IAm (We are) Guys From Andromeda (Scott Murphy and Mark Crowe), creators of the Space Quest Series, and Kickstarting up a new game called SpaceVenture.

Sykotik · 11 months

I just want to say thanks. As a kid I loved the Space Quest Series and you folks brought me many hours of solid entertainment. Thanks for doing a great job and good luck with SpaceVenture.

ConfusionSmash · 11 months

I just want to preface with SQIV being in my favourite top 5 games ever. Not just adventure game, but games in general. It makes it into my top 10 favourite 'things made from matter' too.

I'd read you guys were basically strong armed into removing the parser interface from SQIV in favour of the point an click interface that Kings Quest had adopted. How much more work did this create? Where any puzzles changed/removed? How do you think it affected the overall quality of the game?

plotnik · 11 months

I'll never forget the impression SQ2 made on me a lot of time ago. I could not believe that computer can do it. Deep in my heart still feeling that SQ2 is the best game ever made :-)

SonGohanTW · 11 months

Which one of you do I have to kick in the space balls for creating that homing beacon puzzle in Space Quest 6 at the end of Polysorbate LX?

You evil, evil person!

magnoliafly · 11 months

Who writes the narrator dialog or is it a combined effort? I think that is what I enjoyed most about the SQ series was how funny the narrator was.

Really excited about the voice actors you have lined up! I pledged. Crossing all possible body parts that this happens.

Shitty_Watercolour · 11 months

http://imgur.com/6GeZD

SpaceQuestGuy · 11 months

We have to call it a session, folks. Thank you all so much for being here and asking so many good questions. Sorry we couldn't answer everything. It would take another 12 hours or so, I'm guessing. :)

PLEASE HELP OUR KICKSTARTER: http://tgakick.com

Thank you all VERY MUCH for your support. We have the best fans we could ever hope for!

Bokonon_Lives · 11 months

I had no idea until this moment that you were back, so first I just want to say that it's SO GREAT to see you guys working together again! The Space Quest series really captured my imagination as a child (sorry if that makes you feel old!!), and everything from the music to the characters to the in-jokes has shaped me creatively as a wannabe game developer. Just a few short years ago, I found my old copies and played through them again - and I have to say they really stand the test of time! I have always been a huge fan of yours, and I plan to sign up to support you on KickStarter as soon as I'm done writing this comment! I have a handful of questions I'd love for you to consider, if you get the chance (sorry for so many):

1) Are Gary Owens or any of the original SQ composers friends of yours? Do any of them still work for ~~Sierra~~ Activision Blizzard, and does that create any difficult roadblocks for your working relationship? I'm pumped to hear you've brought them on for SpaceVenture (especially Gary). I'm just curious if they're part of your "inner circle", or if you reached out to them only recently as a nod to the whole "spiritual succession" from Space Quest - and if this whole "getting the band back together" thing has been a struggle for you.

2) When did you first realize you'd really "made it", that Space Quest was starting to look like a real success? Did you ever think you'd work with Bob Siebenberg or get sponsored by Sprint? It just sounds like a surreal progression to me.

3) What can we expect in the way of cameos from SQ? Is anything in enough of a gray area that you could get away with it? Side characters, planets, species...

4) What have you Guys been up to since 1995? That's a long time ago; wow. Have you worked on anything on the gaming scene since then, independently or otherwise?

5) Favorite sci-fi film?

6) Favorite game?

Thanks so much for doing this AMA, and good luck with SpaceVenture! I hope it's a big hit.

FredOPT · 11 months

Also, as a french canadian, your games were the reason why i opened a french-english dictionnary. Now shut up and take my money!

pedestrianhomocide · 11 months

What are your thoughts on the Space Quest Fan sequels like: SQ Incinerations or Vohaul Strikes Back. Have you played them?

tragic-waste-of-skin · 11 months

What happened to Space Quest 7? You teased us with an awesome trailer and then nothing.

feedchicken · 11 months

Have you ever thought about expanding any of your future planned games into other media such as short animated webseries or comics?

