Iam8bit Explained

Iam8bit, Inc.
Type:Private
Industry:Entertainment industry
Founder:Jon M. Gibson
Hq Location City:Los Angeles, California
Hq Location Country:U.S.
Num Locations:2 offices
Num Locations Year:2016
Area Served:Worldwide

iam8bit, Inc. is a media production and merchandising company, video game publisher and artist collective based in Los Angeles, California. iam8bit hosts an online store that primarily sells collectible vinyl records of video game soundtracks, but also sells t-shirts, artwork, pins and other merchandise. iam8bit also frequently collaborates with Skybound Games to produce physical editions of independent video games.[1] [2] The company also owns an art gallery in Los Angeles that hosts various exhibitions annually.

History

iam8bit started off as an art show surrounding pop culture fandom in the spring of 2005. The event, and subsequent company of the same name, were created and founded by video game and tech journalist Jon M. Gibson, and film director Amanda White, who is also known for producing the mockumentary I'm Still Here.[3]

After its inception as an art event, iam8bit became a full-fledged lifestyle brand, focused on the artistic side of gaming. Beginning with a collection of "limited edition" T-shirts adorned with popular images from the exhibition, the company would go on to design events and merchandising for other companies.

Chronicle Books published an official collection of pieces from the inaugural show in April 2005 entitled, iam8bit: Art Inspired by Classic Videogames of the '80s, and was promptly carried in stores like Urban Outfitters, Barnes and Nobles, Giant Robot, and many other museum and boutique shops. A sequel to the book, called SUPER i am 8-bit: More Art Inspired by Classic Videogames of the '80s, was published by Insight Editions in June 2010.

iam8bit, as a merchandising brand, started off with a collection of limited edition T-shirts adorned with popular images from the art exhibit. The company would branch out to be a collectible vinyl records in 2010, with the promotion of Disney's video game .

A partnership with Blik,[4] a manufacturer of vinyl wall decals, was formed after the company created a custom, large-scale window installation for iam8bit's office. The result was a series of removable Space Invader-style wall stickers that, after several years, had been a consistently selling product for Blik. In 2007, iam8bit formed another partnership with Couch Guitar Straps[5] to create a line of straps created for use with Guitar Hero and Rock Band.

For New Line's 2008 DVD release of , iam8bit produced numerous supplemental features, including the "iam8bit Music & Gallery," which featured Donkey Kong-inspired art from the first three years of the iam8bit art show, as well as an accompanying soundtrack by renowned micro-musicians like 8 Bit Weapon, ComputeHer, and others. For this DVD, Gibson, as a writer and producer, and director Gabe Swarr also created an original, one-minute animated short, entitled A Really, Really Brief History of Donkey Kong,[6] featuring music by 8 Bit Weapon, which received both critical and fan praise.[7] Gibson, along with IGN Entertainment Editorial Director Chris Carle, provided a full-length commentary track recounting the cultural and historical significance of the 1980s arcade scene.

Productions

Mega Man 9 Press Kit (2008)

In the summer of 2008, iam8bit was hired by Capcom to create the cover artwork for Mega Man 9. The cover art, done by Gerald de Jesus (part of the iam8bit artist collective), was made to be similar the American box art of the original Mega Man game, often considered to be "ugly" by the fanbase.[8] According to Chris Kramer, Senior Director of Communications and Community at Capcom Entertainment, "the marketing group [decided] if we were going to release a game that looked like it came from 1987 that we should run the whole marketing campaign as if we were working in the games industry in 1987".[9]

A "limited edition" press kit using that cover art was then created by iam8bit.[10] Being as faithful to the original 1987 release as possible, the iam8bit crew disassembled hundreds of vintage Nintendo Entertainment System cartridges, magnetized them, and inserted mini "asset" CDs inside, featuring an array of screenshots, character art, etc. originally intended for members of the media, but later sold to fans via the online Capcom Store.[11] The cartridges were then packaged in a custom-created, classic-looking Nintendo Entertainment System box, complete with shrink-wrap and bargain bin price tags (i.e. "SALE $9.99"). The fanfare for the press kit resulted in eBay listings of upwards of $1,200, making it one of the most sought-after promotional items in video game history.[12]

Tricell Progenitor Virus Detection Kit (2009)

In March 2009, the Tricell Progenitor Virus Detection Kit was created to promote the release of Resident Evil 5 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The kit, designed to look like an off-the-shelf pregnancy tester, was sent to select news reporters and members of video game/technology media, and later sold in limited quantities to consumers via the Capcom Store.[13] The box lacks all Capcom or iam8bit company branding, focusing only on the fictional corporation of Tricell from within Resident Evil 5.

