Protector (video game)
| Protector | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Publisher(s) | Crystalware Synapse Software |
| Designer(s) | John Bell |
| Programmer(s) | Mike Potter |
| Platform(s) | Atari 8-bit |
| Release | 1981 |
| Genre(s) | scrolling shooter |
| Mode(s) | single player |
Protector is a 1981 computer game for the Atari 8-bit family written by Mike Potter and distributed first by Crystalware and then Synapse Software.
The game requires the player to rescue the citizens of a city from an impending volcanic explosion. The design of the game is inspired by Defender from Williams Electronics, though not a direct clone. The sequel, Protector II, has similar gameplay but is more advanced graphically.
Potter started programming on the Atari in 1980, after graduating from high school. His first product was a set of four games, Imperial Walker, Nim, Gun Fight, and Auto Racer, sold on consignment at local computer stores. While visiting the Electronic Fantasy store in Cupertino, the manager Dave Stillings, mentioned he might want to get in contact with Crystalware in Gilroy.
Potter met with Crystalware's owners, John Bell and his wife Patty. Bell outlined a new game and gave Potter a $4,000 advance on its completion. This took seven sleepless nights, and after delivering it in May 1981, Potter delivered another eleven programs for Crystalware between May and October. That month Potter questioned his royalties, and in return received a letter firing him, but returning the rights to Protector.
In November 1981, Potter met with Ihor Wolosenko of Synapse Software, which at that time was being run from Wolosenko's apartment in Berkley. Wolosenko took the time to test and debug the program before putting it back on the market. Its re-launch received much better reviews. Over the next year, Potter released five games for Synapse, Protector, Protector II, Chicken, Nautilus and Shadow World.
Software piracy was a serious problem, and Potter's royalties shrank. In 1982 Potter moved onto IBM PC development. He continued to develop Atari software as well, publishing under other labels.
The gameplay of Protector is inspired by Defender, with the player controlling a rocket fighter of similar design and the general goal being to pick up civilians from the ground to protect them from the enemy. The game is less action-oriented, however, and contains a more strategic component.
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