Target Software

About Target Software

Established in 1995, Target Software (Beijing) Co., Ltd., also known as Object Software, stands as one of the pioneering video game development companies in mainland China. The company carved out a niche by specializing in entertainment software for the personal computer, with a strong focus on games set against the backdrop of ancient Chinese history. Its business model encompasses the development of both single-player titles and, later, the operation of online games, often through its affiliate, Beijing Object Online Technology Corporation. Target Software not only captured the domestic market but also achieved international distribution for several of its key titles, a significant accomplishment for an independent Chinese developer of its time.

The firm's development history began with titles like "Hooves of Thunder" in 1995 and "Metal Knight" in 1998. A major milestone was the release of "Fate of the Dragon" in 2000, a real-time strategy game based on the Three Kingdoms period, which was published globally by Eidos. This was followed by other internationally recognized games such as "Dragon Throne: Battle of Red Cliffs" (2001) and "Prince of Qin" (2002). As the market shifted, Target Software transitioned into the burgeoning online gaming space, launching a series of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). This new portfolio included successful titles like "World of Qin" in 2003 and its sequel "World of Qin 2" in 2005, which the group began to operate itself. The company continued to produce online games like "Dragon Throne Online" and "Phoenix Dynasty Online" throughout the mid-2000s, solidifying its position in the online PC game sector.