California Pacific Computer Company

California Pacific Computer Co.

Company type	Private
Industry	Software publishing, Video game publishing
Founded	1979 in Davis, California, United States
Founder	Alvin Remmers
Defunct	1986
Headquarters	Davis , United States
Area served	United States
Key people	Alvin Remmers
Products	Software and games for Apple II (including Ultima, Akalabeth: World of Doom)

California Pacific Computer Co. operated as a software and game publisher from 1979 until 1986, established in Davis, California by Alvin Remmers. Its entire catalog was dedicated to the Apple II, serving as an early commercial outlet for prominent game developers such as Richard Garriott, Bill Budge, and Michael Pondsmith.

History

Alvin Earl Remmers (1942–2022), who shifted from producing tie-dye apparel to entering the microcomputer market, founded California Pacific after recognizing a lack of distribution channels for Apple II titles like Super Invader (1979). This title sold more than 20,000 copies, becoming the best-selling Apple II software by 1980.

Remmers pioneered the strategy of marketing software creators alongside their products. Following a collaboration with Bill Budge to implement copy protection on Super Invader, California Pacific released Budge’s compilations Bill Budge’s Trilogy of Games (1980) and Bill Budge's Space Album (1980). Upon discovering Akalabeth: World of Doom (1980), Remmers worked with Softalk magazine to publicly identify its creator Richard Garriott, known by his alias Lord British—a moniker Remmers asserted he originated.

In addition to publishing, California Pacific distributed early microcomputer software and represented firms such as Sirius Software and Strategic Simulations Inc. The company’s Oakland branch briefly handled distribution of the CP/M operating system. Renowned for its distinctive packaging—typically sealed plastic bags rather than traditional boxes—it marketed many titles under the "Top of the Orchard Software" label. Packaging illustrations were crafted by Michael Pondsmith, later famed for creating the Cyberpunk RPG, and Denis Loubet, who subsequently worked with Origin Systems. Copy protection for later releases was developed by Steve Gibson.

California Pacific fostered strong developer partnerships through generous royalty schemes. In 1981, it published Ultima, initiating the influential Ultima franchise. However, the company’s practice of promoting authors without formal employment agreements undermined its negotiating leverage amid evolving distribution models. Furthermore, Remmers’ struggles with addiction strained developer relations, leaving the firm exposed by late 1981.

The company continued issuing titles under the Progame brand before Remmers pursued addiction recovery and transitioned into documentary filmmaking. He died in 2022.

Software published

• Super Invader (October 1979) Developed by M. Hata. Later retitled Cosmos Mission.
• Bill Budge's Trilogy of Games (December 1979) Developed by Bill Budge.
• Bill Budge's Space Album (March 1980) Developed by Bill Budge.
• Head-On (July 1980) An arcade game clone of Head On. Subsequently renamed Fender Bender.
• Bill Budge's 3-D Graphics System (October 1980) Developed by Bill Budge.
• Akalabeth: World of Doom (December 1980) Created by Richard Garriott.
• Apple-oids (April 1981) Created by Tom Luhrs. A clone of the arcade game Asteroids, featuring a Breakout-style mini-game named Chipout.
• Ultima (April 1981) Developed by Richard Garriott and Ken Arnold.
• Hungry Boy (1982) Created by Nakan. A clone of the arcade classic Pac-Man.
• Brainteaser Boulevard (May 1983) Created by Chuck Bueche.
• Lady Tut (July 1983) Created by Greggy.