Within the furthest reaches of Hallownest, I grew fascinated with how NPC interactions build out a world into more than an environment. Characters which not only lead players to answers, but inspire them with a hunger to know more- that is the foundation which creates deep investment in a game world.

Musical composition often reinforces a game's quality in ways often overlooked during retrospect. Mrs. Raine's work surpasses this expectation, becoming synonymous with the games themselves. I've had great enjoyment seeing how her musical work defines gameplay experiences from Guild Wars 2, to Celeste. I find this work so inspiring because it reminds me that every aspect of a game can be legendary; definitive. As a result, I've been emboldened to expand into other areas of game production by experimenting with SFX in Adobe Audition,  drawing 2D animations & digital illustrations, and more.

A number of Blizzard titles inspired my youthful love for games with genre defining cinematics and stylistic animation. It wasn't until almost two decades later when Mr. Hathaway presented to game design students at CSU Monterey Bay, and I had the wonderful opportunity to learn about his animation work in Warcraft III & Starcraft 2.

From this experience I developed a resolution to pay forward the kindness of time he provided us as students. Once I've developed more professional game development experience, it is my goal to provide my time to a new generation of students pursuing a career in games.

Totalbiscuit's work discussing what constitutes positive ethics within game development has stuck with me as principal. As a result, I believe in using my voice to promote equity and safe environments within a game development work space. Additionally, I've developed a commitment to upholding a player centric design philosophy by upholding the profitability & fulfillment produced by creating high quality products. Sustainable, ethical business models are necessary to maintain consistent audiences and goodwill. As a result of Totalbiscuit's steadfastness, I believe in the future of wonderful game experiences.

I'm having an absolute blast experiencing multiple campaigns in Baldur's Gate 3! Creating my own characters and ch0osing every aspect of how to interact with the world and it's characters has pulled me deep into the gameplay.

It's been exhilarating to see the successor to one of my childhood favorites crush in sales and quality. It's an incredible reminder than well made, player first experiences sell.

I am enjoying the most recent iterations of World of Warcraft from a semi-casual point of view. The implementation of new mechanics within an MMORPG format, such as intricate flying mechanics, and a revamped narrative direction,  have show me that there is still room for innovation in the genre; new heights still await us in future MMOs, and I hope to be apart of crafting those experiences!

Various sandbox games have been filling my coffers lately, but Core Keeper has stuck with me due to it's interesting underground take on the genre. I feel invested in uncovering the past of the game's underworld, and am excited to see a positive example being set for other titles developing on the early access model.