Benjamin N
Bio
Having come from an extensive background in end-user product support of Microsoft Games and Hardware, Ben came to Gearbox in the spring of '04 to build levels for the title Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30. After the contract in Level Design had ended, Ben went on to help build Gearbox's fledgling QA department and helped ship both the first BIA game and its sequel; Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood. Currently, Ben is doing his part at Gearbox during a large growing phase as the company continues to develop and release multiple triple-A titles in tandem and consecutively, respectively.
Length of time I have been employed in the industry
I began my career in the computer industry doing end user support for Windows 95 in late 95, and in 1997 I went over to support Microsoft Games and Hardware. Later I did some product-support oriented development testing for Microsoft Games, and finally came to Gearbox to do QA in 2004. So how much of that counts and what does it add up to?
Game companies I have worked for
Microsoft Corporation, Gearbox Software
Titles I have worked on
(Several non video game titles - Microsoft Apps and Hardware) Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood
Advice
Advice
Resources I would recommend for those interested in getting into game development (books, tutorials, sites, etc)
Favorites
Favorites
First game I remember playing
Although Space Invaders was the first I ever played, the Legend of Zelda on the NES was the most profound video gaming experience I ever had.
All-time favorite game
Ultima 7 Part 2 The Serpents Isle
Non-video gaming hobbies
Movies (Almost all kinds) Novels & Books (Everything from Sci-fi to Physics to Mythology and Religion) History (I love Classic Greece and ancient China!) Swimming (I haven't been in ages, but damn I love it) Philosophy (Did you really just say that, or do you just think you did?)
Favorite bands/music
Rap, Symphony, Techno, House, Opera I like what I like, so I don't play favorites. I don't consider myself a connoisseur by any regard.
Favorite books/authors
David Eddings, Timothy Zahn, Lao Tzu
Favorite TV shows
Stargate, SG1/Atlantis, Futurama, Mr. Show, Full House, 24
Favorite movies
The Fifth Element, Aliens, The Matrix (The 1st specifically), Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Labyrinth, 2010: The Year We Make Contact
Favorite quote
"The unexamined life is not worth living." ( Apology 38a) Socrates