Interview with Amit Patel, Creator of “Solar Realms Elite” (2013)
Amit Patel, the visionary behind the 90s BBS door game "Solar Realms Elite," shares his deep-seated philosophy of learning through creation and game design. This interview resonates with HN for its nostalgic dive into early computing and the surprising revelation that Patel coined Google's iconic "Don't Be Evil" motto. It's a testament to how foundational engineering principles can span from niche shareware to global tech giants.
The Lowdown
An interview with Amit Patel, the creator of the classic 90s BBS door game "Solar Realms Elite" (SRE), delves into his journey as a self-taught programmer, his design philosophy, and his diverse career path. The discussion highlights his continuous pursuit of learning through hands-on experimentation, from his early computing days to his later influence at Google.
- Patel's earliest computing experiences involved a TRS-80, Commodore 64, and VAX, leading to self-taught programming in various languages.
- "Solar Realms Elite" was a personal learning project, a sandbox for experimenting with UI design, optimization, multitasking, encryption, and economic models.
- Influenced by RPGs like Ultima and simulation games like SimCity, he admired Richard Garriott's approach to open-ended puzzle design.
- Initially not interested in commercialization, his brother Mehul encouraged selling SRE as shareware, teaching Patel valuable lessons in customer support, marketing, and long-term code maintenance.
- The continuous feedback loop from SRE's users led to its iterative improvement, a benefit not extended to his other projects like "Planetary Conquest."
- He provided the technical infrastructure (modem comms, UI, encryption) for his brother's successful SRGames titles like Alpha Colony VI and BRE.
- A hard drive crash in 1996, leading to the loss of SRE's source code, was not a significant setback as he had already moved on to new projects.
- After a 15-year "detour" from game development due to discouragement with the console era, he returned, drawn by the new opportunities in web, mobile, and indie games.
- Patel confirms his role in coining Google's "Don't Be Evil" motto and sharing an office with Eric Schmidt, details documented in Steven Levy's "In the Plex."
- Currently, he focuses on creating interactive reference materials and tutorials for game developers, inspired by Bret Victor's work, prioritizing active learning over passive video consumption.
Amit Patel's narrative is one of relentless curiosity and a passion for building, demonstrating how a hacker's mindset can yield innovative game design, valuable business acumen, and even leave an indelible mark on corporate culture.
The Gossip
BBS Buzz and Nostalgic Nods
Commenters enthusiastically recall the golden age of BBS door games, showering praise on classics like "Lord of the Rings" (LORD), "Tradewars 2002," "Barren Realms Elite," and "Usurper." Many share personal anecdotes about their BBS experiences, including setting up their own systems and the social dynamics of inter-BBS play. The enduring appeal of these text-based adventures and the specific mechanics that made them engaging are a major focus, with some even discussing how to play them today.
Google's Goodness Genesis
A significant point of fascination for commenters is Amit Patel's confirmed involvement in coining Google's famed "Don't Be Evil" motto. Many express surprise and admiration for this connection, highlighting his character and intellectual impact beyond game development. Anecdotes from those who worked with him underscore his ability to simplify complex ideas and his genuine kindness.
Retro Revival Routines
Practical advice emerges regarding the preservation and playability of these vintage games. One commenter details how to set up and run Solar Realms Elite today, humorously noting the necessity of a Y2K workaround by setting the system date to 1999 to get it running flawlessly.