The Software Toolworks

Closed in 1994

Part of Mindscape

The Software Toolworks, Inc. (often shortened to just Toolworks) was an American software and video game developer, originally founded in 1980 by Walt Bilofsky. He originally operated the company inside a garage at Sherman Oaks, California, but the company would later move to a proper office in 1983, later moving to Chatsworth and then Novato. Initially developing software for the Heathkit H89 microcomputer, they later expanded to games and other titles, including Mario is Missing, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, and The Chessmaster. In 1990, wanting to expand into console games, the company acquired Mindscape to utilize its publishing license with Nintendo. In 1994, Toolworks was acquired by Pearson, and was subsequently renamed to Mindscape.