Mike Pondsmith founded R. Talsorian Games, marking the official beginning of his career as a game designer and publisher. This independent venture allowed him to pursue his creative vision and develop his own unique gaming systems.

R. Talsorian Games released Mekton, a mecha combat RPG influenced by Japanese anime and manga. The game's innovative mecha design system and focus on narrative combat set it apart from other games of the time.

R. Talsorian Games publishes Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Other Strangeness, a comedic, lighthearted role-playing game based on the popular comic book franchise. This game broadened the company's appeal and demonstrated Pondsmith's versatility as a designer.

The first edition of "Cyberpunk" is released. This game would set the tone for all cyberpunk games that would follow. The tone was dark and gritty with the players playing roles on the fringes of society just trying to survive.

R. Talsorian Games published Cyberpunk 2020, the second edition of "Cyberpunk". This edition refined the game mechanics and expanded the world, solidifying Cyberpunk's place as a leading cyberpunk RPG. It became his most famous work.