In the nascent stages of computer game development, an era now affectionately referred to as the ‘golden days,’ opportunities abounded. Developers recall a time when salary negotiations were almost unheard of – a simple statement of one’s current earnings could lead to an immediate offer to double it, a scenario almost unimaginable in today’s competitive landscape. It’s remarkably insightful to consider that even by 1989, these very pioneers were already looking back, reminiscing about this ‘golden era’ of computer games as if it had already passed.
This early sentiment of a bygone era, despite the industry’s relative youth, highlights the incredibly rapid evolution and intensity of innovation during those formative years.
Richard Garriott, a pivotal figure in early game development, is pictured here with an Apple II Plus, proudly featuring his groundbreaking title, Akalabeth.
