Thorn EMI Computer Software


Thorn EMI Computer Software was a British video games software house set up in the early 1980s as part of the now-defunct British conglomerate Thorn EMI.
They released a number of games in the early 1980s using the same "Thorn EMI Video" label as their home video releases. Initially these were for the Atari 8-bit computers, and later for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64 and VIC-20 formats.
In 1984, the Thorn EMI name was dropped in favour of Creative Sparks as the company felt its "big corporate" associations were inappropriate for the video games market. A budget label, Sparklers, was created in early 1985 to publish titles at £2.50. Later in 1985, Creative Sparks, Sparklers and the distribution company, Creative Sparks Distribution gained independence from Thorn EMI after a management buyout.
In July 1987, six months after buying software company Mikro-Gen for a "substantial" sum,
Creative Sparks went into receivership with debts estimated at up to £1.5million.
The back catalogue of the company was acquired by Tynesoft, Alternative Software and Maynard International.
The former management at CSD went on to form Software Publishing Associates, owners of the Crysys and Pirate Software labels.

Releases

Many of the company's games listed below were issued on more than one label over the years. A typical example is River Rescue, first released under the Thorn EMI label, then later sold under the Creative Sparks brand. This was followed by a budget release on the company's own Sparklers label then- after Creative Sparks' demise- another budget reissue by Alternative Software.

'Thorn EMI' label

Blockade RunnerCarnival MassacreCribbage and DominoesDartsGold RushHome Financial ManagementMutant HerdOrc AttackRiver RescueRoad RacerSubmarine CommanderSnooker and BilliardsThe VIC Music ComposerTower of EvilVolcanic Planet
  • ''8-Ball and Tournament Pool''

'Creative Sparks' label

Black HawkComputer WarCountdown to MeltdownDanger Mouse In Double TroubleDanger Mouse In The Black Forest ChateauDelta WingSnodgitsSpecial DeliveryStagecoachStory HouseTower of Evil
  • ''Danger Mouse in Making Whoopee''

'Sparklers' label

Bargain BasementDesert BurnerDoombaseQuackshot
  • ''St Crippens''