3DO Interactive Multiplayer

The 3DO Interactive Multiplayer is a video game console created by a company of the same name. The console was released in 1993 and was the main project for Trip Hawkins after his departure from Electronic Arts in 1991. It was hated for its FMVs, lack of a lock-out chip, and expensive price.

The 3DO, when released in 1993, was supposed to be a big contender in the 32-bit war, along with the Saturn, the 32X add-on for the Genesis & Mega Drive, and the PlayStation, but many factors prevented it from becoming a commercial success.

One problem was it was hyped as to being the ultimate 32-bit gaming rig, although that was rather questionable for its $700–800 launch price. Granted, the system did boast having up to 16 million displayable colors, 30 frames per second fullscreen, full-color digital video, and three ports to attach various peripherals to (most of which were never released) such as trackballs, keyboards, mice, 3D glasses, additional CD-ROM drives and modems.

However, there wasn’t a lot of software available for nearly its first entire year of existence. The games were also a mixed bag as well, as Star Control II got very high marks, and its version of Castle Wolfenstein was supposed to be one of the best at the time (since it actually had a map!), but the similar-themed first person shooter of DOOM was one of the worst versions at the time, Twisted made very little sense, and Plumbers Don't Wear Ties was one of the worst titles for the entire system.

The system was also mismanaged, as there were many third party companies producing models of it.

3D0 would later be sold to Matsushita, who tried to turn it around, but it ended up being discontinued in 1996. By mid-1994, Matsushita had sold 300,000 Real 3DO units worldwide.