Frogacuda · 11 months

Do you still play adventure games? Which of the upcoming adventure games are you most looking forward to?

captainxenu · 11 months

Have you guys played any games made by people in the AGS (Adventure Game Studio) community? If so, which ones?

sibane · 11 months

Have you played any recent point 'n clicks (Gemini Rue, Ben There, Dan That!, new Sam & Max, Back to the Future, Tales of Monkey Island)? Any favorites?

What about other genres?

And old games?

I guess what I really want is: Give us a comprehensive report on your relationship with video games.

ihabtom · 11 months

Didn't know about this! Please, take my $15.

ohbowz · 11 months

Will the Two Guys from Andromeda be in the New Space Venture game? If so, will we be able to visit their home planet?

thb82 · 11 months

For your convenience, here is a link to the SpaceVenture kickstarter.

SexArson · 11 months

First off - Space Quest has always been one of my favorite games. So, a couple of questions -

1) Do you think that the amount of developers from the glory days of adventure gaming coming back into the fold via Kickstarter will breathe some new life into the genre as a whole? And is there a future for publishers taking up the mantle, or do you think Kickstarter is going to be the way to go for this genre for a while?

2) What is your favorite memory from your time at Sierra?

3) If this goes well, is there a possible future for our favorite spacefaring Janitor? (Like there is for Larry Laffer)

Thanks guys! And looking forward to following Spaceventure's progress!

wilcofever · 11 months

Hello. The SpaceVenture press release Power Point mentions that the game's Protagonist, Ace Hardway, goes into day dreams about his hero Cluck Y’Egger, which usually leads to real world solutions for puzzles. Will these day dreams be playable segments, and if so, how different in style will the segments featuring Cluck Y'Egger be from the non day dream segments?

anaximandus · 11 months

I am glad you are back together, despite the Alabama Sanctity of Marriage Amendment.

mrkenallen · 11 months

How certain are you that there is a renewed demand for adventure games?

Don_C · 11 months

Ace is a real 180degree from previous protagonists, and online with something like Hector. Will the general public find him as "lovable" as the old characters?

SpaceQuestGuy · 11 months

Just have to let you all know we hate to have to do it but we have to stop in 15 minutes (top of this hour) - 3 Eastern time. It's been three hours almost. More things to do. You guys are great! Thank you!

barbehque · 11 months

Hello Scott and Mark. First and foremost, thank you for the Space Quest series, it was the first bonding experience I had with my older brother and has always held a special place in my heart along with Monkey Island and both helped shape my sense of humor as an adult and cement my love for point and click games.

My Question: have either of you ever talked to the other big names in point and click games to collaborate on something together? People like Tim Schafer,Ron Gilbert,Roberta Williams,Al Lowe, Doug TenNapel? I imagine you seven could bring back point and click gaming and make the best game ever.

Also, here is a painting my girlfriend did for my for Christmas two years ago, I hope you like it as much as I do.

Finally, this is still one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

MachEnergy · 11 months

Gary Owens is a god. I don't have a question about this. Just a fact.

BeShaMo · 11 months

Just to clarify, wilcofever is Mark Crowe, SpaceQuestGuy is Scott Murphy.

dwsmac · 11 months

Let's pretend a guy, not unlike myself, likes helping things are kickstarter, but also lives under a rock and doesn't know Space Quest... or SpaceVenture. What would you tell someone to get them hooked on your idea?

Erdain · 11 months

Hi Scott & Mark,

I spent half of my childhood trying to figure out how to kill Arnold in SQ3 (only to later realize how obvious it was). I love your series. Below are my questions:

What was your favorite Space Quest to work on?
In the information you have provided you mention not having to 'restore' saves after death - can you expound on that?
Of all the death sequences you ever created, what are you favorites?

EDIT: A few more questions for you guys I thought about over lunch:

Do either of you have a favorite character you created (other than Roger)? Vohaul? Captain Smirk?
If this project does well, do you have any tentative plans/dreams of future releases?
Is it true that the Space Quest VII ("Return to Roman Numerals") originally planned 2-player features?
Were there any scenes in your SQ games you wish you could go back and delete?

