COLLECTOR Q&A
Game collector Dan Evertsson talks about his love of all things Software Projects
How complete is your Software Projects collection of games?
It’s very difficult to know exactly, as there are so many rereleases, budget releases and international variants. If we’re talking just UK releases, then it’s almost complete for both Software Projects and Software Supersavers. There’s still a question mark over the Memotech Jet Set Willy and Manic Miner games but no one seems to know what the definitive story is with those!
What is the most you have spent on a single title?
£125 for a single disk and that was Jet Set
Willy for the Tatung Einstein. I had searched the internet for all Einstein versions of Manic Miner and Jet Set Willy and eventually found a private collector of Einstein games in the United Kingdom. Initially he didn’t want to sell anything but hinted for the right price he may let Jet Set Willy go for £125.
At the time I said to get in touch if he wanted to sell and later he did. I said I would buy only on the condition that he sold me all four of his Einstein Software Projects disks. He agreed and although my wallet screamed no, my heart said yes. £415 later I was glad I did. They’re very hard to find today.
What attracted you to collecting Software Projects games specifically? The inlay artwork! I was completely gobsmacked the first time I saw the inlay for Manic Miner and after that I was completely hooked on all things Software Projects. I later found out all Software Projects artwork was created by artist Roger Tissyman and from there on I was a big fan, although sadly I also found that he had died several years ago.
I also collect the Software Supersavers games which was the budget label for Software Projects. The first time I saw the art I didn’t think Roger was behind it, they lacked definition and colour but were similar in style. After some research I spoke to Roger’s daughter and she confirmed that it was indeed her dad who created them. I guess Software Projects paid less for the budget games artwork, so he spent less time on them! They don’t quite have the same charm but I love them anyway.
Is there anything Software Projects related you would love find?
I have one original promotional poster for BC´S Quest For Tires but I would love to collect all the other posters to frame and hang on my wall. I just love them.