We launched an e-mail version of the original Takamo PBEM a few weeks ago. We decided to do this so that the members of the development team could experience the old game to gain a better understanding of the look and feel of Takamo. However, we had to figure out how to run the game again! It has been awhile since I have worked a Takamo console.
Back in the day, I would drive to the old main post office downtown each morning to pick up the day’s batch of player turns and then drive back across town to the Advent Games office. By the time I arrived, Dave would have the office open and the coffee on. The big tractor feed dot matrix printer would be clattering away while Dave tore each player turn sheet off the printer and looked it over for any obvious errors. We would then fold and stuff a bunch of #10 window envelopes. We would then weigh them by hand and drop them in the mail bag for delivery to the main post office. After that, we’d open the morning mail, sort the incoming turn sheets, payments, and player questions.
Cindy, our typist, would come in at 10am and begin data entry for the games that were to run that day. Data entry was usually done by 1 pm. We made manual changes and corrections to the database for any turn errors we had discovered that morning and then answered any player correspondence. Throughout the day, we answered telephone calls from players and handled daily business operations. Work was usually done by 4 p.m. At the end of the day, we would batch load and initiate processing of the next day’s turns for each galaxy database scheduled to run that night.
The computers we used were IBM PCs with 10 MB hard drives. The programs were compiled versions of XBASIC. It took anywhere from six to nine hours for a turn to run. Once we initiated the runs for the night, we would grab the mail bag and head downtown to deliver the turn results. The next day, we would turn around and do it all over again.
At the game’s peak, we were running 10 databases with up to 300 player empires per database. We had players from the U.S., Canada, The U.K., Continental Europe, Australia, and New Zealand as well as US servicemen spread around the globe.
Today, we are running the old game for fun to help the young guys on our development team wrap their heads around the scope and style of Takamo. It has already helped them understand how exploration, colonization, and warfare in Takamo Universe will look like and feel. Now, when I say a ship or installation will cost X amount of RUs, or I begin to expound on the cost and benefits of Tramp Mining, I don’t get blank stares. Besides, it really is fun to have a Takamo galaxy up and running again.
It is our hope that many old Takamo players will hear about the free Takamo PBEM and will join up (complete the form below.) So, please spread the word!
Empire Types:
Agricultural Corporation
Cybernetic
Independent Civilization Builder
Mining Corporation
Nomad
Pirate
Smuggler
Trade Corporation
3 Responses to “The Stellar Cloud: Long ago in a universe far away – 3/27/2014”
Bill Guenther
I do miss this game, way to go Randy it’s about time LOL and Yes Dave I remember the Day the Challenger blew up it was bad. I think I was in the Office on N48th St that day. I was in picking up the Threshold material for editing and lay out. I’ve lost contact with every one from back then It would be nice to see how everyone is doing these days and kick their but in the game again
LOL back then I played Vorare-carnis Clones an mining corp. this time I’ll try something new maybe with a little luck I-AM-I will join in again too. Contact me
Rhotaris13 Of The: Mutos of Rhatisbahn
Long have we waited in the darkness for word of the coming of New Civilizations.
At Last We are Not Alone. ..Free Trade and a Symbiotic Relationship with Others is what We Need.
May the Gravitational Waves of The Galaxies Drive Our Starships to Common Shores.
May we Conduct Business in the Old Ways.
May the Profits Be Praised.
Message Ends.
David Snodgrass
AAAAH, I remember those days well. I actually loved doing the job, and I really liked working for / with Randy. Never a better friend or boss. I did work some weird hours sometimes to get the turns out, but loved the interaction with the players and answering their questions. The day we got our brand new Tallgrass 20×20 hard drive was one for celebration and wonder. How would we ever be able to fill up 20 megabits of space with information? It can’t be done! The only two bad days I remember was January 28th,1986 the day the Challenger blew up on launch, and later that same year when I left Advent Inc, for destinations unknown. Super excited about the resurrection of Takamo Universe, and being a part of the brilliant team that is bringing it to life. As one of my heroes used to say, “Never give up, never surrender.” See you, out there…