Michael Cranford Interview: His new game Shadow Snare and deep insights into The Bards Tale
By NewsHound ·
Michael Cranford discusses Shadow Snare and his The Bards Tale legacy.

Michael Cranford, a veteran of early computer game development, sits down for an in-depth interview. He recounts his self-taught work with the 6502 processor, his tenure at Interplay, and the pivotal breakthroughs and setbacks that eventually led him to step away from the industry. The discussion also covers his decision to return to the Commodore 64 to develop the new title Shadow Snare.
The interview opens with a brief introduction before moving to a greeting segment at the six-minute mark. At 6:42, the conversation shifts to "The Micro Spark," where Cranford delves into the technical inspirations behind his projects. The video is part of retronauttech's latest upload, offering viewers a detailed look at both his past work on The Bard's Tale and his upcoming game.
Viewers gain rare insight into the development history of The Bard's Tale series through Cranford's reflections. His perspective on the challenges of 8-bit programming underscores the enduring appeal of retro game design. The interview also highlights the anticipation surrounding Shadow Snare as a modern project rooted in classic hardware.
Watch the full interview to hear Cranford's story and Shadow Snare preview: