I would like to invite you all on a little tour today, a tour that is not entirely related to DVD and video per se, but nonetheless made up a major part of my life. Yes, there was a life before “DVD Review”, and developing computer games has been my day-job for the past 16 years. I am sure by now you have noticed the button on our frontpage taking you to “The Vault Network”, a network of individual websites covering the entirety of Computer Role-Playing Games and Massively Multiplayer Games. It is by far the most complete source and web community for anyone who has an interest in these kinds of games, and I am one of these people, hoping that amongst our readers there are more people who thoroughly enjoy a good computer game here and there.

I have been a fan of Vault Network for a long time, practically following them religiously on a daily basis. It has become by far the web's most popular destination for fans of Computer Role-Playing Games and the separation of the network in different dedicated sites helps to keep the constant flow of information in check. Currently the network consists of nine sites, each one of them being the leader in its particular area.

There is the portal, Vault Network, the Web's most popular site for CRPG news, interviews, previews, reviews, etc. with a constantly updated flow of information about the latest developments in the industry. Here you will find first-hand information from the people who create the games, compiled and unedited, to give you the full scoop all the time. From here you will also have easy access to all of the network’s other site.“Ultima Online” is one of the most popular Online Games, and at the UO Vault, you will find a website that is a landmark for the still-growing Ultima Online player community. Then there is, of course, the EQ Vault for all those “EverQuest” players out there. Quickly the site has become the premier site for the thriving player community of this outstanding game.

Asheron’s Call Vault is dedicated to Microsoft’s upcoming Massively Multiplayer Game that is currently in its beta testing. But already the explosive growth of this site is an indication how popular the game will be once Microsoft finally opens the flood gates.You can also visit the Middle Earth Vault, the top site for the game based on J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth, that also hosts the official Developer Board for the game.

Also make sure to stop by HJ Vault, the site created in partnership with the developer of “Hero's Journey”, NW Vault, the latest addition to the network for Interplay’s “Neverwinter Nights”, SO Vault, the network’s first online strategy game site for news and information on the highly-anticipated game “Sovereign”, and the Player Vault, the out-of-game home for the burgeoning online and multi-player RPG community.As you can see from this quick run-down, the Vault Network has a lot to offer and I would like to invite you all to take a look if you harbor any interest in computer and online games.

The last games I have been producing, were two “Dungeons & Dragons” titles, one of them called “Planescape: Torment”, an edgy and mature-themed role-playing game, and “Neverwinter Nights”, the first multi-player “Dungeons & Dragons” game, located in the “Forgotten Realms” universe. If you are interested in more information on those specific titles, once again the Vault Network is a great place to start, but for your broader reference, here are also a few additional links to give you a sneak peek at these upcoming products.

Vault Network’s Interview
Vault Network’s preview of Planescape: Torment
Desslock’s Planescape Interview
Gameposts’s Planescape Interview
GamesMania’s look at Planescape: Torment
Games First’s preview of Planescape: Torment
Cnet’s Gamecenter: Heroes With Attitude
Games.net’s First Look: Planescape: Torment
U-Game’s look at Planescape: Torment
PC Gamer’s Planescape Marathon
or check out the official Planescape: Torment website

With over 20 games to my credit, and a series of awards on my desk, I recently decided to take some “vacations” from computer games, also in order to have more time to spend on “DVD Review” and other interests. After all, DVD will introduce a number of new technologies and methodologies, and I can once again be on the cutting edge, as an industry emerges.

I hope this little excursion into my past has also sparked your interest in computer games, and it should explain why I feel the Vault Network deserves some exposed attention on our pages. After all I have no doubt, computer games will soon make their appearance on many DVD-ROMS, so why not start looking out for them now, before everyone else does...

 September 20, 1998

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