Inside of the kit had Tricell-branded protective nitrile gloves, surgical mask, hand sanitizer, and a bio-hazard bag, as well as a two "Advanced Detection & Suppression Technology Discs".[14] Inserting the discs into the console had a fictitious anti-virus detector "analyze" your system, detecting various levels of infection with the Progenitor virus.

Tron Evolution Vinyl (2010)

In promotion for the release of the 2010 video game "," iam8bit Productions produced a custom vinyl picture disc[15] that was sent out to an exclusive list of journalists. Only 200 vinyls were reportedly printed, featuring some of the game's soundtrack produced by DJ Sascha Dikiciyan, and visual design by artist Jim Rugg.

Marvel VS Capcom 3 Fight Club LA (2011)

Days before the launch of Marvel VS Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds, iam8bit threw another one of their "Fight Club" Capcom video game events. The event hosted over 1,500 fans over 3 hours and featured an almost complete version of the game. It was also the first public demo location to have the Nintendo 3DS handheld, featuring Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition. Community members started lining up for the event at 1:00 am, 19 hours before doors opened.

I'm With Coco (2010)

In January 2010, in collaboration with artist Mike Mitchell, iam8bit took part in the viral sensation "I'm With Coco" (the original image was created by Mitchell).

The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary – Hyrule Room (2011)

To commemorate The Legend of Zeldas 25th Anniversary, Nintendo of America enlisted the help of iam8bit to create a Zelda style conference room in their Redwood City, California headquarters. The design and artwork for the conference room was done by Gerald de Jesus, and featured various references to the series' games.[16]

Alita: Battle Angel – Passport to Iron City (2019)

In February 2019, Twentieth Century Fox collaborated with iam8bit to create "Passport to Iron City", a recreation of s setting for fans to tour. "Passport to Iron City" was available in New York City, Los Angeles, and Austin, Texas.[17]

Exhibitions

The iam8bit art exhibition is produced annually and held in Los Angeles. Featured artists include Gary Baseman, James Jean, Tim Biskup, Seen, Luke Chueh, Joe Ledbetter, Jorge R. Gutierrez, Amy Sol, Brandon Bird, Mike Mitchell, and hundreds of others.

YearShow DateLocationOfficial Title
2005April 18 – May 19Gallery Nineteen Eighty Eight
2006April 18 – May 19Gallery Nineteen Eighty Eight
2007April 17 – May 12Gallery Nineteen Eighty Eight
2008August 14 – September 7World of Wonder Storefront Gallery
2011August 11 – September 10iam8bit Gallery (2147 W. Sunset Blvd)
2013June 7 – June 30iam8bit Gallery (2147 W. Sunset Blvd)iam8bit Entertainment System
2015June 18 – July 5iam8bit Gallery (2147 W. Sunset Blvd)iam8bit: 10th Anniversary
2017June 13 – June 25iam8bit Gallery (2147 W. Sunset Blvd)iam8bit: A Love Story

