The Story of Soren: From BBS Pioneer to Gaming News
Over three decades of building tools and communities - from the dial-up days to unbiased gaming news across PC, console, indie, and AAA
The Story of Our Founder
My name is Jeff Sorrentino. For over three decades, I've been building tools and communities that help people connect and get more from their passions. This journey began during the early days of online communities in the BBS era.
This website, Soren, is the culmination of that lifelong journey — from the dial-up days to unbiased gaming news across PC, console, indie, and AAA gaming. This is the story of that lineage.
Timeline of a Gaming Journey
Launched The 4th Dimension BBS in Chicago as Sysop under 4D Software
Developed shareware tools like Deluxe Door Menu (DDM) and Deluxe Conference Menu (DCM)
Created gaming tools and addons, continuing to build utilities that help gamers
Founded Soren for unbiased news across PC, console, indie, and AAA titles
Foundations in the Dial-Up Era: The 4th Dimension BBS
Long before the internet, communities formed via modems and phone lines. In 1986, I launched The 4th Dimension BBS in Chicago as a multi-line hub for file sharing, messaging, and early gaming.
Under the handle 4D Software, I created shareware like DDM and DCM to empower other Sysops. This era taught me a core principle: empower users with reliable tools and clear info.
The Mission of Soren
Gamers today, like in 1986, crave facts over hype and analysis over opinions. Soren delivers transparent, source-cited news — we show our work, stand by the data, and cut through industry noise.
Learn more on our About Page.
Thank you for trusting this 30+ year legacy. Welcome to the next chapter.
— Jeff Sorrentino ('JS')