Following the success of Summer Games and Summer Games II, Epyx expanded its virtual athletic competition with Winter Games (1985), a multi-event sports title themed around the Winter Olympics. Players can represent their country in a variety of snow and ice disciplines, either solo or with up to seven other participants taking turns. Events include the Ski Jump, Hot Dog (freestyle skiing), Biathlon, Bobsled, Speed Skating, Free Skating, and Figure Skating, though the specific events vary slightly by platform.
Each sport features unique controls and timing challenges, requiring a mix of precision, rhythm, and strategy. Players can compete in a full competition, select a custom sequence of events, or practice individual sports to improve their performance.
While not officially licensed by the International Olympic Committee, Winter Games captured the spirit of international competition and became a massive hit for Epyx, especially on the Commodore 64. It was praised for its variety, competitive gameplay, and impressive graphics across a range of platforms. With over 250,000 copies sold by 1989, it became Epyx’s best-selling Commodore game and remains one of the most fondly remembered entries in the publisher’s iconic sports series.
Epyx’s best-selling Commodore 64 game earned that title by being awesome and amazing and like many other titles in The Games series, we’d like to revive this. It may be too soon for 2026 in Italy, or maybe not. Even a single event as part of a revival of Winter Games might be the perfect teaser for a full Winter Games revival.