In this week's Fallen Earth developer interview, we are introduced to writer, editor, roleplayer and self-described problem child "Muffin":
Alias/Forum Name: Muffin
Title / Position at Fallen Earth: Writer/Editor/Problem Child
What games have you played and worked on?
As a dev, Fallen Earth is my first computer game. Other games I've worked on have included the live action roleplaying games SOLAR, NERO Atlanta, Haven, and King's Gate. I've played way too many games to list! I enjoy FPS games, MMOs, sims, strategy games, PnP RPs, board games, word games, mind games.... Uh...that last one was supposed to be my inside voice.
How long have you been working on Fallen Earth?
About 2 years.
How did you get involved with your job position?
I wrote and ran a number of live action roleplaying games some years ago, and gained experience in game design and game writing, through that hobby. I also acquired some contacts that helped me get a foot in the door. In addition, I had fairly extensive editing experience through previous jobs.
What type of college courses or schooling did you have to prepare you for your position at Fallen Earth?
I have a dual B.A. in English and Theatre Studies and a M.A. in Teaching Secondary English.
What in particular inspired you to work in the gaming industry?
I love gaming! I've been gaming since I was in my early teens and continue to spend far too many hours a week immersed in PC, console, and PnP games.
What games stand out in your memory for positive reasons?
World of Warcraft is such a juggernaut, I think it has to be acknowledged. Even if some gamers don't care for the game itself, the amount of public awareness that it's brought to the gaming community is notable. Personally, I enjoy it and have many fond memories (old and new) of leveling characters, exploring, and late-night raids with my guild. I'm always interested to see what design concepts the Blizzard gang has been able to implement. The other game that stands out in my memory is the original 1988 Pools of Radiance with the copy protection secret decoder wheel. That was the first "real" computer RPG I ever played.
What advice would you give to budding games / software developers?
Having interesting ideas is important, but you need to be able to communicate them effectively. Not just writers, but also programmers, scripters, and artists are expected to be able to provide intelligible documentation and the occasional written proposal. The other bit of advice I have is to not just play games, but to create games. Whether it's a pen and paper RPG or a module for an existing computer game, get in there and get your hands dirty. The best way to learn is to practice!
On an average day, what do you do at Fallen Earth?
Write missions, edit missions, test missions, write documentation, point out boneheaded mistakes (my own included), fix boneheaded mistakes, and play the game.
What is your favorite:
Game - Currently, Fallout 3. It changes often.
Book - Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Song - Son of a Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield
Season - Autumn
Past time - The Age of Enlightenment. Oh! You mean pastime! Cross stitching. No, really. I know it conjures images of Carol Brady and minivans, but it's fun.
Drink - Coke Zero
Color - Turquoise
Food - Chocolate
PnP - Currently, Pendragon. The game system can be brutal, and sometimes completely illogical, but I adore the campaign I'm involved in and the people I play with.
Faction - VillainsDo you:
roleplay? Yep!
have any pets? Three cats - but I don't live alone, so I'm not a crazy cat lady.
like beer or wine? Real ales only
like coffee or tea? Sweet iced tea
like cake or pie? Both! I reject your false choices!
Coke or Pepsi? Coke. This is definitive.
Pizza or Hamburgers? Pizza. Especially white pizza.
Chocolate or Ice Cream? Chocolate ice cream. Win-win.
Boxers or Briefs? Uh... did you notice that I'm a girl?
Have you ever styled/had a mullet? No.If you could have one wish what would it be?
That all sentient beings achieve enlightenment right now.
Name one thing you would take to an abandoned island and why?
Is this a beautiful tropical island? Because I'm taking my boyfriend, if it is. A creepy, horror movie island? An ax.
Does the Landshark really exist? Other kids at school tell me it's a lie.
Landsharks are as real as Santa, dear.
Are you willing to be bribed for an alpha spot and what would it take?
You're welcome to try. I'll be expecting large boxes overflowing with cash to be delivered to the office. And some flowers would be nice every once in a while, too. You're so unromantic. *sniffle*
Catch up with "Muffin" on the official Fallen Earth forums and drop her a question or two!
