Trevor GunterJan 24, 2023
Jordan Mechner

So, the Prince of Persia "red box" artwork just sold at auction this week... for $63,000!

What else could I do about that but write a blog article about my memories of the drama surrounding that painting's creation in 1989? You can read it now at gamedeveloper.com:

https://www.gamedeveloper.com/art/prince-of-packaging-a-tale-of-1990s-box-art

Prince of Packaging: A tale of 1990s box art

In this fascinating post-mortem, the designer of Prince of Persia tells us the story of how its iconic cover art oddly played into its ultimate success.

Game Developer
Jan 24, 2023 at 6:08pmWeb
Show threadloriJan 24, 2023
@jmechner I'm still extremely sad I couldn't get the Night Trap box art painting when it went to auction, but I'm pretty sure the sell price was more than I would even pay now, much less when I was in college
Show threadloriJan 24, 2023
@jmechner I think that sold for more like $3000 though, not $63000 lmao
Show threadtredstoneJan 24, 2023
@jmechner any chance The Last Express source code might be released one day?
Show threadS. Dole MeliponeJan 24, 2023

@jmechner Thanks! This is by far one of my favorite game covers.

Did you have input on the versions in other regions on other platforms? I'd like to know how those decisions were made, especially with respect to cultural expectations.

Show threadS. Dole MeliponeJan 24, 2023
@jmechner Also, this is hilarious.
Show threadS. Dole MeliponeJan 24, 2023
@jmechner Ah, I see you answered further along. That's what I get for taking a break in the middle! 😄
Show threadLohoris 🐗Jan 24, 2023
@jmechner ok but now I'm curious: is there a picture or something of the art before the "censorship"?
Show threadJordan MechnerJan 25, 2023
@Lohoris pretty sure not! In 1989, photos were on 35mm film, it cost money, you needed a reason!
Show threadLohoris 🐗Jan 25, 2023
@jmechner yeah pity, but was worth a shot 😁
Show threadPierre de WetJan 25, 2023
@jmechner I spent so many hours marvelling over this game animation when I was younger! It felt like magic watching your avatar run and slide. I remember refusing to kill the first guard but rather set up the party because of how satisfying it was…. Why an amazing part of my childhood memories
Show threadJordan MechnerJan 26, 2023
@Pierredewet That's great to hear. Thank you!
Show threadRuber EaglenestJan 26, 2023
@jmechner another great post about Prince of Persia history. Thanks Jordan!