Alternative Software Ltd.

Alternative Software is a game company based in Castleford in Yorkshire, England (UK). It initially specialized in budget games for 8-bit cassette-based machines such as the Spectrum and C64. The company was established by Roger Hulley, by acquiring the brand and the game Henry's Hoard, previously owned by Mick Robinson and Martyn Brown.

Alternative's titles were initially mostly new releases, although a few were reissues from other companies such as Durrel. They also released licenses ranging from Thomas the Tank engine to Andy Capp to Doctor Who.

Several games were based on well-known children's characters, notably Thomas The Tank Engine, Fireman Sam and the best-selling Postman Pat. Educational titles emerged soon after, followed by a series of collectable CD-ROMs and computer accessories.

More recently, Alternative has enjoyed success with titles based on major film licenses, particularly The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hulk, Shrek, Ice Age 2 and Wallace and Gromit.

Alternative is also involved with sports titles such as Super League Rugby League for PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC and its 2005 sequel Super League Rugby League 2.

Alternative acquired new character licenses with leading licensors such as Marvel, DreamWorks and Aardman Animations.

In 2006 it launched Frankie Dettori Racing on PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC, plus it started releasing mobile phone games.

It has also now joined Game Republic, an influential regional alliance of high-tech companies operating in the computer and video games business.