This week we're introduced to Fallen Earth's content developer and writer "Shakti", who's also a fan of roleplaying, WoW and John Cusack in any underwear:
Alias/Forum Name: Shakti
Title / Position at Fallen Earth: Content Developer
What games have you played and worked on?
This is the first computer game I've ever worked on. My design experience is in role-playing games. So far as computer games go I mostly play WoW these days.
How long have you been working on Fallen Earth?
Since August 2006.
How did you get involved with your job position?
A long, long time ago in a state park far, far away I managed after a long and patient campaign to befriend a young Ewok in his native habitat. That Ewok grew up to be an enormously talented game designer. He recalled that I had once shared a food stick with him and agreed to give me a job. (This is much, much closer to the real story than you might expect.)
What type of college courses or schooling did you have to prepare you for your position at Fallen Earth?
I studied English Lit and Film in college. There seem to be a lot of English and Film degrees in our department.
What in particular inspired you to work in the gaming industry? Do what you love, you know?
I'm always writing game stories anyway, so I might as well do it for a living.
What games stand out in your memory for positive reasons?
For some reason two games that I haven't played for years just popped into my head. I remember that years ago I played Ico and Shadow of the Colossus until my eyes bled. Puzzles appeal to me.
What advice would you give to budding games / software developers?
Play a lot of games. Okay, that's obvious, but it's true. Talk to other gamers to keep up-to-date on both games and job opportunities; immerse yourself in the gaming world. Listen to players. Be professional; a game company is a business, after all.
On an average day, what do you do at Fallen Earth?
Right now an average day involves fixing bugs and documenting content. In the past I'd spend the day writing mission summaries and dialog and implementing those missions, or working with artists and scripters to design a town.
What is your favorite:
Game: Aside from Fallen Earth? WoW, I think.
Book: The Communist Manifesto
Song: Today I'm feeling nostalgic. New Order - "True Faith." This will be different tomorrow.
Season: Spring.
Past time: Past time? The 1920s. Pastime? Reading.
Drink: Tea or coffee.
Color: Red.
Food: Cheese.
PnP: Various role-playing games. And Scrabble.
[b]Faction: Lightbearers or Vistas.Do you:
roleplay? Regularly.
have any pets? No. I hope I can get a puppy next year.
like beer or wine? Yes, please.
like coffee or tea? Both. I'm non-partisan.
like cake or pie? I'm not real into sweets.
Coke or Pepsi? Coke, if I must.
Pizza or Hamburgers? Pizza.
Chocolate or Ice Cream? Chocolate, dark and bitter.
Boxers or Briefs? John Cusack in either.Have you ever styled/had a mullet?
Well, not on purpose.
If you could have one wish what would it be?
Never, ever to dream about sharing Thanksgiving dinner with Vladimir Putin again.
Name one thing you would take to an abandoned island and why?
Fishing tackle. I'd hate to waste such an opportunity.
Does the Landshark really exist?
Other kids at school tell me it's a lie. I'm not going to talk about it. If you knew what went on in this place . . . look, I just keep to my desk and try not to hear.
Are you willing to be bribed for an alpha spot and what would it take?
Sure, why not? Surprise me.
Shakti is taking additional fans' questions, so stop by the official forums and drop her a line!
