PyroTechnix® was founded as Computer Presentations, Inc. (CPI) a privately held Delaware Corporation incorporated in 1986 and located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company's initial charter was the development of graphics software for the IBM, Apple Macintosh, and UNIX platforms. CPI was originally founded as a computer animation company back in the days of CGA and EGA graphics. CPI constructed custom computer based graphics and animated marketing materials for high technology companies. From the early days of CGA and EGA computer graphics in 1986 through 1992--when users could see 16.7 million colors at a screen resolution of 1024 X 768 pixels on an everyday PC--CPI was a leader in PC graphics technology.
From 1986 through 1992, the company grew and matured into an award winning and industry leading Microsoft Windows graphics technology and application software developer. The company focused on color scanning and image processing beginning in 1989. In 1992, the company added expertise in Macintosh development and PrePress technology.
In 1993, the company delved into the world of multimedia, including all aspects of technology involved like full motion video, sound, special effects, and others. 1994 saw the company transition into research and development in real-time technologies with full implementation efforts in full swing in 1995. Subsequently, in late 1995, the company changed its name to PyroTechnix® to better reflect the new direction into real-time technology and game development. In early 1996, the company was acquired as a wholly owned subsidiary of 7th Level, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Upon 7th Level's exit from the game industry, PyroTechnix® was acquired by Sierra On-Line in December of 1997.
Currently, the company is working on the development of Return to Krondor™, the long-awaited sequel to the best selling RPG of all time, Betrayal at Krondor. With more features than any RPG, PyroTechnix®'s True3D® technology, and Ray Feist's classic story telling, Krondor is destined to become the most sophisticated, sprawling, and detailed RPG ever, providing RPG fans and gamers in general, with a tremendously immersive and satisfying experience.
Raymond E. Feist is one of the true stars of the world of literary fantasy. In 1982, with the publication of his debut novel, Magician, Feist took the fantasy world by storm. Since that time, he has become one of the pre-eminent writers of epic fantasy, along with contemporaries Stephen Donaldson, David Eddings and Robert Jordan. With over 12 million copies of his books in print and translated into 13 languages, Feist has international appeal and success. His work appears regularly on best-seller lists including The New York Times and The Times of London.
His first novel, Magician, has over one million books in print, and his Rage of a Demon King was an international bestseller landing many bestseller lists since its release in April 1997.
This best-selling author has established himself as a master of the fantasy genre through the magical and complex worlds he creates.
"I don't write fantasy; I write historical novels about an imaginary place. At least that's how I look at it," says Raymond E. Feist, who is a Southern Californian by birth and a San Diegan by choice. He was educated at the University of California, San Diego, where he took his B.A. in Communication Arts with Honors in 1977.
His extensive literary works include the novels in the Serpentwar and Riftwar sagas, the Empire Trilogy, Prince of the Blood, The King's Buccaneer, and Faerie Tale, a dark-fantasy set in America.
In addition to his written work, Feists universe has become a setting for computer games, such as the best-selling RPG Betrayal at Krondor. Now, he is working with Sierra Studios and PyroTechnix to produce a cutting-edge sequel to that game, entitled Return to Krondor. Set in Feist's world of Midkemia, the player assumes the roles of five main characters as they embark on an epic role playing quest. Feist's written works in progress include Krondor: The Betrayal, the novel using the story found in the computer game Betrayal at Krondor.
Raymond E. Feist lives in San Diego with his wife and children and the family's four horses. When not writing, Ray continues to design computer games, and other hobbies include collecting movies on laser disc, fine wine, and compiling a history of professional football in the US.
Praise for Raymond E. Feist and the Serpentwar Saga:
"Classic...Feist has a natural talent for keeping the reader turning pages."
Chicago Sun-Times
"Action and intrigue and evocative writing...Feist brings a new world alive."
Portland Oregonian
"An epic reading experience."
San Diego Union-Tribune
"Feist remains honorably in the forefront of fantasists."
Booklist
"Just about everything a fantasy fan could ask for."
United Press International
