Human Code
Founded1993[1]
FoundersBill Holt[2]
Chipp Walters
Liz Walker
Gary Gattis
FateAcquired by Sapient Corporation
Hq location cityAustin, Texas
Hq location countryUnited States
Key peopleDavid Palumbo (vice president)[3]
Num employees (1998[4])70

Human Code was a video game developer and multimedia design firm based in Austin, Texas.[5][6][7][8][9]

History

Human Code was founded in 1993 by Chipp Walters[10], Liz Walker, and Gary Gattis.[11] Other founders included Bill Holt.[2]

In 1995, Human Code acquired Japanese design firm IDEC.[12] IDEC was later renamed Human Code Japan.[12] The same year the company reported revenues of $2 million.[13]

In 1999, Human Code helped design the software components of Zowie Intertainment's PlayZones toys.[14] It also secured $5 million in venture capital funding to fuel its continued rapid market expansion.[15]

By September 1999, Human Code employed 160 employees.[16]

In February 2000, Human Code acquired Top Drawer Productions, a multimedia developer of custom e-learning applications for educational publishers and corporate training.[17]

In August 2000, Human Code was acquired by Sapient Corporation.[18][19]

Products

YearTitlePlatform(s)Reference(s)
1993MarsbookMacintosh[20]
1994The Cartoon History of the UniverseWindows[21]
1995Nile: Passage to EgyptMacintosh, Windows[22]
1995Operation: Weather DisasterMacintosh, Windows[23]
1996Sky Trip AmericaMacintosh, Windows[24]
1996Wishbone and the Amazing OdysseyMacintosh, Windows[25]
1998Barbie Riding ClubWindows[26]
1998Girl TalkWindows[27]

Presage Software

Presage Software (also known as Presage Software and Development Co)[28][29]was a company acquired by Human Code in March 1999.[15] It was founded in 1986 and was based in San Rafael, California.[15]

Presage Developed Products

TitlePlatform(s)Reference(s)
Hexen: Beyond HereticMacintosh version[30]
Lode Runner Online: The Mad Monks' RevengeMacintosh and Windows95 versions[31]
Lode Runner: The Legend ReturnsMacintosh and Windows versions[32]
Prince of PersiaMacintosh version[33]
Star Wars Screen EntertainmentMacintosh and Windows versions[34]
Oh No! More LemmingsMacintosh version[35]
LemmingsMacintosh version[36]
FlashbackMacintosh version[37]
RoboSportWindows version[38]
The Even More Incredible MachineMacintosh and Windows versions[39]
BreakThru!Macintosh version[40]
Contraption ZackMS-DOS and Amiga versions[41]
Grand Slam Bridge IIWindows version[42]
The Incredible Toon MachineMacintosh and Windows versions[43]
Jonny Quest: Curse of the Mayan WarriorsMS-DOS version[44]
Might and Magic III: Isles of TerraMacintosh version[45]
Solitaire DeluxeWindows95 version[46]
Spaceward Ho!Windows and MS-DOS versions[47]
Take a Break! CrosswordsMacintosh version[48]
Vegas GamesMacintosh version[49]
World of XeenMacintosh version[50]
Drawing DiscoveriesMacintosh, Windows, and Windows95 versions[51]
Chess MatesMacintosh, Windows and Windows95 versions[52]
Menlo the FrogMacintosh, Windows, and Windows95 versions[53]
Mario Teaches TypingMacintosh version[54]
Mario's FundamentalsMacintosh, Windows, and MS-DOS versions[55]
The BackyardMacintosh, Windows, and MS-DOS versions[56]
Read, Write & TypeMacintosh and Windows versions[57]
Dvorak on TypingWindows version[58]
The PlayroomMacintosh, Windows, and Windows95 versions[59]
Zurk's Learning SafariMacintosh and MS-DOS versions[60]
Madeline 1st and 2nd Grade ReadingMacintosh, Windows98, and Windows95 versions[61]
Learn to Program BASICMacintosh and Windows95 versions[62]
Kid PixContributed Programming to the Macintosh, Windows and Windows95 versions[63]
Star Control 3Macintosh conversion[64]
Rockett's Tricky DecisionMacintosh, Windows, and Windows95 versions[65]
Rockett's New SchoolMacintosh, Windows, and Windows95 versions[66]
Shanghai: DynastyContributed Art + Audio to the Macintosh and Windows95 versions[67]
Lode Runner (1998)Ported LodeRunner 1.5 to the Playstation[68]
Lode Runner 2Windows95 and Macintosh versions[69]

