Realm of Shadows: Lore & Law (February 1999)

This is the place to come for all the latest updates on the Gabriel Knight series.
If you have any news you'd like to share, send it to me and I'll post it here.

February 26, 1999

More about Sierra's consolidation

Reactions to Sierra's shocking announcement on Monday are encountered in virtually every online publication dedicated to computer games. The decision to close four development studios, Yosemite Entertainment in Oakhurst, California; Pyrotechnix in Cincinnati, Ohio; Synergistic in Renton, Washington; and Books That Work in Palo Alto, California; and to discontinue publication of InterAction Magazine, affects more than 125 employees and marks the end of an era in computer gaming. One of the most poignant responses is the Just Adventure article, R.I.P. Sierra by Josh Mandel, a former Sierra employee. More words of support are being offered in the forum that former Yosemite employee William Shockley has created. Besides links to several online articles covering Sierra's announcement and over 400 messages of support and condolence, there's an open letter from Sierra On-Line founder Ken Williams. I spent more than two hours last night reading all that was there.

Sierra Class Reunion - March 6th 5-7pm PST

Sierra employees, ex-employees, fans and anyone else interested in reminiscing about "old times" at Sierra are all invited to a Sierra cyber gathering to be held on March 6th, from 5-7pm (Sierra Message Board Time) at www.talkspot.com, hosted by Sierra On-Line founder Ken Williams. Here's an excerpt from Ken's recent message at X-Yosemite Entertainment Employees Forum:

I'll be there, as will Al Lowe. I spoke earlier today with Scott Murphy who is thinking about being here in Seattle for the show.
See my earlier message for more info - but, my only goal with this is to talk about old times, in a talk show format. Our technology lets us broadcast pictures etc, so if anyone has anything fun .. email me pics and we'll display them.
Hopefully many of you will be able to join us and chat, or call the show. It won't be as good as being face to face, but should be interesting.
-Ken

And here is the "earlier message" with more info:

I just had lunch with Al Lowe. He and I came up with an idea which might be fun, if people want.

I'm in the interactive internet broadcasting business now. Next weekend, Al and I will host a live show (I don't have a time yet - watch here for details) about the history of Sierra. Everyone is invited. We'll be at www.talkspot.com next Saturday or Sunday.
Today has been an emotional rush for me. I've gotten emails from hundreds of old friends. My hope is that I can get all of these people to call Al and I, during our live show, just to rehash the "good old days" of Sierra and TSN. It seems appropriate that we hold our "class reunion" in cyberspace.
I do not want it to turn into a "dump on Sierra" party and really don't want to get sucked into editorializing on Sierra's current or future management teams -- but, do think it would be fun to share a group experience with all of you - and, anyone else who wants to drop in.
If you have any cool pictures from the old days, email it and we'll make it part of the show. Or, any fun sound clips. You can also use snail mail and send any old photos. I'll scan and return them.
I look forward to talking to you.
-Ken

More Sad News

Al Lowe posted the following message at the X-Yosemite Entertainment Employees Forum:

Leisure Suit Larry Laffer
1986--1999
Tuesday I learned that Sierra had also decided to kill off my old friend, Larry Laffer.
Living in Bellevue (being available "face-to-face") was not enough.
I hope all of Larry’s fans will join Ken and I on www.talkspot.com on March 6th for a proper burial for the old fart.
Damn. It really does feel like the death of a friend.

February 22, 1999

Reorganization

Computer Games Online has some news about Sierra: several of its development studios will be closed and a number of their teams will move to the company's headquarters in Bellevue, WA. However, it doesn't appear that the GK3 team will be among those affected. Also, the Spring 1999 issue of InterAction Magazine will be the final issue that Sierra publishes.

The redhead has a name...

During his visit to the chat last Saturday, Adam mentioned that the redhead's name is Madeline Buthane.

February 15, 1999

The first issue of the fan/fanfiction newsletter is due late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Write to Email ID: gkwriters @Domain: thixo.com to sign up. More details about the contents of the newsletter can be found below and in January's news.

February 9, 1999

Countdown to Pissing in the Wind

The first issue of the fan/fanfiction newsletter is almost ready - ETA is February 14. However, the editors would still appreciate any additional submissions. They are looking for reviews: fan fiction stories you have read, websites that you visit, even movies or books that somehow relate to GK. They will also mention new features to fan websites so if you have noticed something, let them know. All questions/submissions can be sent to Email ID: gkwriters @Domain: thixo.com.

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