Games published

!Title!Original release year!Developer(s)!Additional publisher(s)!Genre(s)!Platform(s)!Ref.
Aladdin1993Virgin Games USANighthawk InteractivePlatformSega Genesis[18]
The Artful Escape2021Beethoven & DinosaurAnnapurna InteractivePlatformPlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch[19]
Battletoads1991RareXbox Game StudiosBeat 'em upNintendo Entertainment System[20]
Bear and Breakfast2022Gummy CatArmor Games StudiosManagement simulationNintendo Switch[21]
2021Silver Lining StudioAkupara Games, Akatsuki TaiwanAdventurePlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch[22]
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk2023Team ReptileTeam ReptileAction-adventure, platformPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch[23]
Carto2020Sunhead GamesHumble GamesPuzzlePlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch[24]
Cozy Grove2021Spry FoxThe Quantum Astrophysicists GuildAdventure, simulationPlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch[25]
Creature in the Well2019Flight School Studio, NWM InteractiveFlight School StudioAction, dungeon crawlerPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch[26]
Cuphead2017Studio MDHRStudio MDHRRun-and-gunPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch[27]
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut2019ZA/UMZA/UMRole-playingPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch[28]
Donut County2018Ben EspositoAnnapurna InteractivePuzzlePlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch[29]
Earthworm Jim 1+21994, 1995Shiny EntertainmentInterplay EntertainmentRun-and-gunSuper Nintendo Entertainment System[30]
Eastward2021PixpilChucklefishAction-adventureNintendo Switch[31]
Etherborn2019Altered MatterAkupara GamesAdventure, puzzlePlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch[32]
Garbage Pail Kids: Mad Mike and the Quest for Stale Gum2022Retrotainment Games, Digital EclipseNonePlatformMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Entertainment System[33]
Gone Home2013The Fullbright CompanyAnnapurna InteractiveAdventureNintendo Switch[34]
Gorogoa2017Buried SignalAnnapurna InteractivePuzzlePlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch[35]
Grim Fandago Remastered2015Double Fine ProductionsDouble Fine ProductionsAdventurePlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch[36]
Grindstone2019Capybara GamesCapybara GamesPuzzle, adventureNintendo Switch[37]
Hyper Light Drifter2016Heart MachineHeart MachineAction role-playingPlayStation 4[38]
Inside2016PlaydeadPlaydeadPuzzle, platformPlayStation 4[39]
Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition2020Cardboard ComputerAnnapurna InteractiveAdventurePlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch[40]
The Lion King1994Westwood StudiosNighthawk InteractivePlatformSuper Nintendo Entertainment System
Manifold Garden2019William Chyr StudioWilliam Chyr StudioPuzzlePlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch[41]
Mega Man 21988CapcomCapcomAction, platformNintendo Entertainment System[42]
Mega Man X1993CapcomCapcomAction, platformSuper Nintendo Entertainment System
Mutazione2019Die Gute FabrikAkupara GamesAdventurePlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch[43]
Neon White2022Angel MatrixAnnapurna InteractiveFirst-person shooter, platformPlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch[44]
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition2015Moon StudiosXbox Game StudiosMetroidvaniaMicrosoft Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch[45]
Ori and the Will of the Wisps2020Moon StudiosXbox Game StudiosMetroidvaniaMicrosoft Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Ori: The Collection2021Moon StudiosXbox Game StudiosMetroidvaniaNintendo Switch[46]
Outer Wilds: Archeologist Edition2019Mobius DigitalAnnapurna InteractiveAction-adventurePlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch[47]
The Pathless2020Giant SquidAnnapurna InteractiveAction-adventurePlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch[48]
Psychonauts2005Double Fine ProductionsDouble Fine Productions, Limited Run GamesPlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One[49]
Psychonauts 22021Double Fine ProductionsXbox Game StudiosPlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Rez Infinite2016Enhance Games, Resonair, MonstarsEnhance GamesMusicPlayStation 4[50]
Sayonara Wild Hearts2019SimogoAnnapurna InteractiveAction, musicPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch[51]
Sea of Stars2023Sabotage StudioSabotage StudioRole-playingPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch[52]
Spinch2020Queen Bee GamesAkupara GamesPlatformNintendo Switch[53]
Spiritfarer2020Thunder Lotus GamesThunder Lotus GamesManagement simulatorPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch[54]
