Tom King

Hey, everybody! Looks like I finally made it to the party.
 
So, about me. My name is Tom King. I'm a 28 year-old designer and musician wannabe. Some of you may know me from Leisure Suit Larry Reloaded (I'm that bald jerk pounding beers in Lefty's), others may know me from Twitter (@DadsNewBF). Others may not know me at all, in which case, nice to meet you.
 
My hobbies/interests include (but certainly are not limited to) music, roadtrips, cooking, hiking, kayaking, cycling, unicycling, changing the size of my thumbs, learning new languages, juggling, poetry, playing air-instruments, playing real instruments, speaking braille, and sometimes, playing hopscotch with philosophers and kings.
 
I'm looking forward to getting to know you folks. Feel free to drop me a line any time.
 
-TK

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and speculate it's WAY more than 50%. ;)

I heard from the horse's ass himself that the 250K units was how many keys he gave out to retailers. I have absolutely no idea on the number actually sold.
 
On a related note, I'm glad to have cut ties with him when I did. As Spikey said, Polyester Paul is death by association. I wouldn't care less if he was vindictive enough to pull my testing credits. I still want my star kept intact, though. I paid good money for it. I know Jeroen sent Al an e-mail and I plan on doing one myself. He needs to "break the chain" and pull free himself. I've got way too much respect for the ol' guy to see anything happen to his good name.

I just don't think it's worth it for Al going forward to associate himself with Paul Trowe. As I wrote on the Replay forums, Al already has the money, he has the critical acclaim, the point of continuing with Larry is partially to continue that, but more for himself and to finalize his legacy. Paul Trowe is death by association, presumably one of the reasons Josh left, and why would Al want his name saddled to that oaf long-term. Sooner or later he'll need to break the chain, and then we'll really know where we're at.
 
I also think it's worth reiterating that Josh Mandel had a lot to do with the success, and quality of, LSL1:R. I would wager over 50% of the new text was written by him.

I think DrJ was saying the exact opposite of that, aside from our appreciation for designers like Josh, Al, Scott, et al. We all love those guys and I'm glad to see that expressed here, but I'm not sure everyone understands the position Paul is in.
 
Paul DOES NOT own the rights to Leisure Suit Larry. The only reason he was able to do a Larry game was because he knows people. Paul has passion, there's no doubt about that, but he's made it clear he cannot handle the amount of power he was given. This isn't just a slip up, it's a personality trait. We would be doing the franchise and the people who worked hard on this game (designers, developers, volunteers like myself, even Kickstarters) a disservice to give Paul the opportunity to be put in the same position twice. We've fought way too hard to bring this games back and to give up now, waiting and hoping that the next Kickstarter to be a success, would be a damn shame.
 
That said, I urge everyone to contact the powers that be: Codemasters. Be polite, but be sure to let them know where the real problem lies. If they don't want to do another Larry because of disappointing sales, that's their business and I don't fault them for that. But it's entirely possible they don't know Paul has alienated the entire community and the franchise would be better off in more caring hands.
 
Like it or not, we're a small community. When one adventure game dies, it has negative impact everywhere. SpaceVenture, Space Quest, and other IP's are certainly no exception.

Completely understand and don't blame you for taking a breather. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Completely understand and don't blame you for taking a breather. Thank you for your ongoing support!

I do agree, carpet bombing a company with lots of mail is not a best approach with this. Perhaps a well written and articulated petition etc. would be the best way to handle this matter.

Maybe if we do a joint letter. I think mail bombing them is a bit extreme. But you will have my signature in a petition or in a letter for sure.

I think DrJ was saying the exact opposite of that, aside from our appreciation for designers like Josh, Al, Scott, et al. We all love those guys and I'm glad to see that expressed here, but I'm not sure everyone understands the position Paul is in.
 
Paul DOES NOT own the rights to Leisure Suit Larry. The only reason he was able to do a Larry game was because he knows people. Paul has passion, there's no doubt about that, but he's made it clear he cannot handle the amount of power he was given. This isn't just a slip up, it's a personality trait. We would be doing the franchise and the people who worked hard on this game (designers, developers, volunteers like myself, even Kickstarters) a disservice to give Paul the opportunity to be put in the same position twice. We've fought way too hard to bring this games back and to give up now, waiting and hoping that the next Kickstarter to be a success, would be a damn shame.
 
That said, I urge everyone to contact the powers that be: Codemasters. Be polite, but be sure to let them know where the real problem lies. If they don't want to do another Larry because of disappointing sales, that's their business and I don't fault them for that. But it's entirely possible they don't know Paul has alienated the entire community and the franchise would be better off in more caring hands.
 
Like it or not, we're a small community. When one adventure game dies, it has negative impact everywhere. SpaceVenture, Space Quest, and other IP's are certainly no exception.

