In 1998, Thief: The Dark Project crept onto PCs and forever changed the way players approached stealth. In this episode, we explore how Looking Glass Studios transformed a failed fantasy concept called Dark Camelot into a groundbreaking first-person stealth experience. We discuss how Ken Levine, Doug Church, and Tom Leonard helped shape its immersive design—introducing mechanics like dynamic lighting, realistic sound, and AI suspicion states that influenced everything from Splinter Cell to Assassin’s Creed. Our conversation covers the game’s turbulent development, its critical success, and the eventual legacy of the Thief series. Join us as we sneak through shadows and rediscover Thief: The Dark Project on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.
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A Trip Down Memory Card Lane