Stray2022BlueTwelve StudioAnnapurna InteractiveAdventurePlayStation 4, PlayStation 5[55]
Street Fighter II1991CapcomCapcomFightingSuper Nintendo Entertainment System[56]
Telling Lies2019Sam Barlow, Furious BeeAnnapurna InteractiveInteractive filmPlayStation 4
Toem2021Something We MadeSomething We MadePhotographyPlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch[57]
Untitled Goose Game2019House HousePanicStealthPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch[58]
Wattam2019FunomenaAnnapurna InteractivePuzzle, platformPlayStation 4[59]
We Are OFK2022Team OFKTeam OFKVisual novel, musicPlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch[60]
What Remains of Edith Finch2017Giant SparrowAnnapurna InteractiveAdventurePlayStation 4[61]
What the Golf?2019TribandTribandSportsNintendo Switch[62]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Games - Skybound Entertainment . Skybound Entertainment.
  2. Web site: Upcoming Cyberpunk Cat Adventure Game Stray Gets Physical Edition . 2023-03-11 . Plaion.
  3. Web site: I'm Still Here . 2023-02-21 . Box Office Mojo.
  4. "Blik Surface Graphics' iam8bit mini-site "
  5. "Couch Guitar Straps iam8bit mini-site/"
  6. Web site: 2008-02-07. A Really, Really Brief History of Donkey Kong(The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters). Gabe Swarr. YouTube. 2009-05-25.
  7. "Ain't it Cool News DVD review of The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters
  8. Web site: 2020-04-26 . Poll: Box Art Brawl #40 - Mega Man . 2023-02-21 . Nintendo Life . en-GB.
  9. Web site: 2008-07-22. Mega Man 9 crazy "boxart" spotted in the wild at E3. Chris Kramer. Capcom. 2008-07-27.
  10. Web site: 2008-09-16. Mega Man 9's press kit inspires more NEStaglia. JC Fletcher. Joystiq. 2009-05-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20090221144443/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/mega-man-9s-press-kit-inspires-more-nestalgia. 2009-02-21. dead.
  11. Web site: Mega Man 9 Press Kit. Capcom Store. 2009-05-25. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090503042509/http://shop.capcom.com/store/capcomus/en_US/DisplayProductDetailsPage/productID.108052200. 2009-05-03.
  12. Web site: 2008-09-16. Mega Man 9 Retail Package?!?. John Diamonon. Capcom. 2008-09-22.
  13. Web site: Tricell Progenitor Virus Detection Kit (Press Kit). Capcom Store. 2009-05-25. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090521201630/http://shop.capcom.com/store/capcomus/en_US/DisplayProductDetailsPage/productID.120691700. 2009-05-21.
  14. Web site: Crecente . Brian . 2009-03-10 . Tricell's Real Progenitor Virus Detection and Suppression Kit . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160824020144/http://kotaku.com/5167513/tricells-real-progenitor-virus-detection-and-suppression-kit . 2016-08-24 . 2009-05-25 . Kotaku.
  15. Tron Evolution Game Soundtrack Released on Futuristic Vinyl. Game Informer. https://web.archive.org/web/20101218183424/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/12/15/tron-evolution-game-soundtrack-released-on-futuristic-vinyl.aspx. dead. December 18, 2010.
  16. Web site: The Zelda Room . 2023-02-21 . iam8bit . en.
  17. Web site: Passport to Iron City with Battle Angel Alita Mangaka Yukito Kishiro . Zac . Bertschy . . February 5, 2019 . February 5, 2019.
  18. Web site: Bankhurst . Adam . 2019-10-23 . Disney's Aladdin and The Lion King Get Special Editions With Playable Cartridges . 2023-03-10 . IGN . en.
  19. Web site: 2022-11-17 . The Artful Escape getting a physical release on Switch . 2023-03-10 . Nintendo Everything . en.
  20. Web site: Shive . Chris . 2020-08-20 . iam8bit Launches Limited Edition Battletoads NES Cartridge and Vinyl Soundtrack - Hardcore Gamer . 2023-03-10 . hardcoregamer.com . en-US.
  21. Web site: Cook . Adam . 2023-06-29 . Bear & Breakfast Switch physical edition announced . 2023-08-08 . God is a Geek . en-US.
  22. Web site: 2022-08-09 . Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery getting a physical release on Switch . 2023-03-10 . Nintendo Everything . en.
  23. Web site: 2023-09-13 . Bomb Rush Cyberfunk physical edition announced . 2024-02-22 . Gematsu . en-US.
  24. Web site: 2021-02-25 . Carto Physical Release For Switch Announced By iam8bit . 2023-03-10 . NintendoSoup . en-US.
  25. Web site: Doolan . Liam . 2023-02-23 . Animal Crossing-Like 'Cozy Grove' Scores A Physical Switch Release (US) . 2023-03-10 . .
  26. Web site: Reilly . Stephan . Creature in the Well Getting Physical Release . 2023-03-10 . Canadian Game Devs . en-CA.
  27. Web site: Grimm . Peter . 2022-10-11 . Cuphead Physical Release Confirms Release Date, Collector's Edition . 2023-03-10 . Game Rant . en.
  28. Web site: Moyse . Chris . 2021-09-09 . Disco Elysium: The Final Cut PS4 physical edition hits November 9 . 2023-03-10 . Destructoid . en-US.
