Retro Hour Podcast catchs up with ‘Metal Jesus Rocks’ – a YouTube sensation and former Sierra On-Line employee. We hear about his recent reunion with the legendary Sierra team, reminiscing about the glory days of one of the most iconic companies in PC gaming history. Jason shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time at Sierra, from wild office parties to the transition from accounting to game testing, and his passion for big-box PC games. Plus, we get the inside scoop on his memorable retro road trips, favourite game room treasures, and what’s next for his channel as it nears a million subscribers!
Tag Archives: Sierra
Ken and Roberta Williams Interview w/ Matt Barton (New for 2024)
Ken and Roberta Williams are the founders of Sierra On-Line, one of the most influential computer game developers and publishers of all time. Recently, the couple returned to their gaming roots with a 3D, AR-enabled version of the classic text adventure Colossal Cave.
Sierra On-Line was a powerhouse in the gaming industry throughout the 1980s and 1990s, known for producing some of the most iconic and influential adventure games of the era. One of their standout titles from the 1980s was “King’s Quest” (1984), a groundbreaking adventure game that introduced players to the fantastical world of Daventry and the daring adventures of King Graham. With its innovative use of graphics and text-based commands, “King’s Quest” offered players unprecedented freedom to explore its richly detailed environments and solve puzzles, setting a new standard for the adventure game genre. Its success spawned numerous sequels, each building upon the legacy of the original and further cementing Sierra’s reputation as a leader in interactive storytelling.
In the 1990s, Sierra continued to push the boundaries of gaming with titles like “Space Quest” (1986) and “Quest for Glory” (1989). “Space Quest” combined humor, science fiction, and adventure in a series of games following the hapless space janitor Roger Wilco as he stumbled his way through various interstellar misadventures. The series was known for its witty writing, colorful characters, and imaginative settings, earning it a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. “Quest for Glory,” on the other hand, blended elements of traditional adventure games with role-playing mechanics, allowing players to create and develop their own character as they embarked on epic quests in the fantasy world of Gloriana. With its innovative approach to gameplay and rich narrative, “Quest for Glory” left a lasting impression on the gaming landscape and remains beloved by fans to this day. Overall, Sierra On-Line’s catalog of games from the 1980s and 1990s showcased the company’s pioneering spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the history of gaming.
Ken & Roberta Williams Sends a Message to Adventure Game Fans
Ken and Roberta Williams will be one of the guests that you will get to visit with at the Adventure Game Fan Fair.
https://adventuregamehotspot.com/
The Adventure Game Fan Fair will be the first annual convention to bring together adventure developers, artists, creators and fans in the United States. We’ll be honoring the people who have shaped the genre’s past and present with the first official Adventure Game Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony. This specialty event will feature exciting panels, interactive exhibits, exclusive prizes and, most importantly, the opportunity to meet face-to-face with gaming legends!
The inaugural Fan Fair will be held the weekend of July 27th and 28th at the University of Washington in Tacoma, WA. Space is limited! The Kickstarter is already underway, so be sure to support if you want to secure your passes. VIP tickets are available exclusively to backers, as well as many other exciting perks. And with your help, should we exceed our initial funding goal, we have many more plans in store, including a third day! We look forward to seeing you there!
Sierra On-Line, founded in 1979 by husband and wife team Ken and Roberta Williams, played a pivotal role in shaping the early landscape of computer gaming. Initially focusing on graphical adventure games, Sierra On-Line quickly gained renown for titles like “King’s Quest,” which introduced players to immersive storytelling and groundbreaking visuals. The company’s commitment to innovation extended beyond gameplay mechanics; Sierra also pioneered the use of voice acting in games, enhancing the narrative experience for players.
As Sierra On-Line grew, it expanded its portfolio to include a diverse range of genres, from simulation and strategy games to role-playing adventures. With hits like “Space Quest,” “Police Quest,” and “Leisure Suit Larry,” Sierra solidified its status as a leading developer and publisher in the gaming industry. Despite facing challenges in the late 1990s and eventually being acquired by various companies, Sierra’s legacy endures through its groundbreaking contributions to gaming culture and its lasting impact on the evolution of interactive entertainment.
Interview with Roberta Williams (Phantasmagoria Reunion)
Conversations with Curtis – Watch Roberta & Victoria Hemingson (who played Adrienne in Phantasmagoria) reunite for the first time since 1995! Join Victoria Morsell Hemingson, Paul Morgan Stetler and Daniel Albu as they talk to the one and only Roberta Williams (of Sierra fame)!
Roberta Williams is a pioneering figure in the world of computer gaming, best known for her significant contributions to the development and success of Sierra On-Line, a prominent game development company. As the co-founder and former lead designer of Sierra, Roberta played a pivotal role in shaping the adventure gaming genre and revolutionizing interactive storytelling. Her imaginative and captivating game designs, such as the groundbreaking “King’s Quest” series, introduced players to richly detailed worlds, complex puzzles, and engaging narratives, setting new standards for interactive entertainment. With her innovative approach to game design and her dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology, Roberta Williams has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry, inspiring countless developers and players alike.
Colossal Cave (2023) Review – Classic Sierra game? Not quite.
Review of the new Ken & Roberta Williams (Sierra On-Line) remake of Colossal Cave, an old text adventure from 1976. Remade and updated w/ 3D graphics…but is it stuck in the past?
Official Site: https://www.colossalcave3d.com
Colossal Cave – Nintendo Switch Trailer
Colossal Cave reimagined by Roberta Williams (King’s Quest, Phantasmagoria, Lara Bow) now for the Nintendo Switch. Also coming for PC, Meta Quest and more.
Drunken Master Paul Interview & Behind the scenes of making Phantasmagoria: A Puzzle of Flesh
Paul Stetler who played Curtis Craig from Phantasmagoria: A Puzzle of Flesh from Sierra On-Line now has a YouTube channel and in this video he’s reviewing my good buddy Drunken Master Paul. Lots of good stories about being on the set of making the game, how he originally got his job at Sierra and much more!
WHAT?! Sierra Founders are BACK w/ a NEW GAME?! (Colossal Cave 3D)
Ken & Roberta (Sierra On-line founders) discuss their upcoming Colossal Cave 3D adventure game for Windows/Mac/VR. Hear the inspirations for the project, the challenges making it feel right, developer hiring problems and much more.
https://www.colossalcave3d.com
Sierra Flashback w/ Ken & Roberta – Good, Bad & Disappointments
In this video we sit down with Ken & Roberta Williams in their house in Southern California for an exclusive chat about Sierra On-Line games including some of their biggest hits and some of their failures and disappointments. We discuss the making of the popular games like King’s Quest, Leisure Suit Larry & Phantasmagoria…but also some of the hidden gems and nuggets from Dynamix, Papyrus, Coktel Vision and more.
Ken Williams | Co-Founder of Sierra On-Line – Retro Tea Break
Ken and Roberta Williams created Sierra On-Line in 1979 with their first graphical adventure game for the Apple II compute “Mystery House”. From these humble beginnings the world opened up for them and with games such as Police Quest, Space Quest, Leisure Suit Larry and Kings Quest, Sierra rocketed to the top of the charts and became one of the biggest game publishers in the world. Today we meet Ken and discuss those early days, and find out a little more about his history and his exciting new game.