When you ask a question of Bungie, you can expect a whole galaxy of different answers. Even if there are things that we agree on in lock step, we still manage to take those steps in our own fashion. This collision of perspectives and experiences aids the process we use to make our games. You’ll learn more about that process Soon™. In the meantime, these guys stepped into the mail room to give you a sample of the spectrum that shines in our studio.
Nate Hawbaker, Technical Artist
Andy Howell, Matchmaking Test Lead
David Johnson, Engineer
Scott Kankelborg, Special Projects Assassin*
Alex Loret de Mola, Engineer
Troy McFarland, Staff Artist
Chris Owens, Test Engineer
David Shaw, Senior Producer
Alan Stuart, Senior Engineer
Jay Thaler, Senior Engineer
…and introducing
Jerome as Bungie’s Security Lead
*That isn't a joke. The IT Department has all the fun with their titles. As for everyone else, whether your titles are suitable for a resume or not, let’s open the Sack.
Malfar Any MechWarrior fans in the house? What's your favorite Mech?
Marauder all the way.
David Shaw, Senior Producer
I actually used to be part of a thriving BattleTech table top game. I piloted a heavy assault Mech with three MRM missile pods, two PPCs and six coolant pods! That way I could alpha strike.
Andy Howell, Matchmaking Test Lead
My favorite Mech of all time is MechaGendron. It’s a fictional software-testing Mech I created for a comic series I’m working on. He’s an unstoppable testing machine that can do his job without the burden of emotions or fatigue. He eventually joins the professional gaming circuit and crushes all his opponents with his sweet gaming skillz. At night, he fights crime with his Gauss Rifle/LRM20 combo. But that really has nothing to do with MechWarrior. That’s a great game, though.
Chris Owens, Test Engineer
Good stalkers know that a number of us are ex-FASA Studio peeps, who might have made some
‘Mech games in the past. After four major games and a bunch of expansions, I’m physically unable to leave off the trademark apostrophe from the word ‘Mech (in the BattleTech Universe, it’s short for BattleMech). To actually answer your question, my favorite ‘Mechs are the ones from Tesla Battletech, the most hardcore and evil of all the MechWarrior games. Coolant Loops! Ammo Bay Fires! Glory!
Derek Carroll, Senior Designer
Kivell What is a strange habit that you have?
I maintain a bizarre weekly ritual where I invite a bunch of gamers to ask their favorite game developers questions, and then eliminate any chance of those two groups of people actually talking about what they really want to talk about. The angst that flows from both directions nourishes me, it does. I’m sure our Panel has even weirder fetishes…
If I think no one is watching, I sing when I code. I feel like it has a positive effect on my ability to reason, and it keeps me awake when I’m coding late nights.
Alex Loret de Mola, Engineer
I am addicted to SCIENCE! Well that and almost every joint in my body can pop, probably due to my science addiction.
Andy Howell, Matchmaking Test Lead
I won’t eat hot food. I let my food cool down to what most people would consider “barely warm” before eating. I eat quickly so I don’t hold up the table.
Alan Stuart, Senior Engineer
I keep coming back to this place called Bungie every weekday. What in the world is up with that?!
David Johnson, Engineer
I have a habit of making up complicated origin/backstories for people I don’t know. They usually involve super powers, the mob or the CIA.
Chris Owens, Test Engineer
Responding to these.
Nate Hawbaker, Technical Artist
I end every statement with the words “In accordance with prophecy.”
Troy McFarland, Staff Artist
talon2000 Who's your favorite historical figure and why?
(Inset Marty joke here - then turn question over to Panel.)
I have quite a few heroes, but my favorite would have to be Neil Armstrong - or any of the astronauts from that time frame. Can you imagine? You had to be part scientist, part pilot, part cowboy, part crazy man, and a jack-of-all-trades to make it into the program! Then, you strapped yourself to that giant explosion. It’s probably why I get a kick out of movies like this…
Andy Howell, Matchmaking Test Lead
Thomas Jefferson: For the Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom, Declaration of Independence, his involvement in the distribution of the smallpox vaccine, and for being President of a country that had doubled in size since first holding office.
Nate Hawbaker, Technical Artist
Mark Twain. In spite of the historical climate that he lived in, he held the radical view that all people were created equal. And his wit was razor sharp, in accordance with prophecy.
