"Meridian 59" (abbreviated "M59") was developed by Archetype Interactive and published in September 1996 by 3DO. "Meridian 59" is the only product Archetype Interactive ever released, and the company was acquired by 3DO in June 1996. Archetype was run by Steve Sellers, Mike Sellers, and John Hanke, with Andrew Kirmse and Chris Kirmse filling key technical roles. Damion Schubert contributed to the design along with a team totaling 22 employees and contractors. The game's technological base was initially inspired by "Scepter of Goth".