Thanks again for all your co[s]mic relief!

SpaceQuestGuy · 11 months

Have you heard our new character Cluck Y'egger speak yet? :) http://kck.st/KeTgtH

DeathDeli · 11 months

How did you guys come across the famous voice actors for the spaceventure? Did you approach them? Or did they approach you? Have they played space quest before, or did they seem generally interested in the project?

BrianBlackout · 11 months

How do you feel about the revamped versions of some point n click adventure games out there, like the Monkey Island series? Is that something you would ever like to see done to the Space Quest series down the road?

SpaceQuestGuy · 11 months

Hey, Everybody, ready to go for it?

chriscana · 11 months

Was there ever talk of doing a SQ Video-based gama aka phantasmagoria since Sierra spent big $ on the video studio and was doing some Gabriel Knight stuff there - and you were both fans of cheap low budget sci fi movies.

amedeus · 11 months

So exactly how many times HAVE you guys been sued? Counting times Sierra's been sued over your games. And was there ever something you ultimately got sued over that was just so worth it?

dzell · 11 months

I love Space Quest. It was my second adventure game (series) after I found King's Quest. I hope this succeeds!

ImASoftwareEngineer · 11 months

I loved your games growing up. I borrowed SQ4 from a friend as a teen and loved every moment. I also found the floppy version of SQ5 at a toy store at the time and was super excited that it worked on my old ass Compaq all-in-one running Tabworks. If you can afford to in the future, would you buy back the Space Quest IP? Also, are you planning for awesome death sequences in your new game? Hope you guys get the rest of the funding done soon! You got my pledge already for sure :)

Trickish · 11 months

Now this is what i've been waiting for, a new SpaceQuest game. I don't want a re-polish of Leisure Suite Larry 1...

Favorite SpaceQuest quotes: "You go now and I won't rearrange your organs"
"Don't touch that, we don't know where you've been..."

Good luck guys, hope this makes it! My 15 buckazoids are yours.

varkatope · 11 months

Will the game actually be called SpaceVenture or is that just the placeholder title I assumed it was? I think you can probably do better.

Also, I love you guys. Just sayin'.

JTMTL · 11 months

You Guys Rock!! LOved those games. I WILL BUY YOUR NEW GAME. Given all the improvements and advancements in gaming, Space Quest was incredibly entertaining even by todays standards.

mhaley82 · 11 months

Hi. Mark. Hi, Scott. I don't really have a question. I just wanted to stop by and say hi. Well, I do have a question, actually. Which type of liquor will you be busting out if this Kickstarter is a success?

PrimeSpcts · 11 months

Did you play the fan made kickstarter game? What did you think?

MachEnergy · 11 months

What started the whole pig nose thing? These days, it's really gotten out of hand! ;)

JoeyTheLipsFagan · 11 months

Has your approach to creating adventure games changed with the advancement in graphics and speed of computing? What can you do now that you wanted to, but couldn't, do during the first Space Quest games?

Rawlo234 · 11 months

So, when will you guys be colliding with the milky way?

ErruhGnomeSane · 11 months

First of all, thank you guys for teaching me how to spell the word "computer", among many other wonderful things you did for my childhood!

I remember every time I played Space Quest 3 I would eat so much fast food that I would vomit. Every. Time. What was your favorite little "easter egg" from the series?
The story behind Astro Chicken, can we have it? What inspired the game?

THANKS FOR THE AMA!

r4mtha · 11 months

I totally grew up playing Sierra games; Space Quest IV in particular holds a special place in my heart. Thanks for all the hyperbolic hyperboles and keep up the good work!

professorhazard · 11 months

Dear Guys From Andromeda: I grew up on your Space Quest games and consider you two to be personal role models of mine. It broke my heart when you two split and the news that you're back together now made me feel like a kid again. Space Quest III was the best parser game ever, and Space Quest IV was a masterpiece of time travel. I don't have a question; I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me. If I had ten thousand dollars to spare I'd throw it at your kickstarter without a moment of regret.

