Symbolic Discoveries

RECAP: Several months ago, I started working with our sponsor ENCOM International on a historical investigation into one of several side projects begun by visionary game designer and former ENCOM CEO Kevin Flynn. In a previous post, it was revealed that Kevin was developing a new system where people would be able to take Digital Vacations inside the computer. 

To facilitate such a complex investigation, I thought it would be a good idea to brush up on Kevin’s published books. In essence, get inside the mind of Flynn. While reading through a well worn copy of “Structure and Dynamics in ADVANCED COMPUTER PROGRAMMING”, I discovered something interesting on page 83…

In the process of designing new enterprises, it’s important to incorporate as many recognizable icons as possible. This can provide a user (or player) with a sense of unity and continuity in an otherwise unrecognizable space. In order to accomplish this with the systems of today creating strictly Black and White Images helps identify the user with simply created images. Lately I’ve been working on a massive project that should bring the worlds of the user and program closer together. A digital space where the people of this world can work live and play together. For this experience I needed a symbol that would draw people into the game; a vortex or horizon that would suck people into the world I’m creating. Ultimately, I looked to our art department to come up with a simple image that would bring these concepts and metaphors together, a kind of artistic jazz for the digital age.

Back inside ENCOM’s Corrupted data files, I’ve only been able to decode a (very) low res sketch from ENCOM’s publicity department (annotated by Flynn himself!) This is what I believe Kevin was referring too.. 

I’m sorry but that’s as clear as I can get it right now. Hopefully, further searches will reveal more soon.

END OF LINE

The Second System

RECAP: The history of ENCOM and the history of EPCOT have always been intertwined since the construction of the park. Founded in 1972, ENCOM Computers, provided many of the computer systems and controller units for many EPCOT Center attractions. Most notability, ENCOM provided many Computer Generated Effects for the Climax of Universe of Energy - and ENCOM also developed a demonstration of its famous digitizing effect that was later used at part of World of Motion’s Speed Room Finale.

Recently I received an email from a Key Executive deep inside of ENCOM...

Mr. Harris,

I’ve been reading your latest post and frankly I’ve been waiting for you to go into some… more challenging material. I’ve recently discovered some information in our archives that was scheduled for deletion by Ed Dillinger Jr. Based on your treatment of the material; I think E82 might be the right place for this type of investigative research.

ENCOM INTERNATIONAL
HISTORICAL SUMMARY
1982-1983

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION HAS BEEN DEEMED CLASSIFIED DO NOT DISTRIBUTE TO ANY UNAUTHORIZED PERSONNEL.    

During the final push to open EPCOT Center in 1982, ENCOM was very busy installing computer systems needed operate the many attractions of both Future World and World Showcase. At the time, ENCOM CEO Kevin Flynn was highly involved in the development and programming of the infrastructure needed to run the technologically advanced theme park. Kevin became extremely fascinated the concept of being able to control events all over the park from a satellite location. In addition, he also noticed the amount of the time, construction, and expense devoted to creating this new world of tomorrow. He began to theorize about the possibility of creating environments for people experience extraordinary vacations in completely unreal environments. “Digital Vacations, Man!”

Based on his experiences in ENCOM’s laser bay, Kevin was seriously considering developing the company’s digitizing process into a commercial technology. But, putting unknowledgeable users on the grid has serious ramifications for both the users and computer systems in the real world. Furthermore, the events and activities of tanks and lightcycles might be entertaining to a gladiator, but would be considered too intense for the average person. Something else would have to be invented.

Soon after completing EPCOT’s Computer Central, Flynn returned to Encom’s headquarters in California to continue building his Video Game/Operating System Empire. To say that Kevin was paranoid was an understatement. Because of his previous problems with intellectual properties, Flynn worked on his biggest projects “after hours” and his Digital Vacations idea would be one of those.

Up to this point, Flynn had only interacted with pre-existing electronic space built for users outside the system. The challenge would be the creation of completely digital architecture for use inside the system. In order to keep things simple Flynn decided to model this new system on a pre-existing space… [DATA INCOMPLETE FILE CORRUPTED]

I’m afraid that’s all the information I have all the rest of the data is on its own dedicated system. Thanks to my recent re-instatement, I’m a little more than busy restructuring the company at this point, so if there’s any help you can provide Sam and I would really appreciate it.

Respectfully,

Alan Bradley
Chairman of the Board
ENCOM International

Soon afterward I expressed my interest and Bradley gave me "GROUP 5 Access" to the corrupted data files. (It’s weird that they haven’t changed their classifications in 30 years.) I’m currently working on the corrupted data and all information will find a home its own column...       

 ENTER ITS WORLD THIS SUMMER

And Now a Word from Our Sponsor...!

After lengthy and comprehensive negotiations, ENCOM International, "the World’s #1 Software Provider" has agreed to sponsor E82 – The Epcot Legacy! As part of this partnership, E82 will provide additional coverage of all products and services. Encom executives have assured me that the core focus and vision of E82 will not in any way be altered or changed because of the sponsorship.

I for one am excited about the many possibilities that this partnership can provide. The History of Encom and the History of Epcot have always been intertwined since the construction of the park. Founded in 1972, Encom Computers, provided many of the computer systems and controller units for many EPCOT Center attractions. Most notability, ENCOM provided many Computer Generated Effects for the Climax of Universe of Energy - and ENCOM also developed a demonstration of its famous digitizing effect that was later used at part of World of Motion’s SpeedRoom Finale.

IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE, expect to see a lot more coming from Encom International & E82 – The Epcot Legacy!

Anonymous Benefactor

Earlier this week, I received an email from a company expressing interest in sponsoring the E82 Project for unspecified length of time. The Project has always been transparent in its developments so I’m sharing the information as it becomes available. This maybe the start of something special for E82...

Mr. Harris,

Over the past several months we have been watching your progress of your blog. Although we believe that the overall quantity of your work is less than satisfactory, we have been impressed with what little product we’ve seen. Your personal style and reinterpretation early
1980s icons are of particular interest to our company.

We are currently gearing-up for a major product release and would appreciate any assistance you could provide our marketing and design teams. In turn, we are prepared to engage in limited sponsorship of your blog.

Please contact us at your earliest convenience, with a response. If you express interest our legal teams will contact you with the specific terms of our sponsorship.

Thank You for
Consideration,
Markus Grenwald
V.P. of Marketing

Dumont Holdings Inc.

More to Follow Soon!