Nine things I’m Thankful for in 2009

While I lazily work on some articles for the site, and detox by sitting my lazy ass on the sofa, I thought I’d make a list (because everyone loves lists) of some things that this Game Developer, Gamer, part part-time writer, husband and father of 2 was thankful for in the last year.

1. Chud.com: Before games my first love is movies and when you work in the games industry and you’re a father of 2, sometimes it’s hard to be a movie buff: you’re either at work, or you’re at home with the kids. I’ve been reading Chud since the late 90s and I feel like my movie nerdisms are kept intact by the folks there. And the site really has elevated itself with the somewhat recent addition of Devin Faraci and their games column written by Trevor and Alex. Thanks guys for making me feel in the loop, even if I don’t get out to the theatre anymore.
2. Transcend Coffee: I had an admiration for coffee for years before coming out here, but it was this little shop in an industrial district in South Edmonton that elevated that admiration into love. I’ve come to appreciate the many layers that coffee has, and learn to hate it when I’ve not cleaned my french press enough that it tastes ashy. The guys there all rock (Josh and Poul especially) and make me feel at home whenever I come in.
3. My music collection. I don’t think I’ve ever been so appreciative of having a very broad taste in music as I have this year: with many hours sat in front of my work computer trying to come up with fun designs, being able to switch from Judas Priest to Radiohead, from Muse to Pantera, from Depeche Mode to Skinny Puppy has got me through the day.
4. Batman: Arkham Asylum Because finally a superhero game was serious and fulfilling. And it showcased some of my favorite Level Design techniques (that I neglected to write about): Spoke and Axel (free roaming central node with spokes of linear level design), multi-pathing, and elements of choice within a linear design. This game was tight, and while I don’t agree with every (boss) design choice (boss) they made (boss), we should all strive for the marker of excellence they made.
5. Blade, Near Dark and Nosferatu: As reminders of what great Vampire films used to be.
6. BioWare: I say this all the time because it’s true: I am a fan of BioWare before I am an employee. I feel on many levels that Dragon Age was made for me because it was made for fans of Baldur’s Gate, and I live and breathe those games. It is why I am here: to make games that everyone talks about…I think we’ve done that with Mass Effect 2.  But beyond as a gamer, as a developer BioWare was something to admire because of all the love and care they put into their games, and now, as one on the inside I can say: Holy CRAP to these guys care about their games. And now I am one of their fold. BioWare also puts up with a lot of shit from me and lets me flex my muscles at what I’m good at. Thanks Ray and Greg: you guys really have set something special here.
7. Dragon Age: Teeheeeheeheeheeheeheehee. I LOVE THIS GAME!
8. Supernatural: TV is fun again! Most of my favourite shows (Deadwood, Twin Peaks, Carnivale, The Wire) are fantastic shows that have no equal…but man are they dark and depressing. I remember sitting down and watching the entire series of Buffy with the wife and even through the crappy episodes having a really good time. And then Angel came along and pooped all over that. We’d heard from a few people about how great Supernatural was, and we finally bit the bullet when the first season was on sale. And wow. We’re 1/3 into Season 2 now and…well take everything you loved about the great episodes of Buffy, add some of the great things about the great horror movies over the last 40 years and you have Supernatural. And Sam and Dean..man I don’t think I’ve seen chemistry between two characters like this in a while.
9. My family: puts up with a lot of shit from me: coming to this cold hell called ‘Northern Alberta’, putting up with long hours, grumpiness, a vegetable on the sofa at the end of the day… I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing at a great company like BioWare. And my kids constantly remind me of what’s important: colour of your dress, the importance of Barbie Stickers, the placement of food on your plate for dinner.

So there you have it. A little insight into what I’m thankful for this year. Mass Effect 2 would have definitely made the list had we shipped in 2009 but alas like you I have to wait until Jan 26th.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you out there. Keep an eye on some new posts in 2010 (the year we make contact).