ABOUT DARWIN POND...
Darwin Pond was created at Rocket Science Games, Inc., in 1996, initially
as an artificial life research project. It was later developed into
a product in '97. After difficult legal battles between the producers
and the publishers, while Rocket Science was nearing its end as a company,
Darwin Pond was set free from the binds of legal and corporate snags,
although it never became a commercial product. In the aftermath, I chose
to offer it over the internet as free software. Now anyone (with a PC)
can enjoy it, free of charge. My compensation is your appreciation.
All the little wiggling swimmers appreciate your using Darwin Pond as
well. They even are OK with being killed - as long as you enjoy them
when they're alive, and come to appreciate the wonder and magic of evolution
on Earth. Well, actually, they may not (like) being killed, but you
may like it, because you just might be like that, in which case, have
fun! You'll soon discover that the magic of evolution (which requires
both birth and death) is what it's all about.
| WHO MADE IT?.....
Darwin Pond was designed by Jeffrey Ventrella, who also did the initial
engineering of physics, genetics, and interaction. The lead engineer
was Brian Dodd, who turned it into a Windows application and also invented
a bunch of additional cool features. Darren Atherton was the Producer.
Jonah Sharp did some original ambient music (which is only available
on the CD). Kev Ashley was an Engineering Consultant. Robert Gagnon
did Graphic Design. Tom Hays directed the audio. Bryan Galdrikian helped
with some physics consulting. Many thanks goes to all the talented people
involved, including Evan Robinson, Ron Cobb, and Aaron Holly. Steve
Blank initiated the business end, enabling it to become an official
software title at Rocket Science Games. Bill Davis, Creative Director,
was integral for his creative vision and persistence in helping to make
Darwin Pond a reality. Scott Kim offered interface suggestions. And
finally, thanks to Elvis, who inspired the name of one of the DNA files
(go see why!) |
