So what exactly is the aim of They Were Our Gods?
As I've said elsewhere, I want to celebrate the computer programmers we knew and loved in the Eighties and their games, art and music. In order to do that, I'm going to write about as many people as I can... if they programmed a game, tune or graphics we loved, then they were one of our Gods. I'm talking about those that remain largely unheralded by games publications... our British programmers, and also those from Europe and Australia. All are mostly ignored in favour of America and Japan... but not any more.
I'll be writing about their work in my own inimitable style... hopefully with the right blend of facts and fun. I don't want this to be a dry account. I have a great passion for games, and I want that to come through in the writing.
But while that's all well and good, it's not enough to keep you guys entertained. I know that. No, the best way to make this book carry any weight is to have our Gods commenting on their work, too. Wherever it's possible, I'll be contacting the names we know and love (and hopefully they'll get wind of this and be contacting me!), from the highest profile Mega-Gods to the little-known bloke who programmed that one game you just couldn't stop playing. They all deserve that recognition.
Of course, there are some that have left all that behind and aren't interested in past glories. That's OK... I can still write about them even without their input. Hopefully many more will be happy to share their thoughts than not. Either way, my aim is to make this the most thorough and entertaining book of its type... enjoy the ride!