Troy McFarland, Staff Artist
There are so many to choose from! How about Ludwig van Beethoven? The man loved music so much that, even after becoming deaf, he was still able to work his craft - just because he had an intuition for how melodies and harmonies would weave themselves together. It’s that sort of determination and fearlessness in the face of obstacles and limitations (despite having every excuse to quit) that I’d love to embody.
David Johnson, Engineer
Tesla. His genius and inventiveness have always amazed me.
Chris Owens, Test Engineer
Abraham Lincoln, because of his mad vampire hunting skills.
Jay Thaler, Senior Engineer
Elem3nt 117 Have you ever witnessed anything supernatural?
Every day, I see people conjuring exciting experiences out of nothing but math. They are the wizards in my world…
Getting a job here felt supernatural to me.
Alex Loret de Mola, Engineer
The amount of caffeine ingested by Bungie during crunch time.
Andy Howell, Matchmaking Test Lead
Ministry @ Lollapolooza ’92.
David Shaw, Senior Producer
When I was in high school, two friends and I were in the theater’s green room during lunch, and the age-old question of “If God is everywhere, is he also in the toilet?” came up. Right when it was mentioned, a plastic dinner plate that was away from everyone shattered. We were the only people in the room at the time. We still talk about it when we see each other, in accordance with prophecy.
Troy McFarland, Staff Artist
Yes. Twice. But they are long, scary stories. One story ends with a family moving out of a very nice house.
Alan Stuart, Senior Engineer
Carbon fiber.
Nate Hawbaker, Technical Artist
I’ve seen and experienced a large number of coincidences in my life. I prefer to interpret those things as evidence in favor.
David Johnson, Engineer
YES. One time I was watching TV, and this girl climbed up out of a well. Then, then she came right through the TV. That was crazy.
Chris Owens, Test Engineer
INTERMISSION: We interrupt this Mail Sack to bring you a very special conference with one of Bungie’s most valuable employees. By popular demand, our community was given the chance to put the question to the man who puts the “secure” in our secure location. Bungie fans know him as Jerome. The world knows him as the immovable object that stands between them and their irresistible urge to know our precious secrets. At Bungie, we know him as the gatekeeper who makes us feel safe while we toil away in the darkness of our compound.
Jerome, the mail room is yours.
YodasCurd What do you do to keep yourself occupied while on the job?
I am constantly looking for intruders, allowing access to those who come to conduct business with Bungie, and monitor all entrances to keep them locked down.
antony X1000 Any stories about extremely persistent fans attempting to get into the studio?
Sometimes, people tell me that their brother or sister works at Bungie, and they told them to stop by. Usually when I ask them for the names of the employee, they can’t tell me.
Hylebos What would happen if a fan tried to deliver a cake to the studio?
Bungie’s policy is to reject any food from anyone other than a food service.
mark117 mia2553 Do you like your new home better than the old one? What are some differences that you can share?
I love our new space, but I did have more fun at the old location because I got to tow unauthorized vehicles.
Jerome Trivia:
He performed this task without the use of a tow truck.
CTN 0452 9 What is the best part of working at Bungie?
Being part of a great business, constantly meeting highly talented people, and working at a place where most of the world would love to work.
MsCadetUNIVERSE What is the most memorable encounter you've ever had with a fan?
A fan came all the way from Australia to meet people at Bungie. He was excited to take some photos with me. After he returned home, he sent a wonderful letter filled with gratitude.
DE4THINC4RN4TE What is it like knowing that thousands of people fear you?
I didn’t know about that.
Jerome Trivia:
In answering this question, Jerome was actually referring to “fear” itself – a concept that is completely foreign to him.
This concludes Jerome’s press-conference. Please back away slowly without making eye contact. We now return you to your regularly scheduled Mail Sack in progress…
edableshoe How many employees would it take to take down Jerome? Does the studio even have enough?
You know, gators eat employees as ravenously as they eat intruders. Our Panel certainly knows that…
Are you kidding? He’s even deflected Harold’s sniper rounds. He’s invincible, in accordance with prophecy.
Troy McFarland, Staff Artist
He would end us… end us all.
Andy Howell, Matchmaking Test Lead
This number is uncertain. I don’t think we’ve ever seen his final form.
David Johnson, Engineer
Are you CRAZY asking questions like that? Keep your voice down. You don’t want to be accused of insurrection.
Alex Loret de Mola, Engineer
Same number it would take to take down your mom.
Scott Kankelborg, Special Projects Assassin
Googlz What's your favorite part of Halloween?
