Journalism Interview: F0lak

F0lak: Well, after a few years around BYOND playing some games, I decided to try my hand at making one. This started with a game called Gladiator: Legends of Rome, which admittedly sucked. As far as Pixel Art goes, 5 or so years ago I started playing a game called Stargate Online, after a few months on that, I wanted them to add in the Asgard race and was told it would only be added if I drew the icons for it. After that I played around making a few outfits and whatnot.

F0lak: Nothing, I was thirteen when I first played BYOND. I spent a bit of time on Addicting Games, but I don't think I'd ever had a multi-player gaming experience with someone else over the internet before BYOND.

F0lak: I wouldn't say gaming as much as developing. I used to enjoy playing games around BYOND, but after learning the basics of the DM language I've taken quite the liking to building upon that knowledge.

F0lak: Hazordhu II is in the process of being updated. The update to version 5.4 has been delayed due to Nadrew being involved with things in his life and not having the time to work on it. Since I pretty much only work on the pixel art for the game and Nadrew the programming, my work for 5.4 was done a long time ago.

F0lak: I honestly don't know. Most of the games I've squeezed out a release for have been sub-par, but I like to think that Hazordhu II is a positive contribution. Most recently I released a demo which showcases some of BYONDs isometric capabilities involving elevation and some rudimentary physics. I'm taking this engine and using it to develop an action game, which I hope will not only further stimulate interest in BYONDs isometric capabilities, but also show BYOND that I'm fully capable of developing a quality game.

F0lak: What to work on next. With my current project I have a 240 line design document (which is still incomplete) from which to work, but simply can't decide what from there I want to sit down and work on.

F0lak: Usually it consists of chatting with a few BYONDers over MSN while working on whatever code or icon I happen to find myself with, while occasionally checking in to Hazordhu II. More recently I've found myself hanging around Chatters as well.

F0lak: I don't get around too much on the BYOND games. Like I said I prefer developing more than playing. I've played a few rounds of Decadence and have loved every minute of it, though. If I had to list off my three favorite BYOND games they would be Paint, Decadence, and Cave Dwellers. Basically I enjoy games that I can use just to pass time or have a bit of fun with.

F0lak: Both the community and my passion for game development. While the community can at times be immature, it is after all the internet. I doubt any online community is always mature and always respectful of others. There are also quite a few people I enjoy talking to, namely Kai and Iain. I also have so many ideas go through my head, eventually I'll pick out one and sit down and work on it either until fruition or until I'm bored of it. Hopefully the former in the case of my current project.

F0lak: There are a lot of 'interesting' things around BYOND. I'm fascinated at times by some of the people in the community. We have a lot of golden apples on this tree. That being said there are a lot of rotten ones, too. First and foremost though comes the work I do. I must say I've become smitten with programming. More often than not I run into a bug or learn something new that makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside.

F0lak: No problem and thanks.