WHY WAS LJN SO BAD?

LJN’s Brief Heyday

For a brief period in the 1980s, LJN was a dominant force in the video game industry. In 1987, the company had sales of $200 million, more than Nintendo and Sega combined. LJN's games based on popular movies and cartoons, like Back to the Future and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, were some of the best-selling games of their time.

The Beginning of the End

However, LJN's success was short-lived. By the early 1990s, the company was in financial trouble. In 1994, LJN was forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company's demise was due to a number of factors, including:

Poor Game Quality

LJN's games were often rushed to market, and they were often riddled with bugs and glitches. This made them unpopular with consumers, who increasingly turned to games from other companies that were better made and more enjoyable to play.

Lack of Innovation

LJN was slow to innovate, and its games often felt like retreads of earlier titles. The company also failed to keep up with the latest trends in gaming, such as the rise of 3D graphics.

Overreliance on Licensed Properties

LJN relied heavily on licensed properties, such as movies and cartoons, for its games. This meant that the company was limited in its ability to create original and innovative games.

The Legacy of LJN

LJN's legacy is one of cautionary tale. The company's rise and fall show that even the most successful companies can be brought down by poor decision-making and a lack of innovation. LJN's games may be remembered for their poor quality, but they also serve as a reminder of the importance of creativity and originality in the video game industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was LJN's biggest mistake?

LJN's biggest mistake was its overreliance on licensed properties. The company failed to invest in original and innovative games, and as a result, its games fell behind those of its competitors.

2. Why did LJN's games have so many bugs?

LJN's games were often rushed to market, and they were often understaffed and underfunded. This led to a number of bugs and glitches in the games.

3. What was LJN's most successful game?

LJN's most successful game was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which sold over 4 million copies.

4. What was LJN's last game?

LJN's last game was The Lion King, which was released in 1995.

5. What happened to LJN?

LJN filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1994. The company was eventually liquidated, and its assets were sold off.