The Homestretch...

So another day has passed, and I'm even closer to Edmonton. I feel countdowns are rediculous, however I find myself watching the date unconsiously. Hard to believe that I won't be seeing my wife for three weeks, which I'm still not sure if it's a bad thing or not. Sometimes a break is a nice thing, especially after all the stress of christmas, wedding and now the move.

I signed up for an Edge forum account, and the hopes I'll be moderator of their forum soon enough. Apparently a design challenge may, or may not, be starting up there and I'll do anything to keep my mind sharp. I've been taking part in the Game Design Challenges over at Game Career Guide and I have to say it was a blast right up until James Portnow left it. The Last challenge, entitled "Rename Katamari Damacy" seemed more like a marketing challenge in my mind. I still took part and even made a quick (AKA terrible) photoshop cover for my version, entitled "The Prince and the Starless Sky". The problem with my title is the fact that it lacks the quirky nature of the game, and sounds more like some elementary school book club project rather than a quirky game with strange music and addictive gameplay. The only good thing about my title is it introduces in six words who you are and what the problem is.

Either way the challenges themselves are not the reason I continue to go, but a lot of the discussions in the forums have taught me so much. Not only that but through being kind and courteous and ever helpful on the forums, I was promoted to Moderator and got a few networking contacts out of the deal. Befriending James Portnow was great (because he's a great guy along side the fact he's got amazing advice) and I've made other contacts on there to which are invaluable and if I hadn't joined on, I simply wouldn't have them as contacts.

As I've said previous, I've been researching the industry itself, watching it grow, and trying to find my place in the shuffle of things. I am the kind of guy who shows up early and leaves late, works too many hours and gives 110% constantly. Sadly, this alone won't get me into the industry. I have been looking into other positions (For example, Bioware's Talent Coordinator) that require skills easily trumped by my experience. If I can just get into the building as an employee, my hard work will get me promoted. Although just the other day I was asked... Why Bioware? Well...

Why Bioware?

I have played pretty much every single Bioware game created (I can barely remember MDK 2 and my Laptop barely plays NWN 2) and I have found them to be among the best storytellers in the games industry. Also I find their dedication to polish and story along the same lines as my own expectations. They're a growing company with stations in Edmonton and Austin, so even still they have room for expansion. My only huge gripe is they're now a part of EA, and I just fear that they'll become EA Edmonton and lose their branding. But as with all takeovers, EA has easily brought stability to a great company that may very well take more chances where they couldn't fail before. In regard to that, I definately hope they do take more chances, but still continue their trend of games with high ratings. Also, they are next door to my best friend and still in Canada which is where I would love to stay for a good many years.

I think that's all for todays post other than a quick thanks to everyone who came out to the Surprise party for the wife and I last night. Although the surprise was on you that we showed up early, I still had a great time! Cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the next week... mmm, mmm... diabetes here I come.