Oh hi Darling! This week, David’s brother John takes on the Kwalee Quiz.

John has recently joined the company and is in charge of testing.

What is your first gaming memory?

That’s a difficult question! I started by playing games on the Commodore 64, such as the Dizzy series, but it’s a bit of a blur. I just remember the tape loading noises. My first real memory has to be spending hours on the NES. Super Mario Brothers being the first one I was hooked on, but there were so many classics. I still have my NES today.

What made you want to work in the video game industry?

I very much wanted to be involved in something creative as I love to build things, fix things and break things. I’ve always enjoyed playing games, talking about games, and thinking of game concepts. I’ve got a lot of game ideas, like everyone at Kwalee, which is why it’s such a great place to work. Growing up around the industry gave me a healthy respect for the difficulty of the challenge as well as the rewards. When I got my iPhone five or so years ago I became really interested in the industry again. Apple have created a massive marketplace and the types of games being created are some of my favourites. I like simple games which focus on playability. I’ve got a short attention span so games that load in five seconds are ideal!

What did you study at university?

I majored in Economics at the University of Sheffield, with a minor in Pro Evolution Soccer.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in the video games industry?

I haven’t really been working in the industry long enough to feel that I can impart advice. However, if you know what you want to do then focus on it and you will be on the way to winning the battle.

What is your favourite video game and why?

My all-time favourite is a tie between Counter-Strike: Source and Elastomania. Two very different games that stole large chunks of my life. At least the time spent on Counter-Strike was slightly social, shooting people from around the world. Nothing makes me happier than being called a bot! Elastomania however was definitely a solo affair, download the free version from the internet and you will see how good it is. Graphics aren’t so important to me. Sorry art department! It’s just a great fun game for fooling around on a bike doing tricks, or trying to beat those pesky world-record times. I like games where you can try to perfect your skills. My CS name was “Keyser Soze.”

What is your gaming pet peeve?

The worst thing for me is unnecessary, tedious objectives. “Go to the other side of the world and collect the red key from Bob, and then come back.” That’s enough to end a game for me. I can still remember how much time I spent riding around on that horse in Zelda.

How did you come to work at Kwalee?

When David started the company obviously I heard things, but over the last few months I’ve been looking at the Kwalee website nearly every day and really wanted to get involved in making great games.

What is your favourite thing about working at Kwalee?

Favourite thing so far would have to be the ping pong and the coffee machine but I’m hoping that will change into the fulfilment of being involved in massively popular iPhone games!

How do you feel about working with David again?

Very excited about working with David and everyone else in the team, it’s exciting working in a new company with lots of talented people who care about their work and in an industry invigorated by the new mobile platforms.

How do you rate your chances in the office table tennis tournament?

Confidence is the key, so yes, I will win. If you bring your own paddle from home and don’t win it looks pretty bad!