Q&A with Brent
What is the best part about your current position?
It's a joy to craft gameplay features and shepherd them into the game so regularly.
How did you first become interested in a career in gaming?
As a lifelong gamer I'd been thinking about making them my entire life... I just needed a plausible way in.
What is the most interesting or enjoyable thing that you have gotten to do in your career?
One winter vacation about three years ago I made a co-op RPG for a TIGSource contest with my wife, Tanya. It turned out to be an influential favorite in certain crowds and I still get people randomly messaging us about it to this day.
Why did you choose to get your education from the Guildhall?
The focus on placement and production made it seem like the obvious choice for what I wanted.
How did the Guildhall prepare you for your career in gaming?
At the Guildhall we had the equivalent of years of practical work on game development in a very short period of time. There's no substitute for practice, and I got plenty of that! Of the core staff from my time (Stringer, Oullette, McCoy, Skinner, and Brubaker) I can't think of anyone that didn't teach me something I still use today.
What impact has the Guildhall had on your life?
It motivated me to put in the effort to have the career I have today.
What is the greatest piece of advice you've ever been given?
In game design, the experience should always be your top priority. Strategy, balance and challenge are just supporting elements.
What advice would you offer for current Guildhall students?
Put in 100% effort. Even if a piece isn't ultimately portfolio-worthy, what you learn from it will make your next piece better.
What advice would you offer for prospective students looking to get into gaming?
Get a production-oriented games degree, but also study something else if you can. I use my psychology degree every day as a designer.