Viacom New Media

Viacom New Media was established in 1993 as part of Viacom's strategy to capitalize on its extensive library of entertainment properties in the growing home video game market. The division was formed by merging Viacom's existing interactive efforts, which had previously produced titles like Wolfenstein 3D for the Super Nintendo (published by id Software) and Star Trek: Judgment Rites (developed by Interplay). The new unit was headquartered in New York City and later opened a development studio in Chicago.¹

Viacom New Media's output was dominated by licensed games based on Viacom-owned properties. Notable titles include Beavis and Butt-Head (1994) for Super Nintendo and Genesis, The Ren & Stimpy Show: Fire Dogs (1994), and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (1997) for PC and PlayStation. The company also published original games such as MTV's Beavis and Butt-Head (a point-and-click adventure) and Redneck Rampage (1997), a controversial first-person shooter developed by Xatrix Entertainment.²

In 1998, Viacom sold its interactive division to THQ, which acquired the rights to publish games based on Viacom properties. The sale marked the end of Viacom New Media, but its games continued to be re-released by THQ and later by other publishers. Some titles, like Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, have been re-released on digital platforms such as GOG.com. The division's legacy is often cited as an example of a media conglomerate's attempt to leverage its intellectual property in the gaming market, with mixed commercial success.³

Viacom New Media also developed a game based on the MTV animated series Æon Flux, which was never released. Additionally, the company published MTV Sports: Pure Ride (1997), a snowboarding game that was one of the few titles not based on a cartoon or sci-fi franchise. The division also produced Zork: Grand Inquisitor (1997), a text-adventure sequel, which was a departure from its usual licensed fare. These lesser-known titles highlight the division's occasional forays into original or niche genres.⁴

THQ

A video game publisher that acquired Viacom's interactive division in 1998.

Licensed game

A game based on an existing property, such as a film, TV show, or comic.