As the calendar flips from December to January once again, it's time to revisit my old friend Nostradamus to see what the world has in store for the computer gaming industry over the upcoming twelve months. Once again, though, the channeling lines of communication seem a little mixed-up.
Copy protection continues to be an issue for gamers.
Sierra responds to complaints that many users were unable to play Gabriel Knight 3 by adopting a new system that makes one answer skill-testing questions relating to the game subject. Caesar III is reissued with the requirement that players write a 500-word essay explaining why the Roman legions were defeated at Adrianople by the Goths in 378 in order to access the third scenario. Those who want to play the fifth mission of the Homeworld expansion pack are given 30 seconds to list the entire Yes album catalog in chronological order. In an unprecedented display of marketing savvy, Nintendo capitalizes on the Pok mon craze by combining it with that other great addicition of the decade, internet pornography. Armada makes it to shelves as a collection of Dilbert screen-savers.