Berkeley Systems

Last updated: May 8, 2026

Overview

Berkeley Systems was an American software company founded in 1987, best known for creating the After Dark screensaver series featuring the iconic “Flying Toasters.” Sierra On-Line acquired Berkeley Systems in 1997, integrating their catalog into Sierra’s entertainment software lineup.¹²³⁴⁵

Sierra Connection

After Sierra’s acquisition in 1997, Berkeley Systems continued operating as a subsidiary.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰ The acquisition brought Berkeley’s casual gaming expertise to Sierra’s portfolio during a period when the company was diversifying beyond traditional adventure games.^1112131415

Games Published (Sierra Archive)

After Dark Series

• 1989 — After Dark — Notes: Original screensaver collection
• 1991 — More After Dark — Notes: Expansion pack

Related

• Parent Company: Sierra On-Line

References

Footnotes

1. Wikipedia - Berkeley Systems - Company history and founding ↩

2. MobyGames - Sierra Entertainment - Sierra acquisition of Berkeley Systems in 1997 ↩

3. Memory Alpha - Berkeley Systems - Star Trek screensavers ↩

4. Grokipedia - Berkeley Systems - Company overview ↩

5. Everything Allowed Wiki - Berkeley Systems - Company closure in 2000 ↩

6. MobyGames - Berkeley Systems, Inc. - Wes Boyd and Joan Blades founding history ↩

7. BoardGameGeek - Berkeley Systems - Flying Toasters and You Don’t Know Jack ↩

8. Jackbox Games Wiki - Berkeley Systems - You Don’t Know Jack development ↩

9. Wikipedia - Wes Boyd - Founder biography ↩

10. MobyGames - Berkeley Systems Rap Sheet - Game list ↩

11. Wikipedia - After Dark (software)) - Screensaver history ↩

12. MobyGames - You Don’t Know Jack Trivia - Jellyvision development history ↩

13. Retrolorean - Berkeley Systems - Game catalog ↩

14. YouTube - Rise and Fall of Berkeley Systems - Documentary series ↩

15. Wikipedia - Category:Berkeley Systems games - Published games ↩