Scott Miller (entrepreneur)
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Scott Miller | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1961 (age 62–63) |
| Occupation(s) | Video game designer Video game programmer Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Apogee Software "Apogee model" distribution |
Scott Miller(born 1961) is an American video game designer, programmer, and entrepreneur best known for foundingApogee Software,Ltd. (which later became3D Realms) in 1987. Starting with theKrozseries forMS-DOSfrom that year, Miller pioneered the concept of giving away the first game in a trilogy—distributed freely as shareware—with the opportunity to purchase the remaining two episodes.[2]This method became the standard distribution method for Apogee. Competitors such asEpic MegaGameslater adopted the same business model.
Biography[edit]
Growing up, Miller lived with his father, Boyd Miller, an engineer atNASAwho worked on theApolloandGeminiprograms.[1]Miller began writing video games in 1975 on aWang 2200[3]while living inAustralia.He wrote severalMS-DOSgames that circulated widely onBBSfile bases:Computer Quiz,Astronomy Quiz,BASIC Quiz,Beyond the Titanic,Supernova,Kingdom of Kroz,Word Whiz,Trek Trivia.Miller started asgame programmer,but now handled primary business duties of 3D Realms, as well as producing and co-designing all third-party games associated with the company, includingWolfenstein 3D,Raptor: Call of the Shadows,Terminal Velocity,Max PayneandPrey.
He created the method of game distribution where one episode of a game is released freely asshareware,and the follow-up episodes are sold through the company. The free episode is the carrot-on-a-stick; an advertisement to purchase the remaining, commercial episodes.Kingdom of Kroz,in 1987, was the first game to use this method, which Miller refers to as the "Apogee Model." Upon success with this model with the sevenKrozepisodes, Miller left his full-time job in early 1990s and devoted full efforts into growing Apogee. It was at this time that Miller contacted key members atSoftdisk(a monthly software magazine delivered on floppy disks to subscribers) who later formedid Software,and convinced them to makeCommander Keento be released through Apogee. The series was a success enabling id Software to become an independent studio. Miller was later instrumental[vague]in the formation of publisherGathering of Developersin 1998. He later helped[vague]found the Radar Group.[citation needed]
Miller was a professional writer in the 1980s, having co-authored a book on video games,Shootout: Zap the Video Games,and writing a weekly column forThe Dallas Morning Newsfor four years (1982–1985), titled "Video Vision" (later changed to "Computer Fun" ). He also wrote forCOMPUTE!'s PC and PCjr and other magazines. From 2006 to 2008, Miller maintained an industry blog, GameMatters, where he was a strong proponent ofstudioindependence, and of studios andpublisherscreating original brands rather than licensing brands from other media sources.
GameSpotnamed Miller as number 14 in their listing of the Most Influential People in Computer Gaming of All Time.[4]In 1997,Computer Gaming Worldranked him as number 14 on the list of the Most Influential People of All Time in computer gaming for originating the Apogee model.[5]
References[edit]
- ^abEdwards, B. (2009, August 20).20 Years of Evolution: Scott Miller and 3D RealmsArchived2013-08-08 at theWayback Machine.Gamasutra
- ^Hague, James (1999)."Gimme Your Money: A Half-Baked History of Shareware".loonygames.Archivedfrom the original on 2019-08-25.Retrieved2017-09-26.
- ^"Scott Miller, Chief Creative Officer".Radargroup.RetrievedJuly 11,2013.
- ^"Number 14: Scott Miller - The Most Influential People in Computer Gaming of All Time - Gamespot".Archived from the original on May 16, 2008.Retrieved2012-04-09.
{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^CGW159: The Most Influential People in Computer Gaming
External links[edit]
- Scott MilleronLinkedIn
- Game Matters,Miller's blog
- Scott Miller's biographyat3D Realms
- Scott Miller's biographyat Radar Group