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Encore Software

Last updated: May 8, 2026

Overview

Encore Software, LLC is an American interactive software publisher and developer specializing in PC and Mac applications for personal productivity, education, typing training, home design, gaming, and entertainment.1 Founded in 1994 by Michael Bell and Michael Wegmann in a basement apartment in Venice, California, the company has grown to become a top interactive software publisher.23

Encore is particularly notable in the Sierra Games archive for their continuation of the Hoyle series, publishing numerous Hoyle card, casino, and board game titles from 2005 through the 2010s after acquiring publishing rights from the Sierra catalog.4

History

Founding and Early Growth (1994-2000)

Mike Bell and Michael Wegmann founded Encore Software Inc.5 in 1994, initially finding success with bundled previously released software.26 By 1998, Encore began developing original content, entering the educational market with titles like “Math Advantage” and bundles such as “Family MegaHits.”78 The company grew an average of 80% per year during its first six years, earning recognition from Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies.79

In October 1994, Encore Software became a majority-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, a Minneapolis-based distributor of home entertainment and multimedia software.1011 In August 2002, Encore signed a publishing agreement with JoWooD Productions Software AG for the marketing and distribution of nine games throughout North America.1012

Broderbund License (2008-Present)

In November 2008, Encore announced an expanded license with Riverdeep, under which Encore now manages the Broderbund family of products as well as Broderbund’s direct-to-consumer business.113 This significantly expanded their catalog of classic software titles.

Sierra Connection

Encore Software acquired publishing rights to the Hoyle series, originally created by Sierra On-Line in 1989. Encore continued releasing Hoyle-branded card, casino, and puzzle game compilations throughout the 2000s and 2010s, maintaining one of Sierra’s longest-running casual gaming franchises.

Games Published (Sierra Archive)

Current Status

Encore Software continues to operate as an interactive software publisher, selling products directly to customers through their managed websites in addition to retail publishing. The company is based in the San Francisco Bay Area.114

References

Footnotes

  1. Wikipedia - Encore, Inc. - Company overview ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  2. Encore Software About Page - Founding history ↩ ↩2

  3. Encore Official Site - Games - Current game catalog ↩

  4. Elite Systems - Wikipedia - Encore budget label context ↩

  5. Retrolorean - Encore Software, Inc. - Game catalog ↩

  6. MobyGames - Encore, Inc. History - JoWooD partnership details ↩

  7. RPGWatch - Encore Software Inc. - Company growth history ↩ ↩2

  8. Grokipedia - Encore, Inc. - Company description ↩

  9. Encore Card Games Collection - Product information ↩

  10. MobyGames - Encore, Inc. - Publishing agreements and corporate history ↩ ↩2

  11. Encore Contact Page - Company location ↩

  12. Encore Classic Puzzle & Board Games - Product catalog ↩

  13. Scam Detector - Encore.com Review - Company verification ↩

  14. Glassdoor - Encore Software Reviews - Employee reviews ↩

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