| Invention Studio | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Music Pen |
| Publisher | Discovery Channel Multimedia |
| Platforms | Windows Macintosh |
| Release | 1996 |
Invention Studio is a 1996 educational video game developed by Music Pen and published by Discovery Channel Multimedia. It is based on the Discovery Channel series Invention and is for ages 9 and up.123
Gameplay
The program takes place in a large Invention Studio divided into themed rooms, each offering a different activity. Guided by Doc Howard, the player moves between areas that support inventing. The Window shows short videos about inventions, while the Brainstormer prompts idea‑generation. The Journal stores developing concepts, and the Maximachine provides information on past inventions and inventors. In the Gadgetorium, players assemble machines to guide a mouse through a maze. The Patent Office allows them to patent their creations. The Powerhouse explores different energy sources, and the Machine Shop assigns tasks such as designing a robot DJ or an electromagnetic bell. In the Garage, players design cars, planes, and other vehicles and test how they perform. Doc Howard explains each area and offers challenges as players explore the studio.4
Reception
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| All Game Guide | 4/54 |
| Evansville Courier and Press | 4/45 |
All Game Guide called Invention Studio a great program for where kids can invent and design their own inventions.4
Invention Studio was a finalist in the Best Home Creativity Software Program category in the 1997 CODiE Awards.6
References
References
- "Invention Studio". Publishers Weekly. October 28, 1996. Gale A18808293.
- "Invention Studio". PC Gamer. December 1997. p. 163. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
- Gill, Ronnie (April 13, 1997). "Virtual Lab, Real Bugs". Newsday. p. 53. Retrieved May 13, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- Savignano, Lisa. "Invention Studio". All Game Guide. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
- "Invention Studio". Evansville Courier and Press. December 25, 1996. p. 24. Retrieved May 13, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- "1997 in excellence software awards program". Software Publishers Association. Archived from the original on January 9, 1997. Retrieved May 13, 2026.