Brandy McPherson
Preserving Classic Video Games: The Making of Karateka
By [Your Name], Gaming News Writer and Expert
Summary
- Chris Kohler, Editorial Director from Digital Eclipse, discusses preserving classic video games, the Gold Master Series, and the release of The Making of Karateka.
- The Gold Master Series is a collection of interactive documentaries in video game format that include video, digital artifacts, audio, photos, playable games, and more.
- The Making of Karateka is out now for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S and includes a comprehensive interactive documentary plus fully remastered versions of Karateka and Deathbounce.
Earlier this year, Digital Eclipse announced their Gold Master Series, a collection of interactive documentaries wrapped in video game format that celebrate key designers, studios, and games that changed the world. The first title in this series, The Making of Karateka, is out today and offers an in-depth look at the creation of one of the most groundbreaking and influential games of all time.
Karateka, created by Jordan Mechner, is a classic martial arts action game that was originally released in 1984 for the Apple II and later on various other platforms. The game captivated players with its challenging combat, unforgiving gameplay, and innovative features such as cinematic cutscenes and rotoscoped animation. Many designers today trace their lineage back to Karateka and its impact on the gaming industry.
The Making of Karateka sets out to capture the entire process of game development, from concept to launch and beyond, through an interactive documentary. As Chris Kohler, Editorial Director from Digital Eclipse, explains, “Making a video game about video games is pretty similar to making a regular video game. The biggest difference is that projects like these are editorially driven, which means they really begin with that deep historical research to try to figure out what the underlying story is we’re trying to tell.”
The interactive documentary includes a vast array of content, such as early drafts, journal entries, concept drawings, video interviews, and more. It provides players with a comprehensive understanding of the importance and historical context of Karateka and its influence on the gaming industry.
The Gold Master Series aims to preserve classic games by presenting them in an innovative and immersive way. Each game in the series is treated as a work of art, with the addition of bonus content, behind-the-scenes materials, and interviews with the designers. This approach ensures that players not only experience the games but also appreciate them as significant pieces of gaming history.
The Making of Karateka goes beyond preserving the original game. It also offers fully remastered versions of Karateka and Deathbounce. These remastered versions feature enhancements and quality-of-life improvements while staying true to the essence of the originals.
By providing gamers with a comprehensive and interactive documentary, Digital Eclipse aims to bridge the gap between classic games and modern players. They believe that classic games should be treated with the same respect as other classic works of art, and that the story behind each game is just as important as the gameplay itself.
As for what’s next in the Gold Master Series, Chris Kohler hints at an upcoming title, stating, “We will release the next game in the Gold Master Series this year!” This news is sure to excite fans of classic gaming and preservation enthusiasts alike.
The Making of Karateka is now available for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. To learn more about the Gold Master Series and explore the rich history of gaming, visit the official website.
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