Meet the Sword of the Stars 2 Team: Will Goodall!
It's time for our weekly Meet The Team feature, wherein you get to peer, briefly, into the minds of the people making Sword of the Stars 2! Indeed, they are much like you! Step right up, ladies and gentlemen and see The Elusive Game Developer!
http://www.kerberos-productions.com/...ll_goodall.JPG
Name and job title!
Will Goodall - Tools & Effects Programmer
What does a Tools & Effects Programmer do?
A tools programmer builds the tools used by the artist and producers to put content into the game. When you see a snazzy starmap or neat looking explosion, I built the tool that made it... and because we've taken a unique approach to effects in SWORD OF THE STARS II, I've been working heavily on adding effects features and making adjustments on both the game side and the tools side.
What are some of your favorite games of all time? (not counting your own)
I always get asked this question and it's the damned hardest question I have to answer. This list always changes but here are a few - Syndicate, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy 7, Dungeon Keeper, Rock Band, Supreme Commander (and total annahilation), Fallout 1 and 2, Street Fighter 2 turbo, Super Metroid, Silent Scope, Roller Coaster Tycoon, Super RC Pro-Am, Forza Motorsport (the first one), Metal Slug, Homeworld, Any old Lucas Arts adventure game(sam & max, day of the tentacle, curse of monkey island, grim fandango). That 2d offroad game with the 3 steering wheels you always find in the back of every arcade...
How did you get started in the games industry?
I always knew I wanted to get into games and messed around doing testing for a while, but decided that I wanted more control over how the games were made. I went back to school and I kept making small projects and tech demos while I worked for a mutual fund following my graduation. When the market crashed and my old company shut down, I figured it was a good time to look for something more multimedia oriented to help me get into games. I worked for a while doing green screening software, and then found a contract at EA to work on EA Sports Active 2.0 which was exciting because it used the then unreleased Natal (now known as Kinect).
Favorite thing about making games
The environment and people - The funniest, most interesting people I've ever met all work in video games.
The best thing about working at Kerberos is...
Kerberos is a small company - It reminds me of the old Wild West days of video games where the programmers and artists had a huge say in the design. That's probably my favorite part about kerberos - I think I can speak for everyone when I say that the project we're working on is all of ours instead of an exec that expects a projected return. We do what we think is cool and we work hard to make it happen because it’s our game. :)
What is your favorite race/faction in Sword of the Stars II?
I'm torn - Hiver, Morrigi or Zuul. I guess it'll depend which one kicks the most ass when the game is done!
Are you a warmonger or a diplomat?
Warmonger for sure. I only do diplomacy if I can exploit it later for EXTERMINATION!!!!!
Favorite feature of Sword of the Stars II?
The crazy amount of weapons and techs! There's so much room for exploration. The Grand Menaces are pretty awesome too... Oh and the stuff I can't talk about.
Have you ever ridden on a motorbike?
I had a 50cc when I was a kid... I think when Sword of the Stars II gets released and we all get a big raise, I'm
going to buy a cruiser bike so I can look like the Terminator and get chicks.
