Mar 5, 2017
David Lubar, Game Developer (PastFinder)
Welcome to another interview episode of Antic the Atari 8-bit computer podcast.
David Lubar was a prolific games software developer who worked for Sirius Software, Activision and Absolute and freelanced for several other companies, including Broderbund, Origin Systems, and Imagineering. He developed games for many different systems, including game consoles like the Atari 2600 and the NES and computer systems such as the Apple II, C64, and the Atari 400/800.
His titles for the Atari 8-bits include Hacker, Master of the Lamps, Ogre, Pastfinder and Ultima IV.
David has since taken up writing and has several books to his name.
This interview took place April 23, 2016.
Links:
I forgot to mention that Lubar also programmed the amazing River Raid II for the 2600, in spite of the fact that one of the Kitchens was credited in the manual. Lubar mentioned that in the interview he granted to Digital Press. I recommend checking that out -- it's a great read.
Chris again
David Lubar also designed and programmed two great Fox games for the 2600, Fantastic Voyage and Flash Gordon. These were licensed from Sirius, who later released the games for Atari computers. Tom McWilliams (I believe) did those conversions, and he did a phenomenal job, considering that the 2600 and computer games are practically identical.
Sirius renamed Flash Gordon to Spider City (not the other way around, as commonly believed) for computer release. The 2600 game Lubar mentioned during the interview, Spacemaster X-7, was also converted for the 400/800 and renamed Alpha Shield. Sirius presumably didn't have permission to issue games under the titles of Fox movies for their own releases, i.e. the computer versions.
Great job as always, Randy --
Chris++