The Software Toolworks

United States Founded 1980

The Software Toolworks, Inc. (often shortened to just Toolworks) was an American software and video game developer, originally founded in 1980 by Walt Bilofsky. He originally operated the company inside a garage at Sherman Oaks, California, but the company would later move to a proper office in 1983, later moving to Chatsworth and then Novato. Initially developing software for the Heathkit H89 microcomputer, they later expanded to games and other titles, including Mario is Missing, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, and The Chessmaster. In 1990, wanting to expand into console games, the company acquired Mindscape to utilize its publishing license with Nintendo. In 1994, Toolworks was acquired by Pearson, and was subsequently renamed to Mindscape.

The Software Toolworks at a Glance

The Software Toolworks started in 1980 as a garage operation in Sherman Oaks before moving to larger offices over the years. The company focused heavily on educational software and simulation titles during its early years before shifting toward video games in the late 1980s. Their active period for game releases spanned from 1988 to 1994, a time when they produced most of their output. You will find 17 of their 22 listed games on PlayPile came out during the 1990s, while only four appeared in the 1980s. This shift coincides with their acquisition of Mindscape in 1990 to gain a Nintendo publishing license for console titles. Their catalog covers many genres but shows a strong preference for strategy and puzzle games. Strategy titles make up seven of their releases, while puzzle games account for five. They also released several adventure games and simulators. The platforms they supported were diverse given the era, with DOS being the most common at 14 games. They also released eight titles for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and seven for PC. Other systems like the Amiga, Mac, and Sega CD received smaller batches of their work. The quality ratings for this publisher are generally low. The average IGDB rating across five rated titles sits at 46.2 out of 100. There are no great games in their top tier, with only one good title and two mixed entries. Two games fall into the poor category. Star Wars Chess from 1993 stands out as their highest-rated work with a score of 79.9. The Chessmaster (1992) and Mario Is Missing! (1993) received mixed scores around 55 and 53 respectively. However, Mario's Time Machine scored just 20.9, and another version of Mario Is Missing! dropped to 20.6. Recent releases from late 1994 include Space Shuttle, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing! Version 3, and various Mario's Early Years titles, which align with their focus on educational content. The company was acquired by Pearson in 1994 and subsequently renamed to Mindscape. This marked the end of The Software Toolworks as an independent entity. Their legacy includes well-known titles like Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing and The Chessmaster, though their video game ratings suggest a mixed reception among critics and players during their short active window.

Total Games

46.2

Avg Rating

1988

First Release

1994

Latest Release