Get to know the people who make great videogames
[Sup Holmes is a weekly talk show for people that make great videogames. It airs live every Sunday at 4pm EST onYoutube, and can be found in Podcast form onLibsynandiTunes.]
Last week on Sup Holmes we met Ron Gilbert, creator ofManiac Mansion, Monkey Island, The Caveand so many other amazing games. I have wanted to talk to this person for over 20 years. When I finally got my chance, I found myself desperate to tell him everything I’ve ever thoughtever, which left me at a loss. It’s hard to pick just a few words when you want to say all of them at the same time.
C’mon guys, this is the man who helped coin the term “cut scene”. This is the person who who co-created the modern point and click adventure genre. This is the guy who made some of the only games that have made me laugh out loud for the entirety of my adult life. I still laugh when I say “How appropriate, you fight like a cow,” in game or out. It literally never gets old.
Even typing this is stressing me out because I knowtheRon Gilbert might read it later. His games have given me so much joy and inspiration over the years. I can’t help but want to return the gesture.
Despite my fanboy freak out, we still had an amazing conversation. We talked about working with George Lucas, how frustrations with other games can inspire innovations in his own designs, the influence ofBlazing Saddleson the ending ofMonkey Island 2, his thoughts on modern adventure games likeLone Survivor,Kentucky Route Zero, andThe Stanley Parable, the actual secret ofMonkey Island, how 90% of your ideas suck, why that’s OK, his dream toreturn toMonkey Island, the game he’s planning now, and so much more.
I also couldn’t help but squeeze out some resentment I’d been holding in. ThosePirates of the Caribbeanmovies? They should have beenMonkey Islandmovies. To me, that’s what they were — poor man’sMonkey Islandmovies. Ron seemed to know exactly what I meant, though he was a little more composed and respectful than I was. He certainly looked calm. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone look so consistently relaxed. Maybe it’s because his face is made entirely of squares. I bet that helps.
Thanks again to Ron for being on the show, and if you want to meet the creators ofAdventures of Pipand maybe win a code forDevil’s Dare, tune in for thelive show here at 4pm EST. We’d love talk to you and give you things.
