Leisure Suit Larry's Al Lowe on model trains, funny deaths and Disney
Al Lowe, the legendary creator of Leisure Suit Larry, offers a candid interview stretching far beyond his most famous game, sharing insights into his lifelong passions for model trains and music. He delves into his unique experiences at Sierra, the challenges of working with Disney, and the eventual downfall of the iconic game studio. This interview provides a fascinating, nostalgic deep dive into early computer gaming and a veteran's multifaceted life.
The Lowdown
In a wide-ranging interview, Al Lowe, best known as the creator of the 'Leisure Suit Larry' series, discusses his life and career, often diverging from his most famous work. The conversation explores his varied interests and experiences, offering a personal glimpse into the early days of computer game development and his diverse hobbies.
- Model Trains: Lowe recounts his lifelong passion for model railroading, starting from childhood and continuing into his retirement. He highlights how the hobby taught him practical skills like wiring and scenery building, and marvels at its evolution with modern computer control (DCC).
- Music: A former high school band director, Lowe is an accomplished musician, primarily a saxophonist, playing in multiple big bands and saxophone quartets. He emphasizes his enjoyment of playing music over just listening to it.
- Television & Humor: He shares his fondness for Scandinavian noir television and discusses the changing landscape of humor and violence in media, noting that while some humor from the 80s is no longer acceptable, violence seems increasingly prevalent. He also defends nudity in media.
- Sierra & Disney: Lowe details his extensive work at Sierra, including educational games like 'Donald Duck's Playground' and 'Mickey's Space Adventure'. He reveals his unconventional contract-based relationship with Sierra, which began after a mass layoff. He also recounts the company's tumultuous decline, including the controversial hostile takeover and the tragic destruction of historical game assets.
- Game Design Philosophy: He touches on the infamous age quiz in 'Leisure Suit Larry' and the pervasive, often humorous, death sequences in early Sierra games. Lowe explains his design choice to address the player directly, making them feel more involved in the narrative and responsible for in-game outcomes.
This interview provides a rich tapestry of Al Lowe's professional and personal life, underscoring his enduring contributions to game development and his continuous engagement with diverse creative pursuits, all while offering a unique historical perspective on the early tech and gaming industry.