Silver Lining – The Game They Had No Right To Make

Back when I was a kid the Sierra computer game series King’s Quest was everything I could have dreamed of. It was tactical, it was story based, it had action and it required a unique set of problem solving skills that eventually went on to be adapted by many other games in the future. But this was back in eighties when animation wasn’t near where it is today and console gaming was just getting started. King’s Quest reigned as one of the best role playing game franchises out there, but after a very unsuccessful release of the game’s eighth installment in 1998, it seemed as though fans would never again be treated to another adventure from King Graham.

But as fate would have it, nobody showed that memo to two extremely devoted fans of the series and twelve years after King’s Quest 8 we will finally get to play King’s Quest 9 – with one exception. It’s not King’s Quest 9. For some clarity, read below:

2000 – After Sierra releases a disappointing King’s Quest 8, the company is purchased by a larger group.

2001 – Fans of the original series decide to create their own fan-created conclusion to the King’s Quest story and call themselves Phoenix Online Studios.

2001-2005 – Phoenix Online Studios (comprised of no full-time employees) works day and night creating the final chapter in the King’s Quest series.

2005 – Phoenix Online Studios is contact by Vivendi Universal and told to cease and desist because they did not own the rights to the game or franchise.

2005 – Vivendi tells Phoenix that they are free to make any game they want as long as it does not take the King’s Quest name; this spawns the birth of The Silver Lining

2008 – Vivendi Universal merges with Activision.

2009 – The contract that Vivendi made with Phoenix stating they could make a game as long as it was not King’s Quest becomes moot.

2010 (February) – Activision tells Phoenix to cease and desist.

2010 (June 26th) – Activision and Phoenix Online Studios finally come to an agreement and The Silver Lining gets a July 10th 2010 release date.

With the ten year journey looking like it could finally come to an end, the group of game developers at Phoenix Online Studios plan to release The Silver Lining for free online. Check out the trailer below and their website if you’re a fan.