Delve into the creation of the groundbreaking 1984 game 'Karateka' in this insightful conference talk. Explore how Jordan Mechner, as an unknown teenager, pushed the boundaries of Apple II technology to create his directorial debut that became a worldwide hit. Discover the innovative approaches to story, cinematics, music, and animation that set 'Karateka' apart. Through original design documents, film footage, and prototype gameplay, gain a unique perspective on the development process and the challenges of bringing lifelike characters to computer screens in the early days of game development. Learn how this project laid the foundation for Mechner's future success, including the creation of 'Prince of Persia'. Gain valuable insights into the craft of independent game development and the evolution of storytelling in video games.