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The Forgotten Origins of Online Gaming: Roberta Williams' Phantasmagoria

In the late 1980s, the idea of playing games online was still in its infancy. It wasn't until Ken Williams, co-founder of Sierra Entertainment, was inspired by the launch of Prodigy in 1988 that he began developing a similar platform for Sierra's games. This marked the beginning of The Sierra Network (TSN), which would later lay the foundations for modern online gaming.

Launched on May 6, 1991, TSN was the first game-only online environment, allowing players to connect and engage with each other in new and innovative ways. Roberta Williams, Ken's wife and a renowned game designer, played a significant role in shaping the future of online gaming alongside her husband, SO, and the team at TSN.

Today, we often take online gaming for granted, but it's essential to remember the pioneers who paved the way. The Sierra Network may not have been as widely recognized as some other platforms, but its impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. As we continue to evolve and improve our online gaming experiences, let us pay homage to Roberta Williams and Ken Williams for their groundbreaking work.

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