I am currently working on our end game player experience according to Mark Jacob's vision for 'Living Cities.'
This includes working closely with our Creative Director, Paul Barnett, brainstorming ideas for exciting King Fights, spectacular Public Quests, a dynamic City Invasion system, etc. I then sit with the ideas and start by drawing arrows from x's and o's on white boards and note pads, asking myself questions like: What would players do here? What would players want to do? What would Warhammer fans want to do? Does this maximize player retention? Is there any Mountain Dew left in the vending machine? Etc. Once I've sorted everything out to answer those questions to my liking, I flesh out the design documentation and write the storylines, characters and dialogue to surround them.
Throughout all of this I regularly meet with art and programming leads ensuring they have what they need from me and that I am up to speed with what they have completed and what is in production. And then, when all is said and done, I walk our talented team of implementers through the design, and they bring it all together, putting it into the game.
What is your background? College? 1st job out of school? 1st game industry job?
How long have you been with Mythic?
I graduated from University of Florida with a degree in Marketing and Screenwriting.
My first job was at New Line Cinema in London. There I reviewed screenplays being
considered for production and provided 'suggested' edits. Before I knew it I was knee
deep in Hollywood shenanigans and wanted for the murder of countless 'darlings.' Two
'Hollywood' jobs later I started up a company where I wrote and produced featurettes
that aired on channels like MTV, VH1, G4, etc. One of which was shown at E3, where I
was introduced to Mythic Entertainment. Influenced by years of gaming, I was easily
charmed with fanciful tales of round tables and Kobolds. The rest is history.
Two-plus years of history thus far.
What was your “welcome to the game industry” moment when it hit you that you were
really making games for a living?
When I met Mythic Entertainment at E3. I knew I'd be working for them soon, and I knew
I'd be making awesome games.
What excites you about the Warhammer property? What makes it perfect for an MMO?
What cool things in the Warhammer universe do you hope to bring to life?
That it's the fantasy genre with soul (character).
We are bringing its memorable characters to life with memorable gameplay experiences.
Do you collect Warhammer figures? What army do you play? Does your spouse let you
display them when friends come over for dinner?
I have a Dark Elf army. The House of Platinum (not painted). If I had a spouse then
I'm sure she would. Otherwise I doubt we would have started dating.
What are your hopes/goals for the game?
We are elevating the genre. I can't wait for all to experience and enjoy.
What your key influences when making the game? Anything besides Warhammer?
I have been playing computer games for about 17 years, and I have been a fan of the
fantasy genre even longer. I've played a good number of titles during that time,
and ultimately all of them are an influence in at least a 'what works' vs.
'what doesn't work' way.
What is the biggest problem with current MMO’s you hope to fix with WAR?
A lack of dynamic, player-triggered (not to be confused with player-driven) content.
Our 'Living Cities' and Public Quests will remedy that.
What are your favorite video/computer games of all time? What games are you playing
right now? What game should the reader be playing if he’s not?
Starflight, Starflight 2, Ultima IV, Ultima VII, Ultima VII part 2, Ultima Online, Wing
Commander, Wing Commander 2, Command and Conquer Red Alert, Unreal Tournament II,
Bauldur's Gate, Bauldur's Gate II and Neverwinter Nights.
I am currently playing Burning Crusade and just finished Lord of the Rings Online.
What music are you listening to right now?
1.FM - Support Internet Radio, because NVA is lacking.
Is there a recent movie you’ve seen or book/comic you read that you’d recommend to
others?
Movie: Nochnoy Dozor
Graphic Novel: Watchmen
Anything else you want to add?
"You are welcome here. Everyone is..." Tchar'zanek.
