Fans pressured Activision on 'King's Quest'

Phoenix Online Studios has explained why Activision reversed their decision to halt the release of the fan-made King's Quest: The Silver Lining.

Co-designer Katie Hallahan said that the publisher reconsidered after pressure from fans and allowed release on a non-commercial basis.

"After we received the [cease & desist] and complied with it, our fans rallied to support us and tried to get things turned around almost immediately," she told DS.

"They started a 'Save The Silver Lining' campaign, had an online petition, a letter-writing campaign, they even had people calling Activision's offices! So there was a huge fan outcry about what had happened, in addition to our situation getting noticeable media coverage.

"The directors contacted Activision again to see if we could find a way to make the situation work for both parties, and Activision came back to us saying they had reconsidered and wanted to grant us a non-commercial licence after all."

Designer Cesar Bittar added: "The fans were amazing in their support and we'll always be grateful to them for what they've done... twice! Working with Activision was also great. They were very open to our suggestions and helped us with some of the material. They are enjoying the news as well."

The Silver Lining is a fan-made episode continuing the Sierra adventure series, and has been given two cease and desist orders since its conception in 2002.

The first episode, What Is Decreed Must Be, will be available for free on PC from July 10.

> Click here to read the full interview with Phoenix Online Studios