MasterType
A typing game that blends arcade action with keyboard practice.
MasterType, a typing game released in 1981, was developed by Bruce Zweig for the Apple II and published by Broderbund Software. Versions later appeared on the Atari 8-bit line, IBM PC, and VIC-20. In the game, the player controls a ship at the screen's center. Letters, words, numbers, or symbols appear at the four corners, each linked to a missile, satellite, or fireball that drifts toward the ship. Typing the displayed text destroys the incoming object, and a new one appears at that corner. The ship has four shields, one per corner, each able to absorb one hit. A second projectile from the same corner destroys the ship and ends the game. Reviewers praised it: Steve Stone of *Ahoy!* noted it was great fun and useful for those with a disk or datasette, while Eric Freedman of *PC Magazine* gave it 12.5 points, calling it enjoyable regardless of typing goals. *Games Magazine* described it as a playful way to learn touch typing, and Robert DeWitt of *Antic* said teachers and educators would find it a godsend.
- creator
- Bruce Zweig
- publisher
- Broderbund Software
- initial_platform
- Apple II
- other_platforms
- Atari 8-bit computers, IBM PC, VIC-20
- release_year
- 1981
- genre
- typing video game
Quick Facts
- Title
- MasterType
- Developer
- Lightning Software
- Publisher
- Lightning Software / Broderbund Software
- Director
- Bruce Zweig
- Released
- 1981
- Genre
- Typing
- Modes
- Single-player
- Platform
- Apple II, Atari 8-bit, IBM PC, VIC-20
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In MasterType, the player controls a ship positioned at the center of the screen. Letters, words, numbers, or symbols appear in the four corners, each accompanied by a missile, satellite, or fireball that moves toward the ship. The player must type the associated word to destroy the incoming object, after which a new word and object appear in that corner. The ship is protected by four shields, one per corner, each able to withstand one hit. If a second projectile from the same corner strikes the ship, the game ends.
Reader's Guide
MasterType is significant as an early fusion of typing instruction and video game mechanics, predating many later educational games. Its reception was generally positive: Steve Stone of Ahoy! noted that the game is great fun and very useful if the player has a disk or datasette device, but limited otherwise. Eric Freedman of PC Magazine rated it 12.5 points, calling it fun regardless of typing goals. Games Magazine described it as a playful way to learn touch typing, and Robert DeWitt of Antic suggested teachers and educators would find it a godsend. The game's legacy lies in demonstrating that typing practice could be engaging, influencing subsequent typing software and educational game design.
Did You Know?
- MasterType was created by Bruce Zweig for the Apple II and published in 1981 by Broderbund Software.
- The game was ported to Atari 8-bit computers, IBM PC, and VIC-20.
- In the game, the player's ship is protected by four shields, each able to withstand one hit from a projectile.
- Eric Freedman of PC Magazine rated MasterType with 12.5 points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MasterType and who made it?
MasterType is a 1981 typing game created by Bruce Zweig and published by Broderbund Software. It was originally built for the Apple II before being ported to other systems.
How do you actually play MasterType?
You pilot a ship in the center of the screen while text targets appear at the four corners, each attached to an incoming projectile like a missile or fireball. You type the displayed letters, words, or symbols to destroy that object before it reaches your ship.
How does the shield system work in MasterType?
The player's ship has four shields, one assigned to each corner of the screen. Each shield can absorb exactly one hit from that direction, so a second projectile from the same corner will damage the ship.
What platforms can I play MasterType on?
The game launched on the Apple II in 1981 and was later released for Atari 8-bit computers, the IBM PC, and the Commodore VIC-20.
Why is MasterType considered a notable typing game?
It stands out for blending arcade-style action with keyboard practice, turning typing drills into a survival game where speed and accuracy directly determine whether your ship survives.
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