Starr Long

is the project director of Ultima Online, but more people probably know him as Lord Blackthorn in a virtual world where players create their own roles and their own social structures -- a 3-D graphical descendent of the old multi-user dungeons. The game took an interesting twist last fall when players staged a revolt, got drunk, took off their clothes, and protested in front of the castle of the game's virtual dictator, Lord British. Long says, unlike a real-world dictator, he and his team were actually pleased with the protest, because it happened within the game.

John Borland talked to Long about how Ultima found success by letting the players take over the game. (Recorded January 16, 1998.)

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Job
Project Director, Ultima Online

In-game persona
Lord Blackthorn, member of Lord British’s council and personification of Chaos

Home
Austin, Texas

Education
Louisiana State University, B.A. in Technical Theater

Family
Single

GamePower's Ultima Online Journal

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First Computer
I’ve never owned a computer. First used was an Apple IIe at school.

First time on the Internet
I think it was when a friend of mine showed me a MUD. I don’t remember the name of it.

Optimistic statement about the Internet
it's hard to be optimistic about it now. The Web can bring about a worldwide community.

Pessimistic statement about the Internet
People who’ve been brought up with the anonymity of the Web don’t feel compelled to follow social norms and behaviors. Until people learn to behave themselves on the Net, the Web can be a complete and utter nightmare.

GamePower's Ultima Online Journal

favorite bookmarks