Tag Archives: Sierra On-Line

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.

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.

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!

 

Conversations with Curtis

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.

Microsoft now OWNS classic SIERRA GAMES?!?

Microsoft’s announcement to buy Activision for $70 billion comes with an added surprise: They will also own classic Sierra On-Line game franchises! King’s Quest, Leisure Suit Larry, Space Quest, Phantasmagoria, Tribes, Willy Beamish, & hundreds more. Here are my thoughts on the epic merger and what it may mean for the future of Sierra games we all love.