ATMAWEAPON'S PROFILE

179

I grew up nerdy and alone. It was awesome.

I can still remember staying up at night, controller in hand, my face illuminated by the pale glow of my tiny TV set. The games I played growing up were more than just a way to pass the time. I remember the stories, the characters, the music. Later I would make friends over common interests. We would bond over old titles like these because they made us feel something.

That's what I want to do... If one person stays up late, their face painted with that familiar light, and they feel something now like I felt something then... I'll know I made something worthwhile.

Neverspring Chronicles: ...

A street-wise thief on the run from his past joins forces with his long-lost sister against a corrupt and bloated Empire.

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Extra Credit: Are you a good Designer?

02/02/2011 05:54 AM

I found the video to be fantastic.

Here is why:

First off, the video reminds us that the term "designer" is often thrown about casually as a term for a sort of God of a particular game. What mean is this; I consider myself an amateur game designer. However, I do not work in a team. This is because I have a very distinct view and idea of what I want my games to be. And so, I am the god of my game, so to speak. Not only do I design it... I also produce it, deal with the programming, the audio, the writing, etc, etc. Were I to begin a career as a video game designer, I would not do all of these things. There is a reason that the credits at the end of a game or movie have so many names.

Next, after being reminded of this, I realized that I am a lone person. Unique. My idea for what I feel would be fantastic may be hated by another. This, I must accept. And as someone who, as the video so eloquently described, translates and delivers experiences from myself to my audience, I must be careful to make what I convey understandable to an audience and not just myself or people like me. This, after all, was my original intent when I realized it was my dream to make video games. I remember the time spent, emotions felt, and lessons learned as I played through well-made games. Games that gripped us with story, character development, and fun mechanics.

The video reminded me of my purpose as a designer.

It also made me more aware of the deadline I set for myself and that I would, in the end, have to cut the fat on some of my ideas to make sure the game was actually good rather than boring or long-winded.