  29. Web site: Hawkins . Cameron . 2019-08-14 . Donut County and Gorogoa are Getting Physical Releases on Nintendo Switch . 2023-03-10 . DualShockers . en.
  30. Web site: McCumbers . Alex . Earthworm Jim Getting New SNES Double Rom Cart from iam8bit . 2023-03-10 . Forever Classic Games . en-US.
  31. Web site: Gray . Kate . 2022-05-25 . Retro-Styled RPG Eastward Gets Physical Edition, Vinyl Soundtrack, And TWO Board Games . 2023-03-10 . . en-GB.
  32. Web site: Collections - Etherborn . iam8bit.com.
  33. Vore . Bryan . Exclusive First Preview – Garbage Pail Kids: Mad Mike And The Quest For Stale Gum . https://web.archive.org/web/20221004180343/https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/10/04/exclusive-first-preview-garbage-pail-kids-mad-mike-and-the-quest-for-stale-gum . dead . October 4, 2022 . 2023-03-10 . Game Informer . en.
  34. Web site: Moyse . Chris . 2019-07-03 . Gone Home is now available on Nintendo Switch in a physical edition . 2023-03-10 . Destructoid . en-US.
  35. Web site: Sheehan . Gavin . 2020-09-12 . Annapurna Interactive Will Release Multiple Physical PS4 Box Sets . 2023-03-10 . Bleeding Cool . en.
  36. Web site: Allen . Richard . 2022-02-15 . iam8bit has released a physical edition of Grim Fandango Remastered for the Nintendo Switch . 2023-03-10 . Gaming Trend . en-US.
  37. Web site: 2020-12-15 . Grindstone confirmed for physical release . 2023-03-10 . Nintendo Everything . en.
  38. Web site: Devore . Jordan . 2017-03-31 . Hyper Light Drifter has a sweet little physical edition . 2023-03-10 . Destructoid . en-US.
  39. Web site: Dahlgren . Lisa . Playdead releasing physical edition of Inside with iam8bit . 2023-03-10 . Gamereactor UK . en.
  40. Web site: Krusel . Stephen . 2020-02-01 . Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition Receiving A Physical Release . 2023-03-10 . TheGamer . en.
  41. Web site: Collections - Manifold Garden . iam8bit.com.
  42. Web site: McWhertor . Michael . 2018-05-01 . Capcom re-releasing Mega Man 2 and Mega Man X on cartridge . 2023-03-10 . Polygon . en-US.
  43. Web site: Collections - Mutazione . iam8bit.com.
  44. Web site: Simelane . Smangaliso . 2023-07-15 . Neon White is getting a physical edition . 2023-08-08 . . en-US.
  45. Web site: Yang . George . 2021-05-31 . Iam8bit on keeping physical alive in the age of downloads GI Live Online . 2023-03-10 . GamesIndustry.biz . en.
  46. Web site: Horton . Tim . 2021-07-29 . Ori: The Collection bundles both games on one Nintendo Switch cartridge . 2023-03-10 . Thumbsticks . en-GB.
  47. Web site: 2023-11-14 . Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition for Switch launches December 7 . 2024-02-22 . Gematsu . en-US.
  48. Web site: Dornbush . Jonathon . 2020-10-28 . PS5 Launch Game The Pathless Gets Special Physical Edition . 2023-03-10 . IGN . en.
  49. Web site: Allen . Richard . 2022-07-12 . Psychonauts 2 will receive a physical release as well as a collector's edition via iam8bit . 2023-03-10 . Gaming Trend . en-US.
  50. Web site: Carter . Chris . 2016-08-18 . Rez Infinite is getting a pretty dope physical edition . 2023-03-10 . Destructoid . en-US.
  51. Web site: Craddock . Ryan . 2020-08-21 . The Wonderful Sayonara Wild Hearts Is Getting A Proper Worldwide Retail Release . 2023-03-11 . Nintendo Life . en-GB.
  52. Web site: 2024-01-23 . Sea of Stars Physical Release Sails West in May RPGFan . 2024-02-22 . www.rpgfan.com . en-US.
  53. Web site: 2021-01-26 . Spinch getting a physical release . 2023-03-11 . Nintendo Everything . en.
  54. Web site: Belair . Mederic . 2021-06-07 . Spiritfarer Physical Edition, Documentary by The Escapist & more! . 2023-03-11 . Thunder Lotus Games . en.
  55. Web site: Clark . Dean . Release Date For STRAY's Physical And Collectors Editions Announced . 2023-03-11 . GameTyrant . en-US.
  56. Web site: Byford . Sam . 2017-08-31 . Capcom re-releases Street Fighter II on $100 cartridge that might set your SNES on fire . 2023-03-11 . The Verge . en-US.
  57. Web site: 2023-09-20 . TOEM physical edition brings standees and soothing songs to snap to . 2024-02-22 . Pocket Tactics . en-US.
  58. Web site: Romano . Sal . 2020-07-20 . Untitled Goose Game physical edition for PS4, Switch launches September 29 . 2023-03-11 . Gematsu . en-US.
  59. Web site: Romano . Sal . 2019-12-10 . Wattam PS4 limited print physical edition announced . 2023-03-11 . Gematsu . en-US.
  60. Web site: Verbrugge . Kieron . 2022-08-02 . We Are OFK Is Launching This Month And There's A Vinyl And Physical Release Coming . 2023-03-11 . Press Start . en-US.
  61. Web site: Fingas . Jon . Indie hit 'What Remains of Edith Finch' gets limited physical release . 2023-03-11 . Engadget . en-US.
  62. Web site: 2020-05-21 . What the Golf? getting a physical release . 2023-03-11 . Nintendo Everything . en.

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