To mix things up a bit around here, I’m going to start posting an ongoing series of comics that I usually just post up on Facebook. They’re part of a book project I’m working on called the Dangerous Guide to Video Game Design which is going to be a cross between a practical design book (actual examples of work instead of theory) and a tell-all about my time in the industry (with names and appearances changed where necessary to prevent any bridges from exploding)! Some of these comics are specific examples of how games are developed while others are just random moments that I found humorous or frustrating! Also keep in mind that I don’t claim to be an artist, so I already know I’m not going to win any awards for great artwork! :)
CRYSTAL DYNAMICS 2006 – temperamental security, sketchy bathrooms, and the occasional employee with no concept of teamwork outside of collecting a paycheck! The company used to occupy an older, 1970′s style building on Willow Road in Menlo Park, California. It was sort of a cross between a fraternity house and a modern church with a full kitchen, a fireplace den with fake wood panel walls, and a patio with a barbecue in the back. The “flood” depicted in this comic was just one of many strange events that plagued the building. During the last month of beta on Tomb Raider Legend, a blackout hit the area which shut down the building for over a week. It’s the only time I’ve ever been on a project where a submission was delayed by an “act of God”!