P.S. If you make another Space Quest game based on reuniting the Two Guys, I always thought "The Search for Scott" would be a great parody on Star Trek III's title.

tomimt · 11 months

This has to be asked: If this Kickstarter doesn't make it, what are you continuation plans?

the_s_d · 11 months

Two Guys: in the Kickstarter rewards is a one in which private chat room access is granted to backers above a certain pledge level, one higher than the non-spoiler developer diaries. What level of interactivity are you envisioning with your higher-tier backers during game development? Other than concept-art voting access (etc) what sort of impact on gameplay, plot, puzzle, decisions will we have via that channel? Will we, for example, have the opportunity to submit our brilliant and clever ideas with the knowledge that you did actually read them before shooting them the hell down (and potentially denigrating us for the idea, SQ-style)?

fresshness · 11 months

Yuo gyus hepled me talk inglish. very much thanks. a guy from belgium

trippingwalrus · 11 months

Dear Sirs,

Just wanted to say thank you. SQ1 was the first game I ever played ever. (On my Tandy). And ever since then I have been hooked.

Can you explain why there were such huge plot differences between SQ5 and 6? I honestly would have preferred if the events that happened in 5 (Roger being captain of a garbage scow, etc) remained and 6 went off from that, not him being back as a janitor again. (Also was not a fan of the narrator in 6 or the voice actor for Roger).

Other than that I have to say that SQ4 is my favorite of the series.

feedchicken · 11 months

I just need to throw this out: Space Quest taught me english (not my native language) when I was still in kindergarten. I kept correcting my teachers' usage of english during all of my school years. You guys were the best teachers I ever had in any language class, thanks.

tomimt · 11 months

Are you planning to do a new series with SpaceVenture or is it going to be just a game to get you started?

e1ven · 11 months

If you had it to do over again, What changes might you have made to the existing Space Quest games?

e1ven · 11 months

Given that Space Quest featured arcade sequences extensively (to the delight of some, the chagrin of others), how do you feel about the rise of the Action/Adventure genre - You often see games now that have EXTENSIVE characterization, plot, even inventory puzzles, but also platforming, shooting, or other non-traditional AG elements?

Is this a good way to expand the genre, a corruption of something pure, or something altogether different?

2400 · 11 months

you got me at "guys from andromeda" -- just have all my money and thanks for space quest.

TorbenFrost · 11 months

Hey, guys. I just wanted to know if you're comfortable. If I can get you anything. A drink, a shake, a massage, perhaps a furry creature you can kick around for a bit when you're bored. It's a small price to pay for you justifying my existence.

Also, my question is: Can we get final confirmation on the parser/icon hybrid interface? :)

odnarb1986 · 11 months

For those lucky enough to attend the cast party in Oakhurst, anything you can tell us about where you're having it? Maybe the old Sierra building? wink, wink

FlSHSTlCK · 11 months

Space Quest is one of my favorite series of all time. I lived and breathed Sierra when I was a kid. I vaguely remember a question about you two acquiring the SQ license from the current holder. Is there any optimism for that actually happening? I can't wait to play SpaceVenture, but would kill for a new SQ game. Thanks!

mrsoave · 11 months

Hi guys, one of my earliest memories is my dad reading me the text to Space Quest 1 like it was a story book. I remember getting really into it when I was around 3 or so. Later on when Space Quest 2 came out I thought it was so cool that you could walk on the side of the walls and on the ceiling in the beginning. I just want to say thank you because Space Quest taught me to read and type at an early age. Sometimes, like escaping from being imprisoned, I had to learn how to type fast. I also really enjoyed using that red thing to read the hint books.

Since you games were always spoof heavy, is there anything that came within the past decade (or more) that you have been dying to include in future games?

Fehnor · 11 months

I don't have to secretly blame you for awkward moments of failed sarcasm anymore. Now I can blame you publicly.

