The Official Book of King's Quest: Daventry and Beyond Foreword

As as child I was always filled with story ideas and loved to pretend. Of course, I was always the heroine of my private daydreams; I was forever slaying dragons, outwitting pirates, traveling through time, and yes, looking for-and sometimes finding-Prince Charming. King's Quest is filled with the adventures I daydreamed of as a child. Through the technical wizardry of people like Jeff Stephensen and Bob Heitman, and my husband, I am able to share my world with all of you.

One of the reasons for King's Quest's popularity is that it does spring from the fantasies of a child. For adults, it allows them to experience again the stories and fables they loved as children. For children, it's the ultimate cartoon - a cartoon they can participate in. And for both, it is a chance to try to outwit the designer... me.

This book will give you a greater understanding of what King's Quest is and how it came about. You will come to know how much works is involved in bringing each game to life. Sometimes I get frustrated when I can't think of an idea, or when we can't make something work, or when we're working long hours to make a shipping date. But the wonderful letters I receive from kids, parents, and even grandparents makes it all more than worthwhile.

In real life, I did find my prince: my husband, Ken Williams. Ken has always supported me and encouraged me, and without him, King's Quest would surely not exist.

Roberta Heuer Williams Oakhurst, California May, 1988