Classic Game Postmortem: 'Karateka'

GDC
GDC
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Published 2024-06-12
Before Prince of Persia, there was Karateka. Released in 1984, the directorial debut of game creator Jordan Mechner was a worldwide hit, full of groundbreaking innovations in story, cinematics, music, and animation. It was also the work of an unknown teenager looking to break into the game industry.

Forty years later, Jordan discusses how he pushed the limits of Apple II technology to create his breakthrough success. Through original design documents, film footage, prototype gameplay, and more, Jordan tells the story of how he developed his craft as an independent game developer and brought the illusion of life to computer screens around the world with Karateka.

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All Comments (21)
  • @mathieuvart
    I was born in 86 and Karateka was in a 115 game bootleg nes cartridge and it was my favorite game on it. This game is a big part of my childhood.
  • @YuriyKlyuch
    Watching creative journey of Jordan Mechner is so inspiring
  • @ArkaidDeims
    I love how all his family was on board and super supportive of his dream. Really sweet story <3
  • @LigreDesubi
    It's such a pleasure listen to someone like him. So many things to learn from those genius pioneers!
  • @lobabobloblaw
    Jordan has such an enthusiastic and focused energy. I’m happy he’s become such a great source of wisdom over all these years!
  • @alpaykasal2902
    can't wait to learn more about Veda Cook. TY for her shout out. So great of you to name others.
  • @rizalrizfani9092
    Man, i remember playing this in junior high school. It really sooooo hard. And the bird, don't forget the bird
  • @ItsBaffledd
    Fantastic presentation and insight into your life back then. Thanks
  • @krazybubbler
    Fantastic talk, great personality. Really inspirational stuff on so many levels! Thank You Jordan Mechner and GDC.
  • @NR-fx8tk
    Such an amazing dedication to create the game. With no access to help on the internet and more primitive tools. He has my admiration.
  • @hadror13
    Wow. I often think abiut this game and those time. Quite inspiring to hear the story behind it
  • @mayatung
    Excellent companion with all of Jordan's other work
  • @trysta73
    unsurprising but very funny that apple didn't having anything about assembly in their manual; if there's anything they can't stand it's enabling the user
  • @TheKarishi
    Oddly, I remember bowing to the princess.
  • @alpaykasal2902
    The 1st game I ever bought, commodore version. You never forget your 1st.
  • @RetroGamesCouple
    An awesome presentation, didn't understand how the time passed!! (and with lots of information as well!)
  • @blue5peed
    All I remember is that this game was insanely hard
  • @vicekenley5
    Getting Ready Player One vibes and I’m loving it
  • @SasukeUchiha723
    god i played this game a lot as a kid........ as a late 90s kid, I enjoyed it a lot.