Although grim, all was not lost. Out of the blue came a new, exciting and revolutionary game called Dragon s Lair. Though not the first utilization of interactive laser disc technology, this game used existing industrial applications on a purely commercial level. To say this game created a stir when it was first previewed in early 83 would be an understatement. Dragon s Lair was a huge hit.
People really didn t know what to make of it.
A major concern was whether or not players would mind paying what was considered a princely sum. One noteworthy story was of the Berkeley, California owner who installed a red carpet with velvet ropes and bleachers to help promote his game. The game was the creative concept of Rick Dyer, a computer programmer who had the idea of incorporating a game with motion picture quality images that allowed the player to essentially control their own movie. Cinematronics was approached and decided to come on board to manufacture the game even though the firm itself was going through financial reorganization. The animation was to be done by Don Bluth Studios.