{"title":"Microids","description":"\u003cp\u003eMicroids (formerly styled Microïds) represents a resilient survivor of French video game industry turbulence, having evolved from boutique adventure game specialist through corporate dissolution and acquisition to emerge as a diversified publisher emphasizing narrative-driven experiences and licensed properties under the ownership of French media conglomerate Média-Participations. Founded in April 1985 by Elliot Grassiano—a French engineer educated at École nationale supérieure d'arts et métiers with professional experience developing aeronautics guidance systems for defense contractor SAGEM—in the Paris suburb of Vélizy-Villacoublay, the company derived its name from a portmanteau of \"microinformatique\" (micro-informatics) and \"androids,\" initially envisioning consumer robotics ventures before pivoting entirely to video game development following Grassiano's successful debut simulation title published through Loriciel that demonstrated both critical and commercial viability. The studio's breakthrough arrived with its 1986 motorcycle grand prix simulation for Amstrad CPC that capitalized on the platform's strong French market penetration while securing international distribution through Loriciel's partnership with Activision for UK markets and Broderbund for broader international territories, establishing Microïds' reputation for technically accomplished simulations and adventure experiences that funded aggressive expansion throughout the 1990s including transition into publishing and distribution operations alongside development activities and establishment of international subsidiaries in Milan, Milton Keynes, and Montreal by 1997.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonnel expansion from 20 employees with 20 million franc turnover in 1997 to 200 employees including 105 Montreal-based developers by 2003 positioned Microïds as a significant mid-tier European publisher before the 2003 merger with French software company MC2 created MC2-Microïds and precipitated aggressive acquisition activity including Wanadoo Edition's games division (through which France Telecom's multimedia arm Wanadoo acquired 12% equity stake) and gradual accumulation of bankrupt developer Cryo Interactive's intellectual property catalog and brand assets, though founder Grassiano's 2005 departure under new CEO Emmanuel Olivier preceded difficult years that saw Ubisoft's March 2005 acquisition of the Montreal development studio integrating 50 employees into Ubisoft Montreal operations while the parent company briefly renamed itself MC2 before restoring the Microïds branding in 2007 as financial difficulties mounted toward 2008 dissolution. The brand's rescue arrived through acquisition by Anuman Interactive—itself in process of being purchased by French publishing and media holding company Média-Participations—which completed purchase of Microïds assets and intellectual property catalog on January 1, 2010, reestablishing Microïds as an internal development division and publishing label while launching specialized sub-brands including Microïds Games for All in 2011, Microïds Indie in 2016, and Microids Life around 2019 as part of diversification strategy emphasizing licensed properties from comic books, literature, and film alongside original adventure franchises. Founder Grassiano's 2013 return as Microïds vice president preceded October 2019's transformative rebranding wherein parent company Anuman Interactive adopted the Microids name entirely with Anuman CEO Stéphane Longeard assuming Microids CEO responsibilities alongside Grassiano in co-management structure, simplifying the brand's diacritical styling from Microïds to Microids while expanding international presence through 2019 Japan office opening targeting Asian markets and 2022 Berlin office establishment for enhanced European operations, alongside strategic investments including April 2022 minority stake acquisition in French independent developer OSome Studio and partnerships with external developers for licensed comic book and literary adaptations that have driven revenue growth exceeding 60% between 2020-2021 with 85% of sales originating outside France, though April 2025 restructuring closed the Paris development studio while maintaining publishing operations under Média-Participations ownership as the company continues emphasizing narrative-driven adventures, remakes of classic catalog titles, and family-friendly licensed properties from its current Paris headquarters.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"syberia-3-pc-download","title":"Syberia 3","description":"\u003cp class=\"lead\"\u003eSyberia 3 carries on the beloved adventure series envisioned by legendary artist and storyteller Benoît Sokal, plunging players into an enchanting new chapter in Kate Walker's extraordinary journey. After barely surviving her departure from the island of Syberia, Kate is rescued by the Youkol, a nomadic tribe migrating across Eastern Europe with their sacred snow ostriches. Stranded together in the oppressive town of Valsembor, Kate and her new allies must outwit dangerous enemies, unravel layered mysteries, and navigate a hauntingly beautiful world brought to life in full 3D for the first time in the series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA New Chapter for Kate Walker\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSyberia 3 picks up directly where the previous game left off. Found near death on a riverbank, Kate is nursed back to health by the Youkol people and their shaman, Ayawaska. What begins as a recovery quickly evolves into a deeply personal mission as Kate pledges to help the tribe complete their ancestral migration. Along the way, her own troubled past catches up with her, bringing corporate threats, legal entanglements, and determined pursuers who will stop at nothing to end her journey. The narrative weaves themes of freedom, cultural preservation, and the enduring power of human connection into a storyline that resonates on multiple levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBenoît Sokal's World in Full 3D\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the first time in the Syberia series, players explore Sokal's dreamlike universe rendered entirely in real-time 3D. Every environment, from the decaying Soviet-era architecture of Valsembor to underground metro tunnels beneath irradiated ghost cities, reflects Sokal's distinctive artistic vision. The painterly aesthetic that defined the earlier games translates beautifully into three dimensions, with crumbling socialist monuments standing alongside fantastical aviaries, frozen wilderness, and the intricate clockwork automatons that have become hallmarks of the series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePuzzles Rooted in a Living World\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdl\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eMechanical Ingenuity\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eInteract with Sokal's signature automaton machinery and clockwork devices through hands-on puzzle mechanics. Manipulate modular components, turn intricate mechanisms, and repair machines that feel grounded in the game's unique blend of steampunk-inspired engineering and old-world craftsmanship. The updated puzzle system moves beyond simple inventory combinations into tactile, immersive interactions.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eChoices with Consequences\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eAt key moments, your dialogue decisions can alter how challenges unfold. Fail a lie detector test in the Valsembor clinic and you'll face an entirely different path than if you succeed, adding genuine replay value and a sense that your choices carry real weight within the story.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eEnvironmental Exploration\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eEvery location is dense with clues, hidden details, and interactive elements waiting to be discovered. Careful observation and creative thinking are your greatest tools as you navigate each richly designed area, piecing together solutions from the world around you.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Memorable Cast and Stirring Score\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKate Walker is joined by a cast of compelling characters, from the loyal automaton Oscar and his endearing mechanical personality to Youkol leaders, scheming doctors, and enigmatic allies whose motives are rarely straightforward. Sharon Mann returns to voice Kate, grounding the story with a performance that carries the emotional weight of three games' worth of growth and determination. Complementing every scene is an original score by Inon Zur, whose work on Fallout, Dragon Age, and Prince of Persia has earned him a reputation as one of gaming's most evocative composers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStep Into Kate's Journey\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you have followed Kate Walker since her first steps out of a New York law office or are discovering the Syberia series for the first time, Syberia 3 offers a rich, self-contained adventure that rewards curiosity, patience, and a love of storytelling. Add it to your library and see where the road takes you next.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Microids","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":38081794956,"sku":"PC_10397842252_DL_L_RU_SS_XK","price":7.29,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0875\/3268\/files\/card-syberia-3-pc-steam-game.jpg?v=1778269105"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.pjsgames.com\/en-fr\/collections\/microids.oembed","provider":"PJ's Games","version":"1.0","type":"link"}