It's my understanding that Roger Wilco will not be present in this new game. Do you have any information to share on our new hero?

ryan251 · 11 months

Did Sierra ever make you remove anything from a game, or change it?

Were you ever asked to remove a puzzle for being too hard? Or, the opposite - make the game harder? (hint books!)

oughtobe · 11 months

Can you guys please explain your falling out once and for all? What was it even about? Was this falling out before Dynamix or was that a separate falling out?

SkyeFlayme · 11 months

I found that in the first 4 Space Quest games there were references to other science fiction works, but they remained fairly subtle (with some obvious exceptions of course). The later two games (which I understand occurred under different working circumstances) I found took a more direct, almost "spoof-like" approach. What kind of feel can we expect from SpaceVenture?

Sliferjam · 11 months

I'm sorry that I won't be able to chip in anything to help get your game funded but I sincerely wish you good luck and hope you guys get all of the funding you need and deserve.

BrianBoyko · 11 months

I'd like to write dialogue for video games as a side-gig. Are you interested in a copywriter? I can send samples of my work.

pedasn · 11 months

what franchises do you guys intend to make references and jokes about. for me, the greates SciFi hits in the last 20 years were still Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars, Terminator Chronicles, FireFly,....some surprises like Children of Men and District 9 .... there were lot of terrible "astroid towards earth" movies and so on, avatar or independence day, tron, ...

what did you guys like or dislike?

NeedsRiotJuice · 11 months

Are you still here? I got all 6 Space Quests in about '98 and played them all in a row. You guys are the reason I learned to use computers!! Just have to say thanks for the laughs.

Chaslow80 · 11 months

Hi Guys Ive been a big fan of the gorgeous hand drawn 2d background art, characters and animation in Adventure games like SQ1(Vga) SQ4, SQ5 and Curse of monkey Island etc. Is the new Spaceventure going to contain hand drawn characters and backgrounds by Mark Crowe or is it going to be 3d like Grim Fandango? Also the artwork in space quest 2 and 3 was that hand drawn and scanned in or drawn on computer in a painting software package? Thanks guys All the best with the kickstart!

Urinalbuckshots · 11 months

I am in love with you both.

That is all.

magnoliafly · 11 months

Firstly, let me say thank you so much for making the best games in the universe! I grew up on Space Quest and loved every one. I purchased the compilation both for myself and my Dad when it came out.

What do you think Roger Wilco is up to now?

ilovedonuts · 11 months

GUYS GUYS. You're awesome.
Will you offer walk throughs for your new game? will they use the ruby glasses or highlighters?
Space quest 2 taught me to touch type quickly. Also, I hated that one puzzle with the plant that would kill you if you touched its tentacles while walking. That was the worst part of the game.

Magma42 · 11 months

Gentlemen. Long time listener, first time caller, loved the games since forever, and what a dork I am has to do with being in 6th grade, having to do a report on people I idolized and aspired to be. Everyone else picked actors, sports stars, politicians, geniuses, but I picked the two of you. Played up through SQV at the time, and had enjoyed them all, along with the other Sierra pantheon, sure, but the Space Quests most of all just because they clicked hardest with my dorkish sense of humor. Wrote the whole report on you two and everything, which was tricky as hell since, well like Ben Franklin or Michael Jordan have had books written about their life stories, but the best I could manage for you two was to cobble it together from like snippets in PC Gaming magazine interviews and the like, but I freaking worked at it. Throughout school and ever since I've wanted to get into making video games, almost entirely because I just remembered how damn much I enjoyed playing the SQ games and wanted to be able to spread that kind of joy myself. I'm only just now getting into actually buckling down and trying to make a proper game myself after years of dicking around, and I wouldn't even be bothering if SQ didn't occupy such a massive part of my childhood, and I just wanted you to know what an, I'm sure unexpected, effect you had on me as a kid.

