Ultima.
Arguably the most important Role Playing Game series ever made and its initial release from Origin Systems in 1981 is widely regarded as one of the very first commercially available RPGs. The leaps in technology, game design and visual presentation that the series would come to see has been crucial in the development of the dice rolling genre and the DNA of the series is still evident in the biggest names of modern gaming. After all, no Ultima Online: no World of Warcraft.
Ultima is that important.
Fundamental to this stunning series’ creation is Richard Garriott – referred to fondly by fans as Lord British – who has not only been a key figure in the development of the games industry, but is a wildly successful entrepreneur, geocacher and space adventurer. Midlife Gamer secured a rare opportunity to speak with the great man himself, who talks to us about his upbringing and first commercial computer game, his time with Ultima including his interaction with players as Lord British, his experience of life on the International Space Station and what the future holds with Portalarium.
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Such a great interview.. I can almost forgive Richard’s taste for Jammy Dodgers. If he knew the ingredients of that plastic Jam stuff he wouldn’t rate them so highly, but he maybe key to the saviour of the cloth map in these dark days of digital downloads, so who am I to judge?
Seriously though, thanks so much Mr Xero and Matt for your efforts in bringing us this podcast.. really enjoyed it.
Just listend the whole interview in one go.
Very nice inside infos and I must say I am stunned You made it happen.
I can only image what this ment to Matt and I am happy for him to have this
once in a lifetime opertunity.
Best regards
“Guilty of being envious” Oli
First Rate Mantismat. Very articulate content from you both.
Anyone interested in Richards GeoCaching locations, click the links below:
Highest GeoCache – The International Space Station
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=611d0635-a1cf-41bc-a0cc-a6038ae288d5
Lowest GeoCache – Rainbow Hydrothermal Vents
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=adc42ce8-1aa0-42c7-b00e-4488a098105d
Necropolis of Britannia Manor III
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=0bd88942-31d9-4ecb-b230-2ef84af70b11
Keep up the outstanding work MLG!
Wonderful interview Matt!
Not being an Ultima or RPG fan, i downloaded the podcast with a smattering of apprehension. Not only was Richard a great interviewee with astonishing tales, just as fantastic and otherworldly as the games he is famous for, but the interview was well researched and impeccably delivered.
The boy dun good!
Your very kind PShooter – it was tricky to stay focused as he’s quite a hero of mine, so no research really needed. Its still sinking in that I’ve been able to not only speak to someone who’s been into space, but the guy who made one of the most important games in my gaming history.