Psygnosis, originally known for its graphical capabilities, transitioned from a development studio to a publisher, bringing in smaller studios like DMA Design. DMA was founded by friends from a computer club and initially released games like Menace and Blood Money, setting the stage for their groundbreaking title, Lemmings.
Lemmings was conceptualized from a simple idea of animated sprites designed by DMA's team. Although Psygnosis initially hesitated to support this puzzle-focused concept, the eventual approval led to the development of a game featuring a large number of simple character sprites, culminating in Lemmings.
Players guide lemmings to safety using various skills, which makes for strategic and engaging gameplay. The game features over 120 levels with increasing difficulty, utilizing a combination of skills such as climbing, building, and digging, that must be managed carefully against time constraints.
Lemmings was programmed on an Amiga 500 without advanced technology, yet managed to brilliantly animate up to 100 characters at a time through efficient coding. The graphics were designed to be clear and engaging, allowing for smooth gameplay even with many characters on-screen.
Upon its release, Lemmings sold 55,000 copies on its first day and eventually 15-20 million copies across various ports. Its success not only established Psygnosis as a major player in the gaming industry but also influenced the development of future puzzle games.
Lemmings has spawned numerous sequels and ports across various platforms, and its legacy endures in how it impacted the puzzle genre. Despite its historical importance and critical acclaim, recent years have seen a decline in new Lemmings titles.