In the latest Fallen Earth developer interview we are introduced to Lee "Alec Masters" Hammock, lead game designer, avid D&D 4E rolepalyer and probably one of the coolest MMO developers:
Alias/Forum Name: Alec Masters
Title / Position at Fallen Earth: Lead Game Designer
What games have you played and worked on?
Tons and tons of role playing games and card games.
How long have you been working on Fallen Earth?
Three and a half years.
How did you get involved with your job position?
Got brought up from being a writer. Became a writer by sending in my resume at just the right time.
What type of college courses or schooling did you have to prepare you for your position at Fallen Earth?
I have a bachelor's degree in English and Management Information Systems, but really my experience from freelance writing for years and years was more helpful.
What in particular inspired you to work in the gaming industry?
I have to do something I like for my job, otherwise I get very surly. Or at least more surly than normal.
What games stand out in your memory for positive reasons?
Well I've always loved the Fallout games and Wasteland before them for the great stories and interactions they presented.
What advice would you give to budding games / software developers?
Go to school, but also do volunteer or freelance work as much as possible. I would rather hire someone with no degree who can show me quality work samples than someone who has a degree but can't show me published writing credits, demo reels, etc.
On an average day, what do you do at Fallen Earth?
Manage my minions, for lo they are legion.
What is your favorite:
Game: Fallout 2 probably, but it's a hard choice.
Book: The Guards series by Terry Pratchett.
Song: Currently "Don't Mess with Me" by Temposhark. Good supervillain song. Usually my tastes are less poppy, more a metal/Johnny Cash direction.
Season: Spring.
Past time: Archery aside from writing and gaming.
Drink: Coke, possibly with Jack Daniels.
Color: Green.
Food: Pizza. I do love me some pizza.
PnP: Spirit of the Century
Faction: I do like all of them, but the Enforcers, CHOTA, and Vistas are probably my favorites.Do you:
roleplay? Lots. Mainly D&D 4E and Pendragon these days.
have any pets? Two cats, Milla and Ponce de Leon.
like beer or wine? Neither, whiskey.
like coffee or tea? Neither, Coke.
like cake or pie? Key Lime Pie.
Coke or Pepsi? I grew up in Atlanta so Pepsi is a mortal sin in my eyes.
Pizza or Hamburgers? Pizza.
Chocolate or Ice Cream? Ice cream, especially gelato from the gelato place around the corner from the office.
Boxers or Briefs?Boxers.Have you ever styled/had a mullet?
Nope.
If you could have one wish what would it be?
Ergh, for the technology to make a non-polluting source of unlimited energy. Solve a lot of the world's problems right there.
Name one thing you would take to an abandoned island and why?
A bow and arrows. Keeps me entertained and can be used both for hunting and fishing.
Does the Landshark really exist?
Other kids at school tell me it's a lie. Other kids at school tell me it's a lie. He exists Virginia. And on Christmas Eve he will fly across the world eating naughty forum members.
Are you willing to be bribed for an alpha spot and what would it take?
Whiskey or pizza are a good start.
If you're curious for more info, "Alec Masters" will be taking additional questions at the official forums here.
