Looking Glass Studios - Retrospective @ Polygon

Polygon published a retrospective article about the history of Looking Glass Studios. If you were a fan of the developers games it will be a walk down memory lane,

On May 24, 2000, the Looking Glass developers left the office, their desks still covered with mementos, their computers still humming as the day came to a close. The doors locked behind them, and the halls were dark and empty. It was 15 years ago, but they still remember.

"I think much of what we take for granted design-wise in games comes directly from the philosophy underpinning all of Looking Glass' games," Spector says. "The influence of that studio can’t be overstated today, even if many don’t realize they’re building on the foundation it laid years ago."

To Spector, Looking Glass means as much today as it did when he walked its halls. He sees its influence everywhere, from Microsoft, to Irrational Games, to Harmonix and The Fullbright Company. These developers thrive on creating immersive experiences, and in some way, big or small, they owe their success to that seminal studio from the 20th century.

More information.

Along with Troika and Warren Spector's Ion Storm team, Looking Glass Studios is my favorite developer from a pure design philosophy standpoint. While it's good that their impressive legacy still faintly glimmers in some distant corners of the industry, I don't think their influence is felt enough.

Hopefully, Underworld Ascension can revitalize the ideals of this great studio and recapture at least some of the incredible creative magic they once had.

I always immediately think of System Shock 1&2 whenever LGS is mentioned. Two of the greatest computer games ever made.

Thanks for an interesting read. Would have probably missed it, as i'm not a big fan of Polygon.

My very favorite developer - and the perfect example of why the monetary system is utterly destructive to art and progress.

Unfortunately, creativity and innovation don't always translate into business success. But it's still good to have such groups around to push the envelope.

I wish I had been there
I could have placed my odd philosophies there.

History repeats itself so much : It is so sad that those so far ahead of their time get nothing out of it.

They are back with the new Underworld Ascendant game that was funded by Kickstarter. It was my first time pledging for Kickstarter because of what they did back then and the passion I see them putting into the new game.

A very nice read… I have very fond memories of their games, most prominently Ultima Underworld 2 and System Shock 1. I have high hopes for Underworld Ascendant! The article made me realize though that they were pushing the envelope at the time, while they are catering to a somewhat nostalgic audience this time around.

Originally Posted by Alrik Fassbauer
It is so sad that those so far ahead of their time get nothing out of it.

Do you really think persons like Da Vinci or Tesla got nothing out of their genius works ? That might be right for the ones like Giordano Bruno or Alan Turing though

Everytime I read Looking Glass Studios exactly two things happen. First, I get a terrible itch that won't disappear unless I start up Thief. Second, I think that perhaps, just perhaps, one of the former devs won a couple hundred million dollars and thought: "To hell with super cars, coke and sex parties, let's get the old gang together!!!!".