Paul N

Director of Central Engineering

Bio

I'm fascinated by 3D graphics. I always have been. 3D Graphics is what got me seriously into programming at 15 years old (back before it was cool to be a young geek!)

I strive to be innovative and creative, to understand my tools and to know my problems intimately before I devise a solution. When I succeed, I enjoy it. When I don't I have fun trying.

Length of time I have been employed in the industry

21 years

Game companies I have worked for

F.A.C.S., Terminal Reality, N-Fusion Interactive, Raptisoft, Fluid Studios, Barking Lizards, Gearbox Software

Titles I have worked on

Apache Strike C64, Apache Strike (PC), Heavy Barrel (C64), Winter Games II (C64), KAGE, Fly!, 4x4 Evo, Deadly Dozen, Deadly Dozen 2: Pacific Theater, Line of Sight: Vietnam, Elite Warriors: Vietnam, Hamsterball, Chuzzle, X-Men Legends, X-Men Legends II, Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway

Advice

Resources I would recommend for those interested in getting into game development (books, tutorials, sites, etc)

I'm more of an old-skool 3D guy more than a game programmer. The two most influential books to my career were "Computer Graphics: Principles & Practice" (by Foley, van Dam, Feiner & Hughes) and "Advanced Rendering & Animation Techniques" (by Watt & Watt)

Favorites

First game I remember playing

Pong. No kidding. Pong. Back when it was popular, too

All-time favorite game

I don't play many games. Of the dozen or so games I have played seriously, I still hold a special place in my heart for Ultima ][.

Non-video gaming hobbies

Playing competitive pool (8-ball, 9-ball, etc.) and trading (stocks, options, futures, etc.) & personal finance optimization (finding new ways to get free money.)

Favorite bands/music

Delerium, Enigma, Paul Oakenfold

Favorite books/authors

Talisman (King, Straub)
To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee - they don't give Pulitzers away for nothing)
Dark Tower I (Stephen King)
Mars (Ben Bova)
Getting Things Done (David Allen)