Sierra Studios

Background

Sierra Studios was formed in February 1998 by Sierra On-Line as part of a company restructuring, and functioned as Sierra On-Line's general publishing strand. Sierra development studios Sierra Northwest/Bellevue, Pyrotechnix, and Impressions Software were all composed as part of the label.

In 2001, it was retired upon a reorganization within Sierra On-Line, with all future titles being branded solely under the "Sierra" brand.

Logo (September 30, 1998-June 22, 2001)

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Visuals: On a rotating starry background, blue wireframes of the 1998 Sierra logo ("SIERRA" in a strange font with a "wing" on the "S" made from spikes) zoom out and spin into place, along with "STUDIOS". A ring also takes its place surrounding the "S". Then, metal shards cover the logo, turning it silver. The logo (the bar, the "STUDIOS" text and the ring) turns gold and proceeds to shine brightly, ending with the ring giving off a gleam.

Variant: A short version exists, with the logo closer to the screen and only having the ring shine.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: A deep synth note and several whooshes, ending with sparkles and a dark bell tune.

Audio Variant: For the short version, it only has the sounds of the ring shining.

Availability:

• Appears on Sierra published games from the era. The most well-known game with this logo is Half-Life, and appears on the expansions Opposing Force and Blue Shift as well.
• Other games with this logo include Lords of Magic, Team Fortress Classic, Counter Strike, Ground Control, SWAT 3: Close Quarters Battle (Original and Elite Editions only), King's Quest: Mask of Eternity and Homeworld Cataclysm.
• The shortened version appeared on Caesar 3.
• Pharaoh and Zeus: Mastert of Olympus don't have this logo, only having Impressions' logo in the opening.
• None of the Steam releases of Valve games from this era will have this logo.