Overview
Graeme Devine’s career spanned home computer conversions to CD-ROM pioneers to modern mobile gaming. His most significant contribution came with The 7th Guest, which demonstrated what CD-ROM technology could offer—full-motion video, orchestral music, and production values that floppy disks couldn’t match. The game became a system seller for CD-ROM drives.
Fast facts
- Born: 1966, United Kingdom.
- Known for: The 7th Guest.
- Company: Trilobyte.
- Later work: id Software, mobile gaming.
Early career
| Period | Work |
|---|
| Teenage | UK game conversions |
| Mastertronic | Budget games |
| Various | Multiple platforms |
Trilobyte era
| Title | Year | Innovation |
|---|
| The 7th Guest | 1993 | FMV puzzle game |
| The 11th Hour | 1995 | Sequel |
The 7th Guest impact
| Achievement | Significance |
|---|
| CD-ROM showcase | Drove hardware sales |
| Production values | Raised expectations |
| Sales | Millions of copies |
| Cultural moment | FMV gaming peak |
Technical innovations
| Feature | Implementation |
|---|
| Video compression | Groovie engine |
| 3D rendering | Pre-rendered environments |
| Music | Live orchestral score |
| Acting | Full cast |
Post-Trilobyte
| Company | Role |
|---|
| id Software | Designer (Quake III) |
| Ensemble Studios | Consultant |
| Mobile gaming | Various projects |
Legacy
| Impact | Manifestation |
|---|
| CD-ROM gaming | Proved viability |
| FMV genre | Template established |
| Hardware sales | Drove CD adoption |
See also