Tom Rader : All Game

Alpha on Monday

Hi all! Just dropping in to say get ready for Level contest details to come this weekend. I will also be putting up the Roadent Rampage page, complete with a playable Alpha build. We wrapped Feature Fragment 2 on monday of this week. It was very rocky. We had way too many last minute integrations and had wireless networking issues. Overall, we were ahead of where we needed to be though.

We have Alpha turn in on Monday of next week and we are really looking forward to it. The game is smoothing out very well and is still really fun to play. Today, I had to opportunity to implement our missile lock-on functionality and it was really fun. Having never implemented a feature like that before, it presented me with numerous challenges to overcome. Overall, my implementation is pretty efficient and has is shaping out to be very enjoyable.

Also today, we had a horrible miscommunication with our asset team today and many of our assets were delayed. Whose fault it was is kind of up in the air, but we were able to look past whose fault it was and keep focused on the most important part. Obtaining our assets. I was able to get the information I needed to get them back on schedule. Overall, it was a very hectic day, but also a very productive one. Look for the new build soon. Lates all.

Blizzard Sitdown

Recently, November 12 and 13, two representatives from Blizzard came to Full Sail to give a presentation and speak with some of the students. I had a lucky opportunity and got to be one of the few who could speak to them in a round table setting and in a one on one Q & A as well. So what happens when you meet people from Blizzard? Lets just say it feels the same as when you play their games. It’s very exciting .

So where would you begin with what questions to ask Blizzard? With the hiring process of course. I learned a good amount about their hiring process and what a typical team setting is like. It was great to hear what they are looking for and what a typical day is like at Blizzard. All in all, I was very lucky to be a part of the historic event.

Their reps were so friendly and eager to see students that feel very passionately about making games. They were also very interested in what games we are playing lately. It was awesome to be able to show them what I’ve done and get feedback on my portfolio materials. I’d just like to say thank you to them for their input on my current resume and projects. Also for the uber swag .

Just one last person to thank and that’s Rob Coble. Thanks so much for getting me the chance to meet a couple of great people from Blizzard. It’s amazing what career development does.

All in all, an exhausting but amazing week. Back to working on Roadent Rampage. Look for screens and hints about a level design contest in the coming week!

Project Page Updated!

I have added two projects I’ve worked on in my career as a student at Full Sail University. Both were completed nearly 1/2 way through my degree and I hope you enjoy playing them. Any feedback or requests for more information would be great. Please e-mail or comment to this entry anything you would like to see. Thanks so much.

Tom

Sections Updated!

Hi again,

The contents for the sections “Contact”, “About Me” and “Resume” now have content in them. Expect the “Projects” section to grow quite a bit in the next couple of days. I plan to release all projects I’ve worked on at Full Sail as well as all the details regarding the current project I’m working on and how you may be able to contribute to it and be featured in the game’s credits at release. Keep checking the site for updates!

Welcome to the Site!

Good afternoon all.  This is my first post on this blog.  The site is currently under construction.  Please keep trying back.