Gary J. Shannon

Gary J. Shannon
Shannon, Gary J.
Occupation	Software Developer

Career

Early Career in Business Computing

Gary Shannon began his career in the 1960s after being introduced to computers by a neighbor who worked for IBM. After completing a commercial programming school in Los Angeles, Shannon spent years doing mainframe business programming and hardware installations, including work for Hughes Aircraft, Capitol Records, and on IBM 370 systems. In the 1970s, he joined Cal State Northridge, where he discovered a growing personal interest in computing.

During his time at CSUN, Shannon began working toward a Master’s in Computer Science, but left the program due to dissatisfaction with its theoretical focus. Around that same time, the Apple II was introduced, and he quickly became fascinated with its possibilities, particularly in the realm of game development.

Entering the Apple II Scene

Shannon soon joined Rainbow Computing, one of the first Apple retailers, located in Los Angeles. Rainbow was a central hub for early microcomputer hobbyists and developers and helped connect Shannon with industry figures like Ken Williams, Sherwin Steffin, and David Gordon.

He began producing Apple II software in Integer BASIC, starting with games for Programma International, such as:

Dragon Maze – a colorful lo-res maze game
Jupiter Express – a space shooter
Nightmare Number Nine and Othello
Nightmare #6, which was distributed directly by Apple Computer in 1978

Work with Softape

Gary Shannon was also one of the first developers published by Softape. His game Advanced Dragon Maze was featured on Module 1, Softape’s first commercial software release in 1978.

List of major works

External links