Twenty-Some Questions:
A Moment With
Matthew Webster,
Ionian Games Studio
My name is Matthew Webster. I am the President of Ionian Games Studio. I
also am a systems administrator and I teach on the side.
How long have you been in the gaming industry? How did you get started?
I got started in the industry a few years ago when I wrote my first game.
What are you currently working on?
I am working on the second book in the Xro Dinn Chronicles series
called New Horizons.
What, if you can remember, was the first game that you ever played? If
you
can’t remember your first (shame on you!) then what was the first one that
really lit your fire?
The first game I ever played was a really bad D6 version of Dungeons and
Dragons. While it was fun, it didn’t excite me. I really enjoyed the
early editions of Cyberpunk.
Are there any game companies or designers that you admire, and why?
I think that most every game has it’s merits, and definitely every game
has it’s drawbacks. Despite that, I tend to like the games that are world
builders games that design full rich contexts to play in. Rifts, Call of
Cthulhu, (early) Cyberpunk were all games I loved.
What, if anything, would you say is the hardest thing about the gaming
business?
No one part is that difficult within the gaming industry. It is the
conglomeration of all the little parts that makes the industry tough to be
in.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
I’m already doing it! I am pushing more and more in that direction
while staying true to my other passions.
Where you cool in School, and are you cool now?
Of course!
What changes, in reference to the gaming industry, would you like to see
take place in the future?
That is FAR too big of a question. I think anyone in the industry could
say a great deal about this. One thing I would love to see changed is an
organization to help deal with the printing industry. Role playing games,
being the small presses that they are, are always considered a small fish
and consequently are not given due respect. It boils down to economics. I
am not sure how to change this. The RPG market is just to small even if we
were to band together by some miraculous feat.
Are there any changes that have taken place that you dislike?
Yes, but I feel no need to harp about them.
What do you like to do in your free time, other than gaming?
Movies, paintball, martial arts, reading, writing, web work, clubs,
cooking, friends, etc.
Is there anything new in the gaming industry that has impressed you?
Of Course! Check out the newest edition of the Xro Dinn Chronicles!
Do you play role-playing games?
Yes.
Do you play any CCG’s?
No. No interest.
Do you play any board games?
Once in a great while.
Do you play any miniatures games?
No. No interest.
Finish this sentence:
There is something really wrong with genocide, and here’s why:
Genocide completely removes the freedom that anyone has.
Finish this sentence:
I really like sorbet, and here’s why: Sorbet is fruity.
Finish this sentence, or make it into a paragraph:
When I am gaming, I like to play unique and interesting characters.
If you could pick only one superpower,
what would it be?
Immortality.
Do you have a favorite movie if so,
which one?
Baraka is my favorite movie.
Do you have a favorite book or series of books if so, which?
No… While I love to read books, there are none that REALLY stand out above
ALL others. Nietzsche is always fun though.
Television - do you own one? Do you have any favorite shows or genres?
I own a TV and I love science fiction.
When gaming, what are your favorite eats and/or beverages?
I love to eat vegetables while gaming.
What’s cooler: Ninjas & Kung-Fu, or Zombies & the Undead?
Ninjas and Kung-Fu.
What was the first game that you
designed?
The Xro Dinn Chronicles
In music, many musicians compare personal musical success to the
Beatles’ “Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band” like the ultimate
goal. (I’ve put out many great records, but still haven’t put out my Sgt.
Peppers yet. Ozzy). Have you, as a designer, designed your Sgt. Peppers,
so to speak? If not, what game has come close?
The Xro Dinn Chronicles of course!
Do you have a favorite game genre?
Yes, science fiction of course!
What advice do you have for any would-be game designer?
The industry is cut throat and the odds of making money are very
slim. Think very carefully about finances before entering.
Is there a game style that you haven’t tackled yet but would like to?
Maybe. Nothing comes to mind though.
Where do you get inspiration for your game designs?
Real world science of course!
When do get an idea for a game, where do you start? What is involved in
your game creation process?
When I have an idea, I flesh out the concept and work with it. I then
bring it to some people and see if the idea has any interest. Game
creation is a TREMENDOUSLY complex process. You need to start with an
original concept that people are interested in. You have to balance out
EVERYTHING though. This is not a simple thing to do. As you are writing,
be sure to PLAYTEST, PLAYTEST, PLAYTEST. If people have criticisms, check
your ego at the door and listen to what they have to say. The goal is to
create a professional game that others will want. Beyond that, shoot me an
email and we’ll talk.
Matt Webster
Ionian Games Studio
Thanks to Matt for participating! I
couldn't trim it down to 20, but hey - that's why it's called Twenty-Some
Questions and not Twenty Questions! Note that this is the new format for
the former Twenty Questions that we used to run. Matt, unknowingly, is our
first victim... err... guinea pig... no, not that either - VOLUNTEER to
take on the new format and help us out a little. Thanks again Matt!
- Guild Master
Posted 10-13-2003