Hi, I’m Adam Pedersen. I created the PC game Jetpack when I was 19, way back in 1993. A new version of Jetpack has been a long time coming, but I’m determined to get it done in 2008. JetpackHQ.com will eventually become a Jetpack portal, for sharing mission packs and add-ons. For now, it will just host this blog chronicling the development of the new Jetpack.

Why a blog?

• I thought it would be cool to interactively chronicle the creation of a video game. I plan to post alpha & beta versions of the new Jetpack as they are created - not downloads, but embedded in the blog. That’s right, the new Jetpack is going to be created in Flash. No groaning - Flash has gotten a lot better since Adobe took over. And there will be a standalone exe version too.
• This seems like a fun way to communicate with Jetpack fans, hear your ideas, and get the game well tested before release. Also the encouragement of Jetpack fans will keep me motivated and on task.
• Like the first Jetpack, this is being done on a shoestring budget. Hopefully the blog will encourage donations of art, sounds, & music!

Back in 1993 I ran a BBS (look it up kids), and I remember not thinking much of it when someone mentioned some new “world wide web” thing that was supposed to be a big deal. That’s where I’m coming from: old school. Not punchcards old school, but at least 5 1/4 floppy disks old school. I got into programming in the late 80’s, back when games were fun, and new gameplay ideas were being tried by everyone, not just the freelancers. That’s my focus: fun gameplay. That means realistic physics, a highly interactive world, and lots of room to be creative.

About Jetpack

If you’re new to Jetpack, it is a classic platform style game inspired by Lode Runner, Jumpman, Pitfall, Bruce Lee, and various other games from my misspent youth on the Commodore 64. The original Jetpack ran on an 8086 5mhz. It has been downloaded over a million times since my site www.adeptsoftware.com went online in 1997.

Jetpack 2 was supposed to be released back in 1995. Then 1999. Then 2000. Things came up - more on that later. It’s 2008, and it’s time to get busy. Check this blog every few days for the latest project updates!

Adam Pedersen