In the late 1980s the company embarked on an ambitious program of expansion by opening two games development studios, one in Brighton and one in Waterford, Ireland.

In 1982 David, at that time a Head of Science and Chemistry Teacher, purchased a BBC Model B microcomputer for his department and began to develop early educational programs.

Around this time David heard that WH Smith were beginning to sell early video games, and he made a trip to see the buyer who placed a big order for Conflict.

Due to its success, other personality endorsed games were developed over the next few years, including Brian Jacks for Brian Jacks SuperStar Challenge and Uchi Mata, Geoff Capes for Geoff Capes Strongman, model and singer Samantha Fox for Samantha Fox Strip Poker, and Nigel Mansell for Nigel Mansell's Grand Prix.

In 1988, David Martin and John Barry, together with Mike Dixon, established a major new games development studio called Emerald Software in Waterford, Ireland.

Martech also launched a second label called Screen 7 which published, amongst others, a game based on the major movie franchise Jaws.

In 1989, critical development delays in both the Brighton and Waterford studios led to a severe cash flow crisis from which the company was not able to recover and it closed all operations in 1989.

David Martin accepted the role of Marketing Director at expanding Sheffield based games publisher Gremlin Interactive.