Computer Theatre; New Commodore 64 Game by Centipede Co-Creator Dona Bailey!
Game preservationists have uncovered a long-lost prototype for the Commodore 64 by Dona Bailey, co-creator of Centipede. This rare find sheds light on Bailey's creative ventures beyond the iconic arcade shooter and hints at an uncharted direction for her career in the 1980s—potentially pioneering a whole new genre for Western audiences on home computers.
A Glimpse into Bailey's Vision
Bailey, known for her work on Centipede, took an unexpected turn with this Commodore 64 project. Instead of focusing on arcade action, she explored a genre largely unexplored in the West at the time: the visual novel. The prototype, believed to date back to the mid-80s, combines interactive storytelling with pixel art graphics, designed to create an immersive narrative experience. This blend of graphics and storytelling was revolutionary and could have influenced future adventure games, had it seen the light of day.
Uncovering the Game's Premise
Game preservationists have provided limited details on the plot, but initial reports suggest it featured a sci-fi storyline involving themes of isolation, artificial intelligence, and moral choices. Players could interact with characters and make decisions that would influence the direction of the story—a format that would later become the foundation of popular adventure games.
Challenges and the Mystery of Its Disappearance
The Commodore 64, while beloved, had technical limitations, and Bailey’s ambitious project may have been too advanced for the hardware at the time. Additionally, visual novels were largely untested outside Japan in the 80s, and publishers may have been skeptical about their appeal. Combined with potential technical challenges, it’s not surprising that the project was shelved.
Impact and Legacy
Had this visual novel reached a broader audience, it could have influenced early Western adventure games and the growth of the visual novel genre in the U.S. Today, as we see a renaissance of retro gaming and digital storytelling, Bailey’s prototype stands as a fascinating “what-if” in gaming history.
What’s Next?
While it’s unclear if this prototype will ever be fully playable, game preservationists are working to preserve and restore the game. Fans are hopeful it will eventually be released, providing a rare opportunity to experience Dona Bailey’s vision and maybe even inspire a new generation of indie developers to explore retro storytelling.
For now, this unearthed treasure serves as a powerful reminder of the innovative paths early developers like Dona Bailey explored, and it’s exciting to think what other hidden gems might still be out there, waiting to be rediscovered.
