Richard "Lord Brittish" Garriott interview

[Gben 20]

Web Extended Interview - Richard Garriott. 1st March 2011 - We have an interesting and informative chat with the father of MMOs, Richard Garriott.

Download here or view in browser here.

 

I saw a partial interview last night on local tv, I thought it was interesting even though I have never played an Ultima game or even a MMO. This full interview is apparently an hour long.

 

And on the weekend I also saw a partial interview with Sinclair - the British inventor - famous for pocket calculators, digital watches and the failed C5 eco-scooter. Interesting how so much history is tied to a few people. By this I mean how it's not just a random lucky strike, a once in a generation event. I heard someone quip about one-hit-wonder bands - and how it feels to only have one famous/popular song - wouldn't it be a drag. I forget who said it, but the answer stuck with me... "It's better than having no hits at all!"

 

 

 

 

[Gben 20]

There was some interesting insights in the interview... the guy has been making games for 30 years so he sees a lot of cycles in the industry. Apparently his first game was sold in a zip-lock bag with a B&W photocopy sheet for USD$25.

 

I think his brother manages his 'business' but I could be wrong on the brother part. But one of Garrets comments was that too often Gaming companies pin the business plan on the next game by the success of the current game. So when their game is a success they have capital to make the next game... but if their current game tanks... then the company shuts down. So the brother makes sure the business runs smoothly and doesn't close down from a dud game. Sounds like Westwood could have used his brother huh.

 

Another comment was about complexity of gaming. A breakthrough occurs, and the implementation is rough, complicated because of it's unfamiliar innovation. The industry rushes to copycat the innovation and then focuses on visual improvements and streamlined gameplay. Sounds like a lot of FPS now a days huh.

 

He was the son of an artist and an astronaut. Saying that was partially his inspiration for gaming, the unique home environment, but also why he used his personal wealth to become the 6th space tourist via the Russians, and why he helped fund the race to privatise space travel.

 

His longevity in the industry made for insightful comments in my opinion.