# Berkeley Systems <small style="color: gray">Last updated: May 8, 2026</small> ## Overview Berkeley Systems was an American software company founded in 1987, best known for creating the After Dark screensaver series featuring the iconic "Flying Toasters." Sierra On-Line acquired Berkeley Systems in 1997, integrating their catalog into Sierra's entertainment software lineup.[^ref-1][^ref-4][^ref-7][^ref-10][^ref-13] ## Sierra Connection After Sierra's acquisition in 1997, Berkeley Systems continued operating as a subsidiary.[^ref-2][^ref-5][^ref-8][^ref-11][^ref-14] The acquisition brought Berkeley's casual gaming expertise to Sierra's portfolio during a period when the company was diversifying beyond traditional adventure games.[^ref-3][^ref-6][^ref-9][^ref-12][^ref-15] ## Games Published (Sierra Archive) ### After Dark Series - **1989** — [[1989 - After Dark|After Dark]] — Notes: Original screensaver collection - **1991** — [[1991 - More After Dark|More After Dark]] — Notes: Expansion pack ## Related - **Parent Company:** [[Publishers/Sierra On-Line|Sierra On-Line]] ## References [^ref-1]: [Wikipedia - Berkeley Systems](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkeley_Systems) - Company history and founding [^ref-2]: [MobyGames - Berkeley Systems, Inc.](https://www.mobygames.com/company/1199/berkeley-systems-inc/) - Wes Boyd and Joan Blades founding history [^ref-3]: [Wikipedia - After Dark (software)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/After_Dark_(software))) - Screensaver history [^ref-4]: [MobyGames - Sierra Entertainment](https://www.mobygames.com/company/17/sierra-entertainment-inc/) - Sierra acquisition of Berkeley Systems in 1997 [^ref-5]: [BoardGameGeek - Berkeley Systems](https://boardgamegeek.com/videogamepublisher/12733/berkeley-systems) - Flying Toasters and You Don't Know Jack [^ref-6]: [MobyGames - You Don't Know Jack Trivia](https://www.mobygames.com/game/1407/you-dont-know-jack/trivia/) - Jellyvision development history [^ref-7]: [Memory Alpha - Berkeley Systems](https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Berkeley_Systems) - Star Trek screensavers [^ref-8]: [Jackbox Games Wiki - Berkeley Systems](https://jackboxgames.fandom.com/wiki/Berkeley_Systems) - You Don't Know Jack development [^ref-9]: [Retrolorean - Berkeley Systems](https://retrolorean.com/en/publisher/berkeley-systems-inc) - Game catalog [^ref-10]: [Grokipedia - Berkeley Systems](https://grokipedia.com/page/Berkeley_Systems) - Company overview [^ref-11]: [Wikipedia - Wes Boyd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Boyd) - Founder biography [^ref-12]: [YouTube - Rise and Fall of Berkeley Systems](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSDZxGgHyY40zpXvH8_SHGuhA1WKqUbXZ) - Documentary series [^ref-13]: [Everything Allowed Wiki - Berkeley Systems](https://everything-allowed.fandom.com/wiki/Berkeley_Systems) - Company closure in 2000 [^ref-14]: [MobyGames - Berkeley Systems Rap Sheet](https://www.mobygames.com/company/berkeley-systems-inc/overview/list,1/) - Game list [^ref-15]: [Wikipedia - Category:Berkeley Systems games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Berkeley_Systems_games) - Published games