It really isn't about feeling screwed over, it's sad the way Paul reacted to all of this, but I'm still happy I was involved with everyone else during this project. It's more about the adventure game community being 1 big front (as everyone showed over the last week). We all gathered behind the SV project as we couldnt sit back and let someone tarnish the hard work they are putting into this. As everyone has stated before, we will block any attempt coming from Mr Trowe for another adventure game. So if we are all trying to bring this genre back and are this big front, it cant hurt to contact CodeMasters to let them know how we all feel, regardless if you're a SQ/PQ/KQ/GK/QfG or Larry fan. I think we all want this genre to succeed in this gaming market. That's the main reason I stopped my involvement with Replay Games. I didnt want to sit by and let someone hurt the community.
 
I guess what I'm saying is that together we can make a stand. Just like we all did when Paul posted on KS. Lets at least contact CodeMasters to let them know how we as an adventure game community feel about Paul's involvement. It's not about Larry, it's about adventure games in general.

I think DrJ was saying the exact opposite of that, aside from our appreciation for designers like Josh, Al, Scott, et al. We all love those guys and I'm glad to see that expressed here, but I'm not sure everyone understands the position Paul is in.
 
Paul DOES NOT own the rights to Leisure Suit Larry. The only reason he was able to do a Larry game was because he knows people. Paul has passion, there's no doubt about that, but he's made it clear he cannot handle the amount of power he was given. This isn't just a slip up, it's a personality trait. We would be doing the franchise and the people who worked hard on this game (designers, developers, volunteers like myself, even Kickstarters) a disservice to give Paul the opportunity to be put in the same position twice. We've fought way too hard to bring this games back and to give up now, waiting and hoping that the next Kickstarter to be a success, would be a damn shame.
 
That said, I urge everyone to contact the powers that be: Codemasters. Be polite, but be sure to let them know where the real problem lies. If they don't want to do another Larry because of disappointing sales, that's their business and I don't fault them for that. But it's entirely possible they don't know Paul has alienated the entire community and the franchise would be better off in more caring hands.
 
Like it or not, we're a small community. When one adventure game dies, it has negative impact everywhere. SpaceVenture, Space Quest, and other IP's are certainly no exception.

I think DrJ was saying the exact opposite of that, aside from our appreciation for designers like Josh, Al, Scott, et al. We all love those guys and I'm glad to see that expressed here, but I'm not sure everyone understands the position Paul is in.
 
Paul DOES NOT own the rights to Leisure Suit Larry. The only reason he was able to do a Larry game was because he knows people. Paul has passion, there's no doubt about that, but he's made it clear he cannot handle the amount of power he was given. This isn't just a slip up, it's a personality trait. We would be doing the franchise and the people who worked hard on this game (designers, developers, volunteers like myself, even Kickstarters) a disservice to give Paul the opportunity to be put in the same position twice. We've fought way too hard to bring this games back and to give up now, waiting and hoping that the next Kickstarter to be a success, would be a damn shame.
 
That said, I urge everyone to contact the powers that be: Codemasters. Be polite, but be sure to let them know where the real problem lies. If they don't want to do another Larry because of disappointing sales, that's their business and I don't fault them for that. But it's entirely possible they don't know Paul has alienated the entire community and the franchise would be better off in more caring hands.
 
Like it or not, we're a small community. When one adventure game dies, it has negative impact everywhere. SpaceVenture, Space Quest, and other IP's are certainly no exception.

In regards to Josh - I have truly enjoyed working with him. He's an amazing guy, very talented. I'm not speaking to his status with Replay as I feel this is something he needs to share if he feels the need to. At this point as stated by others, it seems most of the reputation of Replay is in shambles and a lot of people left. Other people involved (Al, Britton) are more than likely not happy with the state of affairs.
 
And while it's great that all this information is being shared & gathered here on this board, I do agree with Quirk & bootyboi that it would be important to speak out to CodeMasters so that they are aware of that's going on.
 

Last thing anyone would need is the license to go to someone that lost all support & respect of the adventure game community as it would totally kill the franchise from being revived. Even if you are not a big Larry fan, it would be a bad sign for the adventure game genre.

Wow what a shocking series of events! Still can't believe this is happening!
 
Although I wasn't a regular poster I always enjoyed reading the many great discussions about Larry! I enjoyed seeing the different perspectives everyone had to the game. And it's all gone! :(
 
I logged on yesterday to check responses on a thread I posted on and was shocked to see posts that were deleted. At this point I thought only SteveHNo96 and Roland were deleted because of their constant nudity demands lol and then as I looked around I realised the devastation!
 
I made the point a few times since the release of the game, that the budgeting of the game was a big reason for the flaws (such as crappy animation) and surely the man with the money and the man responsible for screwing up the budget was Paul himself!!! This all makes perfect sense now!
 