Mind you, eventualy I'd lose my virginity and gain some perspective on things, but there it is. Anyway, I have two questions:

1: Hate to get all Sophie's Choice on you, but which game in the series is your favorite, that you most enjoyed making or thought the puzzles worked best or the humor hit the nail on the head, whathaveyou? Which one just worked the best?

2: How, if given the chance, would Roger's story have ended? Does he retire with Beatrice? Run off with Stellar Santiago? Match wits with Sludge Vohaul one final time? Invented a new kind of N-Bleach Bathroom cleanser?

the_s_d · 11 months

Scott; gosh, what is the URL to your Kickstarter? Inquiring minds want to know... perhaps you could put it up top :-)

makeyrselflovely · 11 months

Thank you guys so much for the Space Quest series! So much nostalgia, childhood memories, and family bonding linked to those games! I love them all.

I was very late to the party, but finding out about your kickstarter early this morning has stirred so many warm feelings of happiness and nostalgia in me. I can't even begin to describe the magical feelings you've stirred up! Thank you for that as well! You made my day!

Will SpaceVenture be getting a physical release, in the old school style box, beyond the people who pledge $100 or more? I want the physical release in an old school box, just not sure I can pledge $100 right now. Definitely plan to pledge some amount though!

Cannot wait to play this game!

RKBarn · 11 months

The old Sierra Quest games, and the Space Quest series in particular, really set the stage of what I would become in my life. It was because of those games that I wanted to become a programmer. I had all the InterAction magazines and, before that, the Sierra Newsletters...I read those things over and over and over as I was growing up (even up to last year, when I lost all those magazines in a flood at my house). I am now 30 years old, a software engineer, and a father to a 9 month old son. I am so excited for him to get old enough so I can show him the adventures of Roger Wilco.

No question for you guys. Just wanted to say Thank You for putting in all the hard hours at Sierra. I know it wasn't all fun and games to you back then, but you made a tremendous impact in my life, and I greatly appreciate it.

I can't wait to see what you have for us as we adventure with Ace Hardway!

mstein04 · 11 months

Where did you guys get the inspiration for such a great character like, Roger Wilco?

e1ven · 11 months

Do you think that Adventure Games have become less popular over time, or is it that they've stayed about the same, but other games have become More popular?

David6858 · 11 months

Mark and Scott - Any recent games (adventure and otherwise) that you've appreciated? Would your new production company consider making games in different genres?

[deleted] · 11 months

Have you heard about the Han Solo point 'n click that's supporting you? They've promised to finally, finally release a playable beta if your Kickstarter goal is met!

racoonpeople · 11 months

I always wanted to see a movie or TV series set in your guys' universe. Have you ever considered that direction?

pedestrianhomocide · 11 months

What's the hardest obstacle you've had to overcome during the development process of the Space Quest series? Going over budget? Disputes between publisher? Stuff like that.

[deleted] · 11 months

Love you Two Guys! You brought a lot of fun and laughs to my childhood.

Not sure if this IAm is still going but hey ho! I haven't had time to read the previous comments either so sorry for repost or repeats:

What are/is your favourite -

Games? Films? Music? Books?

Thanks! From Rach in UK x

jbeast33 · 11 months

Hello guys, I'm a huge fan of Space Quest. My question is, did you ever plan an actual Space Quest 7?

SpaceSteak · 11 months

Hello, Guys from Andromeda!

As the official Space King of the Net, I love what you guys do. Space is awesome.
My question: is there any chance you will Integrate Space Food into SpaceVenture? :D

Cheers, Steak from Space

SpaceQuestGuy · 11 months

Besides Sci-Fi (Not that I don't love Sci-fi!), have you ever considered making an adventure game in different genres, and if so which?

e1ven · 11 months

Tell me more about Ace - Is his a Roger Wilco Expy, or does he have a whole unique personality? He seems gruffer, less wishy-washy, but I'd love to hear your thoughts! ;)

tomimt · 11 months

You initially said you've considered a female protagonist, but you went to the direction of male character in the end. Would a game with multiple playable characters be possible?

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