CDV Software

Logo descriptions by Enormous Rat
Video capture courtesy of hydratheme, esonator and Enormous Rat

Background: CDV is a German game publisher and distributor, started in 1989. During 90's, they operated in local market only, but later became relatively known since 2000, when the distribution arm in the US was opened. Their first logo with three-strip yellow square had been found mainly in German market. The company experienced layoffs and went bankrupt on April 12th, 2010.

1st Logo (1990's-2002)

Nickname: "Pyramid Destroyer"

Logo: We move above the plain with the Egyptian pyramids under the night sky. A big rectangular object appears, and the laser beam appears to destroy it. Inside, the CDV yellow square logo, crossed with three strips and glowing with blue light. It moves to the screen and stops shining.

Variant: Starting in 2000, the visuals have been improved and CDV's new logo, featuring the text with a yellow crescent on top, would appear.

FX/SFX: The laser effects and particles, rather good for the time, but now outdated.

Music/Sounds: Computerized zapping sounds, along with an explosion.

Availability: The original is very rare, and seen almost exclusively in Germany. Can be found on Lula Pinball. The second variant is more common, and can be found on Sudden Strike, Sudden Strike 2, Mystery of the Druids and Cossacks: European Wars.

Editor's Note: None.

2nd Logo (2002-2006)

Nicknames: "Orange Arc", "Pharaoh's Tomb"

Logo: We enter a crypt where a large sarcophagus stands, carved with pictures and hieroglyphs. The stone lid opens and blue light shines through, and inside the golden pharaoh statue lies. The camera moves along the carvings of the statue, blowing the dust, and the CDV logo appears among the glyphs. The camera nearly misses it, but instantly returns and the logo comes into full view.

FX/SFX: Everything made in CGI. Good concept and animation.

Music/Sounds: A hollow windy sound, followed with some lid movement and the wheezing and hissing.

Availability: Seen on American Conquest, Cossacks II: Napoleonic Wars, Breed and other games.

Editor's Note: None.

3rd Logo (December 8, 2005)

Nickname: "Orange Arc II"

Logo: Several thin yellow lines swirl around the screen and fold into the CDV arc. The welding proceeds through the arc, and cdv zooms in a bright shine.

FX/SFX: The lines moving and the welding shine coming through.

Music/Sounds: The sound of welding.

Availability: Seen on Hard Truck Apocalypse - Rise of Clans.

Editor's Note: None.

5th Logo (2007-2010)

Nickname: "Modern CDV"

Logo: There is a new corporate CDV logo based on a rounded rectangle. The letters are cut into the rectangle. The logo revolves around before zooming to straight view.

FX/SFX: The logo moving, but it's mostly still.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Rare. Was seen on Serious Sam HD and a few other releases.

Editor's Note: None.