty-Ultra-Extreme Date-O-Rama!, a humorous licensed title based on the Cartoon Network series. Other releases, like Casper's Scare School: Classroom Capers, incorporated educational elements such as problem-solving in a spooky school setting, while The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep offered adventure gameplay tied to the family film. These titles were priced for mass-market accessibility, often under £20, to encourage impulse buys in retail environments. From 2006 to 2009, Blast! Entertainment operated as a key component of the Group's budget strategy, releasing over 30 titles exclusively aimed at the younger kids' market. efforts highlighted content, with distribution supported by the group's Sold Out Sales & unit for widespread retail placement across . The label's output peaked in 2007–2008, capitalizing on the growing demand for licensed casual games on emerging consoles like the and DS. Blast! Entertainment ceased operations in 2009 amid shifting market dynamics in the budget gaming sector. Its portfolio and focus on family titles were subsequently integrated into the broader operations of Games.

References

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