Scott Murphy (video game designer)
Scott Murphy is an American video game designer, programmer, and writer, primarily known for his work at Sierra On-Line (later Sierra Entertainment) during the company's golden age of adventure games. He is most famous as the co-creator, along with Mark Crowe, of the Space Quest series.
Murphy joined Sierra On-Line in the early 1980s, initially working on games such as The Wizard and the Princess (Hi-Res Adventure #0). His collaboration with Mark Crowe led to the creation of Space Quest: Chapter I – The Sarien Encounter in 1986, a humorous science fiction adventure game. The Space Quest series, featuring the hapless space janitor Roger Wilco, became a popular and enduring franchise.
Throughout the Space Quest series, Murphy and Crowe, often referred to as the "Two Guys from Andromeda," infused their games with a distinct blend of adventure gameplay, comedic writing, and pop culture references. Murphy’s contributions to the series included game design, programming, and writing, contributing significantly to its overall tone and appeal.
After leaving Sierra, Murphy continued to work in the game industry, contributing to various projects. While the Space Quest series remains his most recognized achievement, his contributions helped shape the landscape of adventure gaming during the 1980s and 1990s. He is remembered for his role in creating memorable characters, humorous storylines, and challenging puzzles within the adventure game genre.