Origin Systems Profile in Softline

Softline, as the CGW Museum explains, was a short-lived “spinoff of Softalk, dedicated to computer gaming and other recreational pursuits. The magazine was published from September 1981 to April 1984…Softline focuses a lot on the personalities involved in gaming, including a number of interviews with programmers and profiles of companies.” And as it turns out, the November/December 1983 issue of Softline featured a four-page profile of both Origin Systems and Richard Garriott.

They’re all so young

Fine gauntlets

Lord British

Is that a Iolo crossbow?

The Ultima Codex has only excerpted the Origin Systems-specific pieces of this Softline issue; the full version can be obtained from the CGW Museum.

At any rate, enjoy! Here’s a look at Origin Systems in their earliest days, and Lord British at the start of what was arguably the most significant portion of his career. Have a read, and see if there’s anything new to be learned!