Back in 1982, computer games were relatively primitive, usually consisting of blocky objects that players manipulated against a black backdrop.
But George Lucas saw something more.
In much the same way as he had taken the black backdrop of space and grafted a rich, story-driven adventure onto it with Star Wars®, he saw potential to one day ignite the blackness of a computer monitor with epic, character-focused games.
Thus, it was fitting that the Games Group of Lucasfilm came into existence in a non-descript office park, adjacent to a group that later became known as Pixar and right next door to Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the company behind Star Wars' visual effects. Just as ILM was established to take visual effects to a new level, Lucas asked a small group of game designers, programmers, and artists to take games to the next level. This mission was clearly outlined in Lucasfilm's 1983 annual report: "The immediate goal is to find the best way to bring the 'Lucasfilm touch' to video games and help advance the state of the video game art."
Soon after its launch, the Games Group began research and development work to investigate the capabilities of the Atari 2600 and 5200 – that is, whenever they could pull themselves away from trying to break the 400,000 point barrier in Millipede.
Before long, what began as mere research turned into the company's first two games, Ballblazer® and Rescue on Fractalus!® Created in partnership with Atari and later published by Epyx, both games were officially introduced to the media in January 1984 during a press conference in which the Games Group was officially announced as Lucasfilm Games. That June, the games were unveiled publicly at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show.
And then came... the golden years.
By the early 1990s, Lucasfilm Games had firmly established itself as a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment. To underscore its unique identity, the division was re-named LucasArts Entertainment Company and its offices were moved from Skywalker Ranch to a nearby office building. At the same time, a new logo was commissioned. Affectionately known as “the gold guy†logo, it debuted in the early 90s and is still used to this day.
During the early 1990s, some of the best adventure games of all time would be produced by LucasArts including Sam & Max Hit the Road®, Day of the Tentacle® and the Monkey Island® series. The company also began working on games that would bring the Star Wars® universe to life as an interactive experience.
By the mid 1990s, LucasArts had grown into a developer and publisher with a diverse lineup of products, which included games based on original properties and George Lucas' most famous motion pictures. While LucasArts had always been known for the engaging cinematic feel to its games, this era brought forth new technologies that allowed for the creation of even more immersive game experiences.
During this period, development teams at LucasArts were able to begin working on next generation game consoles like Sony PlayStation and Nintendo 64. 3D-accelerated graphics for the PC allowed for even more visceral and engaging gameplay experiences. These new technical achievements enabled LucasArts to bring its rich worlds to life as never before.
Adventure games by LucasArts
Labyrinth (1986)
Maniac Mansion * (1987)
Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders * (1988)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure * (1989)
LOOM * ** (1990)
The Secret of Monkey Island * (1990)
Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge (1991)
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (1992)
Day of the Tentacle (Maniac Mansion 2) (1993)
Sam & Max Hit the Road (1993)
Full Throttle (1995)
The Dig (1995)
The Curse of Monkey Island (1997)
Grim Fandango (1998)
Escape from Monkey Island (2000)
* Later re-released with enhanced graphics.
** LOOM was also re-released on CD, once with a full digital score and a second time with voice-overs (but very little music).
Sources:
http://www.lucasarts.com/20th/history_1.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LucasArts_adventure_games
