| Deer Hunter | |
| Platforms: | Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Color, Mobile phone, BlackBerry, iOS, Android |
| Developer: | Southlogic Studios, Glu Mobile, Sunstorm Interactive, Coresoft, Sorrent (now Glu Mobile), Morning Star Multimedia, Sylum Entertainment |
| First Release Version: | Deer Hunter: Interactive Hunting Experience |
| First Release Date: | November 13, 1997 |
| Latest Release Version: | Deer Hunter 2014 |
| Latest Release Date: | November 22, 2013 |
Deer Hunter is a series of hunting simulation video games. Originally available for Windows platform published by WizardWorks, it has since been published on MacOS, Game Boy Color, PlayStation 2, and mobile phones. The first Deer Hunter game was an early success in the casual game market.[1]
The original game was released in November 1997. In 2003, Southlogic Studios was commissioned by WizardWorks to develop Trophy Hunter 2003; and because of Trophy Hunter's success, they took over the development of the Deer Hunter franchise, with Deer Hunter 2004 and Deer Hunter 2005, distributed by Atari. Glu Mobile acquired the entire franchise in April 2012.[2]
Gameplay usually takes place in a thick forest or meadow during different seasons of the year. Animals and objects other than deer can be seen while playing, including Bigfoot and UFOs in some incarnations, but these serve no purpose other than scenery. Some animals may be shot and killed, but the player receives no trophy and will be penalized if the animal was a protected species. In the latest versions, players can also manage a deer herd with deer growth and genetics deciding the traits of offspring.
The franchise's main line games are: 1997's Deer Hunter, 1998's Deer Hunter II, 1999's Deer Hunter 3, 2001's Deer Hunter 4, 2001's Deer Hunter 5, 2002's Deer Hunter 2003, 2003's Deer Hunter 2004, 2004's Deer Hunter 2005, and 2008's Deer Hunter Tournament. After the release of Deer Hunter Tournament, every game bearing the franchise's name has been a mobile version, and there has not been a full-fledged game since; however, some of these versions have seen ports on Steam, to poor reviews.
The original Deer Hunter released in 1997 sold nearly 64,700 units.[3]
In the United States, Deer Hunter 4 sold 250,000 copies and earned $4.5 million by August 2006, after its release in November 2001. It was the country's 81st best-selling computer game between January 2000 and August 2006. Combined sales of all Deer Hunter games released between January 2000 and August 2006 had reached 1.4 million in the United States by the latter date.[4]