Anyways I'd like to give out a big thanks to the volunteers that gave so much of their time and energy to have this game developed! I had no idea so many of you had contributed in such a selfless way! This also goes to show you the kind of man Paul is. Not once do I recall him publicly thanking all you guys for your contributions! He never posted in the forum to let everyone know how grateful he was! Nothing in the Kickstarter pages either! AMAZING!!!
 
So once again thanks to all you guys for putting up with that guy for all those months in order to have Larry resurrected! Too bad it had to come to this! :(
 
Like others have stated I too will not be supporting any Leisure Larry 2/8 or anything that has Paul's name on it! Not a chance! Even if he does get it done somehow I will not even purchase the game! I will be obtaining it via other means instead! :P
 
I have unliked the facebook pages associated with him and I noticed there was a post on the Replay Games Facebook page from a guy named Robert Gibbs that expressed his disgust in what has happened. I checked again today and those posts were deleted!
 
I'm really hoping Codemasters sees what we have seen, and also sees the potential with Larry and goes via other avenues to bring us further Larrys! :) It may not accomplish much but I'll be emailing the customer service at Codemasters and doing what I can to spread the word!
 
With the update coming soon for Larry Reloaded can you imagine if he took out names from the credits or names from the Kickstarter easter egg in the game that he banned from the forums? Sheesh!

Say hi! I'm @DadsNewBF

Yes, very well said! Josh Mandel is a hell of a guy. I'm glad to see that the community recognizes that and appreciates him as much as we do. Jeroen's response to this is also spot on.

I thought I would speak up on this topic. I think we all love Larry and need to take action. I believe there is a difference between "Taking the high ground" and all sitting around watching one man poison a water well we are all trying to drink from. We can do just as much harm by not taking action. We are the power here, not Paul. We are the consumers, we are the customers and we have the money. Let us use the tools we have.
 
My suggestions.
1. Email Al and let him know how you feel about Paul. Let him know we still support him but not with Paul. On his website his email is listed as webmail@allowe.com
2. Email codemasters. The game must not be selling well which is why Paul is acting like this. Email the highest person you can get ahold of there. They also have listed custservice@codemasters.com . I also think tweeting to them, so its more in the public eye, is also beneficial. https://twitter.com/codemasters
 
We have to make it very clear to them that we want more Larry games with Al, but not with Paul. Don't let Al get painted with the same brush. These are all normal channels with which WE can also express our opinion. Take the 5 minutes it would take to write an email. It might just save Larry.

Couldnt say it better myself. As I said before - out of everything, I'm grateful to have had this experience and gotten to know great people in this community more & more (you know who you are :)). It's sad that this all is being destroyed by 1 person.
 
I do think what Quirk above here is saying would be interesting to try.

I will say it again and I can not stress it enough, you have no idea how fun Josh Mandel made it for us, getting to chat with him during late night phone conferences, seeing things others didn't and seeing your ideas and suggestions put in the game talked about or ignored was a genuine blast. Josh made it worth it I know the others will agree.

Hey, everybody! Looks like I finally made it to the party.
 
So, about me. My name is Tom King. I'm a 28 year-old designer and musician wannabe. Some of you may know me from Leisure Suit Larry Reloaded (I'm that bald jerk pounding beers in Lefty's), others may know me from Twitter (@DadsNewBF). Others may not know me at all, in which case, nice to meet you.
 
My hobbies/interests include (but certainly are not limited to) music, roadtrips, cooking, hiking, kayaking, cycling, unicycling, changing the size of my thumbs, learning new languages, juggling, poetry, playing air-instruments, playing real instruments, speaking braille, and sometimes, playing hopscotch with philosophers and kings.
 
I'm looking forward to getting to know you folks. Feel free to drop me a line any time.
 
-TK

Serena, you also got a message of support from me, although it's in your "other" folder on your Facebook account. For lack of a better word, Paul is a little little man and he seems fit to raise a fuss with anyone who decided to disagree with him at all. I tried to contact you as soon as I found out you were banned.

Thanks for capturing those shots, MI. I can no longer see the forums at all. I'm surprised I wasn't banned sooner, but I'm glad I got in a few last words in before my account was deleted.
 
Even though I'm new to this community (despite being a fan of Space Quest since age 9 or so), I would love to help you guys with the video any way I can, if you guys will have me. After all the kind words of support you guys have given us, it would be an honor to be a part of something with you guys showing our support for Two Guys and Space Pope.
 
Hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend.

Thanks MusicallyInspired for immortalizing what is turning into a grade A public meltdown. At this point, I am moving on, avoiding Replay like the plague, and continuing to cheer all the other fine adventure games I've had the honor to back. At least with 2 Guys, it is money very well spent.

Here's the thread from Replay games for posterity in case it gets deleted. Moreso for those who can no longer view it. I'd think it'd be nice if you saw the support you're getting for yourselves. :)
 
Link to the original thread.