References

  1. ^ "The multimedia directory". Carronade Group. 1996. p. 113. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  2. ^ "Other People's Mail". Bay Area Reporter. October 1992. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  3. ^ Democker, Judy (April 28, 1999). "Too Cool for School". Wired. Archived January 21, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  4. ^ Dial, Marla (July 10, 1998). "Human Code takes up space". Austin Business Journal. Archived December 11, 2004 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  5. ^ "Egypt by CD-ROM". Austin American-Statesman. July 20, 1995. p. 121. Archived September 30, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025. – via Newspapers.com
  6. ^ Gillespie, Spike (December 8, 1995). "Touring the Technology Factory". The Austin Chronicle. Archived November 11, 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  7. ^ HaFner, Katie (July 22, 1999). "I Link, Therefore I Am: a Web Intellectual's Diary". The New York Times. Archived April 2, 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  8. ^ Hawkins, Lori (August 31, 1996). "Getting into the kid market". Austin American-Statesman. p. 57. Archived July 22, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025. – via Newspapers.com
  9. ^ "Midsized companies". New York Rosen Central. 2000. p. 36. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  10. ^ Hawkins, Lori (August 22, 1998). "Spinoff to develop cartoon series, related software". Austin American-Statesman. p. 47. Archived July 22, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025. – via Newspapers.com
  11. ^ "Mutlimedia Genes". NewTekniques. August 1998. p. 18. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  12. ^ "Human Code to acquire Japanese design firm, IDEC". Human Code. 1995. Archived April 18, 2000 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  13. ^ "Multimedia firm nets 6-title deal". Austin American-Statesman. August 31, 1996. p. 63. Archived July 22, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025. – via Newspapers.com
  14. ^ Ricadela, Aaron (February 8, 1999). "Zowie Intertainment Shows Three Interactive Toys". Computer Retail Week. Archived May 6, 1999 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  15. ^ "Human Code's Momentum Continues With $5 Million in Venture Capital Funding For Acquisitions, Expanded Services and Worldwide Growth". PR Newswire. March 15, 1999. Archived January 31, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025. – via Gale Research
  16. ^ "Austin Start Ups Bemoan lack of hip office space". The Wall Street Journal. September 1999. Archived March 6, 2000 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  17. ^ "Human Code buys Top Drawer". Washington Business Journal. February 11, 2000. Archived July 22, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025. – via Gale Research
  18. ^ Wray, Barbaar (March 23, 2001). "Seasoned tech execs add spice to VC firms". Austin Business Journal. Archived September 30, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025. – via Gale Research
  19. ^ "Comapny News:Sapient to boy Human Code, a media developer". The New York Times. August 10, 2000. Archived July 26, 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  20. ^ Brewer, Charles (November 22, 1993). "Stumped for stocking stuffers? Try CD-ROMs". The News Journal. p. 44. Retrieved February 23, 2026. – via Newspapers.com
  21. ^ "Human Code's Multimedia Project, "The Cartoon History of the Universe", Wins MacUser Editors' Choice Award". Human Code. January 25, 1995. Archived May 17, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  22. ^ Greenman, Catherine (January 2, 1995). "Discovery Multimedia edu adventures to bow". HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network. Archived December 11, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025. – via The Free Library
  23. ^ Strauss, Robert (January 21, 1996). "Exploring with the Discovery Channel". Newsday. p. 97.
  24. ^ Beauchamp, Lane (March 17, 1996). "A T show or computer game?". The Kansas City Star. p. 137. Retrieved February 2, 2026. – via Newspapers.com
  25. ^ "Human Code and Palladium Interactive Team Up on CD-ROM Featuring Television's Canine Star Wishbone". Human Code. April 29, 1996. Archived May 17, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 26, 2026.
  26. ^ Dial, Maria (December 6, 1998). "Human Code grooms Barbie". Austin Business Journal. Archived May 19, 2004 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  27. ^ "take note". The Tribune. December 17, 1998. p. 16.
  28. ^ "Untitled". Dartmouth Alumni Magazine. October 1995. p. 68. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  29. ^ "Scott Shumway". Santa Cruz Sentinel. July 27, 1997. p. 94. Archived March 19, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 29, 2025. – via Newspapers.com
  30. ^ "Presage Products Hexen". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  31. ^ "Presage Products Lode Runner Online". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  32. ^ "Lode Runner: The Legend Returns". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  33. ^ "Presage Products Prince of Persia". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  34. ^ "Presage Products Star Wars Screen Entertainment". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  35. ^ "Presage Products Oh No! More Lemmings". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  36. ^ "Presage Products Lemmings". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  37. ^ "Presage Products Flashback". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  38. ^ "Presage Products RoboSport". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  39. ^ "Presage Products The Even More Incredible Machine". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  40. ^ "Presage Products BreakThru!". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  41. ^ "Presage Products Contraption Zack". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  42. ^ "Presage Products Grand Slam Bridge II". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  43. ^ "Presage Products The Incredible Toon Machine". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  44. ^ "Presage Products Jonny Quest: Curse of the Mayan Warriors". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  45. ^ "Presage Products Might and Magic III". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  46. ^ "Presage Products Solitaire Deluxe". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  47. ^ "Presage Products Spaceward Ho!". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  48. ^ "Presage Products Take a Break! Crosswords". Presage Softwrare. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  49. ^ "Presage Products Vegas Games". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  50. ^ "Presage Products World of Xeen". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  51. ^ "Steppong Stone Products Drawing Discoveries". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  52. ^ "Stepping Stone Products Chess Mates". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  53. ^ "Presage Products Menlo the Frog". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  54. ^ "Presage Products Mario Teaches Typing". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  55. ^ "Stepping Stone Products Mario's Fundamentals". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  56. ^ "Presage Products The Backyard". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  57. ^ "Presage Products Read, Write & Type". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  58. ^ "Presage Products Dvorak on Typing". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  59. ^ "Presage Products The Playroom". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  60. ^ "Presage Products Zurk's Learning Safari". Presage Software. Archived June 14, 1997 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  61. ^ "Presage Products - Madeline". Presage Software. Archived January 28, 1999 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  62. ^ "Steping Stone Products - Learn to Program BASIC". Presage Software. Archived November 27, 1999 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  63. ^ "Presage Products - KidPix Studio". Presage Software. Archived October 4, 1999 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  64. ^ "Presage Products - Star Control 3". Presage Software. Archived January 29, 1999 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  65. ^ "Presage Products - Rockett's Tricky Decision". Presage Software. Archived October 5, 1999 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  66. ^ "Presage Products - Rockett's New School". Presage Software. Archived January 28, 1999 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  67. ^ "Presage Products - Shanghai Dynasty". Presage Software. Archived January 28, 1999 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  68. ^ "Presage Products - LodeRunner Extra". Presage Software. Archived October 4, 1999 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  69. ^ "Presage Products - Lode Runner 2". Presage Software. Archived January 27, 1999 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 19, 2026.