My primary focus is making sure all the content (quest, encounters, etc.) actually makes it from the design table to the game. Mostly I review the design documents for an area with my team. Then assignments are passed out and everyone gets to work. Sometimes I burst into flame (with horns mind you) and stomp around while the developers scurry around trying to find out what they did wrong. However, that rarely happens as they are an awesome team. From time to time, I also provide review of the more technical aspects of our scripting and content systems.
What is your background both now and prior to Mythic Entertainment?
Mythic actually gave me my first job in the industry. I guess I've been doing things
right as they have kept me around for about six years. Previous to Mythic, I served in
the US Air Force for 10 years. I also served as a volunteer system operator for two
years on Magestorm. I was known by “Mage_Travin” back then.
What other titles have you worked on in the past? In what capacity?
I was hired by Mythic to work on their first MMO project, Dark Age of Camelot. Since DAoC’s launch
I have worked on many of its expansions as content designer, quest writer, encounter scripter, and world
builder. I also served as the Content Director for Imperator while that was in production.
What was your “welcome to the game industry” moment when it hit you that you were really making games for a living?
I think the first moment was when we débuted Dark Age of Camelot at the 2001 Electronic Entertainment Expo. The overwhelming enthusiasm from peer developers and fans was incredible.
What excites you about the Warhammer property? What makes it perfect for an MMO?
The depth and detail of the Warhammer IP is what truly excites me. As any developer can relate, having a strong foundation from the start makes life a bit easier. That being said, bringing this world to life will be the most difficult challenge of my career. Fortunately I thrive on that kind of stuff.
Do you collect Warhammer figures?
I absolutely love the figures from Games Workshop! I’ve been playing tabletop RPGs for years and
I truly wish I could start up my own collection. Perhaps one day I’ll throw down the cash for an
undead army. Until then, I’d prefer to spend my creative skills on WAR.
What are your hopes/goals for the game?
After witnessing the success of Dark Age of Camelot, my goal is simple: To build a game that offers a fun and compelling experience at launch and well into its expansions. I want to build a game that I can enjoy with the player base.
What has influenced you when making this game?
I’d lie if I didn’t say all the other great MMOs currently on the market. There are some really great products being played by thousands if not millions of players. If we make the world accessible to a vast majority of the community, and put our experience behind its content, WAR will come out ahead.
What is the biggest problem with current MMO’s you hope to fix with WAR?
I think a major issue for players and developers alike is the divide between the casual and l33t player base. The many changes made to MMO’s well after their launch supports this fact. One MMO will launch with the casual in mind, but change to support the higher level players. Another will start out impossibly difficult to play, but make things easier as the months and years drag on. I can only hope that we take the lessons learned and apply them intelligently; apply them in such a way that everyone feels WAR is a game they will want to play for many years to come.
What are your favorite video/computer games of all time?
My favorite games of all time are Dark Age of Camelot, Half Life I (thank you Valve!), and Dawn of War - especially Dawn of War, for its refreshing take on RTS gameplay.
What games are you playing right now?
Aside from other MMO’s, I am currently playing Silent Hunter 3, Oblivion, Empire at War,
and MS Flight Simulator 2004.
What types of music do you listen to?
I am an avid fan of Trance, specifically GOA. My favorite group is Astral Projection and Trance Control.
Is there a recent movie you’ve seen that you’d recommend to others?
Serenity! – Thank you Joss Whedon for giving us a chance to say goodbye.
