More than two decades ago, the British game studio Digital Image Design (DID) made waves in the video game industry with its advanced flight simulators and engaging game titles like RoboCop 3. After a long period of silence following its closure, there are now signs that DID might be making a comeback.
Founded in 1989 by Martin Kenwright and Phillip Allsopp, DID initially captured the attention of gamers and professionals alike with the release of F29 Retaliator, a flight simulation game that set a new standard in its genre. Throughout the 1990s, DID continued to innovate, creating games that not only entertained but were also used for professional training. Their simulations were so realistic that they were adopted by the Royal Air Force, the British Army, and the Royal Navy to train pilots.
In addition to their simulation titles, DID also found success with other game genres. One of their most notable successes came in 1991 with the release of RoboCop 3, developed for Ocean software. The game received high praise for its innovative design and gameplay. This was followed by other sci-fi oriented games such as Epic (1992) and Inferno (1994), the latter of which featured a soundtrack by the English gothic rock band Alien Sex Fiend. Through these releases, DID not only proved their versatility in game design but also cemented their reputation in the gaming industry.
Other significant titles from DID included TFX (1993), a tactical fighter experiment that was well received due to its cutting-edge graphics and realistic flight dynamics, EF2000 (1995), and the uniquely named Wargasm (1998), which combined strategic elements with explosive action gameplay. Each of these games showcased DID’s continuous push for innovation and excellence in game development.
However, the trajectory for DID changed when its publisher, Ocean Software, was acquired by French company Infogrames in 1996. This acquisition set off a chain of events that ultimately led to significant changes at DID. The aggressive strategies adopted by Infogrames caused friction, resulting in the exit of Martin Kenwright along with six other key staff members. These departures led to the formation of Evolution Studios, marking the beginning of the end for DID as many knew it. The rest of the team experienced a mass exodus shortly after, with many moving to Rage Games. Eventually, the DID name was sold to Rage Games, but following the collapse of Rage in 2003, the name faded into history as several former DID staff formed a new company, Juice Games.
For years, it seemed that Digital Image Design would remain a fond memory in the minds of gamers and industry professionals. However, a recent development suggests a possible revival. A cryptic tweet was posted from a newly created Twitter account linked to DID, stating simply, “Stay tuned. This year.” This brief message has sparked a flurry of speculation and excitement among the gaming community, leading many to wonder about the potential return of this once-great studio.
Details about the revamp of the company, including who might be involved in this new iteration, remain undisclosed. However, the resurfacing of the DID brand has caught the attention of industry watchers and players alike, raising questions about what new innovations or classic revivals could be on the horizon.
With a history of producing games that pushed the envelope of what was technologically possible at the time, the revival of Digital Image Design could mean exciting developments for the gaming industry. As fans and industry veterans await more detailed announcements, the shared hope is that DID will once again rise to produce quality simulations and engaging games, blending nostalgia with modern gaming technology. This potential revival not only highlights the lasting impact that DID has had on gaming but also underscores the enduring appeal of its classic titles.
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