[comp.sys.apple2] ***Ultima VI:a repost***

kermie@pro-lep.cts.com (Prince Kermie) (03/28/90)

This information was posted a week or so ago and never made it, so if it
appears in double, this is why

                        ***Ultima VI info-Read Me***
<the following information was downloaded from Applelink>
-------------------------Cut Here-------------------------


Actually, speaking as a Producer at Origin, I'd be glad to discuss it with
qualified Apple programmers.  However, under the following conditions:

1) Play Ultima VI first.  Don't speculate about what U6 is, and expect that an
Apple port would be a piece of cake.

2) Be willing to do it for 0 advance funding.  I'm dubious enough about its
feasibility that I'm not willing to risk ANY of OSI's money on it. (On the
other hand, we CAN offer decent royalties once it's done...)

3) Have some decent credentials.  A solid track record.  A good Apple demo.
The ability to produce code on time, without bugs.

So, we're asking for the impossible, and promising nothing up front. However,
if you're confident you can do it (again, once you've  seriously analyzed U6),
drop me a line.  The address is:

 Jeff Johannigman
 Origin Systems
 110 Wild Basin Rd. #330
 Austin, TX  78727

PS: before you do this, ask me about the sales projections on U6, and you can
figure out whether the royalties would be worth a year of your life.

---

Here is ORIGIN's OFFICIAL current position, from Greg Malone, Marketing and
Communications Manager for Origin:

In response to the many inquiries being made by Apple users regarding whether
or not ULTIMA VI:The False Prophet is going to be made available on the Apple
platform, I'd like to fill you in on ORIGIN's current tt view.

Unlike all previous ULTIMA's, number 6 is the first one which was completely
designed and implemented on the IBM PC (& compatibles) first. When Richard
"Lord British" Garriott learned that he could make use of the hugely growing
IBM compatible market which has machines featuring 640K RAM, a hard drive, and
256-color graphics, he couldn't resist the opportunity to as he put it,
"...create the ultimate ULTIMA!  " Couple that with the ever disturbing fact
that the Apple market is continuing to disintegrate at an alarming rate
(beginning with base support from Apple Computer, Inc., and trickling down to
the Apple-specific magazines and even to disaffected Apple users), it is li
ttle wonder that the question about developing ULTIMA on the Apple has arisen.

As of this date, a technical evaluation of such an endeavour is being
conducted by ORIGIN. When one considers the daunting task of converting a 640K
game to 128K and doing so in a timely and cost-efficient manner, the air of
pessimism is unavoidable. Also, it is a widely recognized trend among
entertainment software publishers today to focus title development on the
remaining strong markets, namely IBM & compatibles, Amiga (especially for
Europe) and the Commodore 64. (This mix is certain to evolve and change as
time passes!)

However, the subject regarding an Apple ULTIMA VI will not be entirely
dedcided until all of the facts are in, including whatever comment or
enthusiasm YOU (the Apple users) can muster. If you wish to express your
support for an Apple version of ULTIMA VI, you should send by U.S. Mail a
letter to the address below. Please refrain from sending such a comm
communication via this electronic network.   Also, while sending us your
comments, send a copy of your letter to your local software retailer and to 
favorite   Apple magazine publisher. If you don't, you could be
fighting a lost cause.

Send comments to:

Apple ULTIMA Comments 
ORIGIN P.O. Box 161750 
Austin, TX  78716


Ultima VI will *not* be made for the Apple II series unless you, the end users
show your support for The Apple Ultima Saga
All those who speak of dwindling support for the II series, heres your chance
to be heard :)
_____

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