Network

Network is a real-time, two player business simulation game developed by David Mullich for the Apple II and published by Edu-Ware in 1980.

Gameplay

Two players play competitively against the computer, each taking the role of the programming chief for a major television network. Each side bids on new television shows to add to the season’s line-up, schedules them, monitors the weekly ratings, and then drops shows with poor ratings or reschedules them to recover from mistakes at the end of the thirteen-week season. The side with the highest ratings is the winner.

Reception

Bruce Webster reviewed Network in The Space Gamer No. 31. Webster commented that “Unfortunately, I just could not get interested in the game. It moves slowly and requires (for intelligent play) that the players keep track of a lot of information that is not always easily accessible. One friend I played against quit out of boredom at one point, and I found myself yawning. There is a lack of tension, which means that personal interest must be the overriding factor in playing the game – and I’m just not that interested in network planning. If you are, then this is the game for you; otherwise, I’m afraid you’ll just be disappointed.”

References

• Product Catalog. Edu-Ware Services. August 1, 1980.

External links

• Network (video game) at IMDb
• Network at MobyGames

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