I love the mass-hysteria. The world becomes a stage, and everyone dabbles in theatre. It reminds me a little of Xbox Live, since people channel their personalities into an avatar that they wear for one day. Seeing every profession in the world outfitted with a more attractive uniform is also nice.
Colingo If you could trade jobs with one of your colleagues for 24 hours, who would it be and why?
I would be Jerome so I could make people
respect my authoritah.
Alan Stuart, Senior Engineer
Do we get to gain their powers? If we do, I would switch with CJ Cowan, but those 24 hours would have to be on a weekend when I’m at a golf course. Dude hits it far, straight, and with deadly precision - in accordance with prophecy.
Troy McFarland, Staff Artist
Any of our VO actors! I love doing voice over work, and did a lot of it at my previous studio. I haven’t had the chance at Bungie, and I really miss it.
Andy Howell, Matchmaking Test Lead
I don’t think there’s any job here I particularly envy. Everyone here works hard and contributes their enormous talent. I’d like to think that jumping into anyone else’s role for 24 hours would just leave me dumbstruck as I face the insurmountable task of trying to figure out how to solve problems that seem second nature to them.
David Johnson, Engineer
Scott Kankelborg, Special Projects Assassin
catman6 Are there any unspoken rules of the office that are specific to Bungie?
If I speak about them, they won’t be unspoken anymore. We can’t have that.
Alex Loret de Mola, Engineer
Unspoken Rule #1: Nobody speaks about the unspoken rules of the office.
Scott Kankelborg, Special Projects Assassin
If something is broken in the build that gives you an unfair advantage, abuse it.
Nate Hawbaker, Technical Artist
Don’t remind the Grizzled Ancients that Middle School has won the Pentathlon two years in a row, in accordance with prophecy.
Troy McFarland, Staff Artist
There is a sign outside the men’s room that says, “What happens in the Man Cave stays in the Man Cave.” Thankfully.
Alan Stuart, Senior Engineer
Don’t forget your keycard or you will have a miserable day.
Chris Owens, Test Engineer
Be a Hero. I guess that’s not really unspoken. We’ll often literally say to one another: "Be my hero." And we’re usually being totally serious. Also, don't talk about fight club. Wait!
Andy Howell, Matchmaking Test Lead
ChorrizoTapatio DeeJ, could you give us some advice on creating and maintaining a successful blog?
That crucial first step of deciding on the spirit of your message can be the hardest. A blog should be a vehicle for your own voice - a way to express your passions as a gamer. Be honest. Be sincere. And think about the service you intend to provide to your readers.
To build a following, you’ll need to cultivate a unique lure. My friend Hawty McBloggy used to explore games from an edgy, feminine perspective. The guys at Ascendant Justice could dissect fiction better than any other players could. Foo Mo Jive started a blog at Podtacular to serve up a podcast about all things Halo. I walked the Clan beat on my site, which appealed to gamers who craved a social, competitive experience.
As for maintaining that blog? If there is one thing that Louis Wu always impressed upon me, it was the importance of posting updates frequently enough to keep people checking back for more. Fortunately, his forum was also a great place to drop an invitation to the party I was hosting.
Xd00999 What was your favorite project you worked on before coming to Bungie?
This sounds like one of those questions intended for people who have worked on other games. Instead of telling an exciting story about business travel, I’ll assume that you wanted to know about stuff like this…
MAG. That game was crazy ambitious and an achievement that many people thought couldn’t be pulled off.
David Johnson, Engineer
I loved working on the original Fable at MGS. It was my first AAA title, my first time experiencing crunch in the industry, and my first time I really felt like I had my hands on the project. I have a signed poster from my team hanging up in my living room to this day!
Andy Howell, Matchmaking Test Lead
For purely personal/nonprofit projects, my favorite was a NaNoWriMo progress tracking app I wrote over a weekend for my friends in the Penny Arcade forums.
Alex Loret de Mola, Engineer
1vs100 for Xbox LIVE.
Jay Thaler, Senior Engineer
Tribes. It had something like 120 motions that were captured, and the stunts were incredibly fun to get – although we capture more in one day now, in accordance with prophecy.
Troy McFarland, Staff Artist
It’s a tie. Quake 3 (because the project itself was so fun) and Power Rangers Ninja Storm for the GBA (because the development of the project went so smoothly).
Chris Owens, Test Engineer
Mario Kart.
Nate Hawbaker, Technical Artist
EZcompany2ndsqd Can you neither confirm nor deny that the beta testing is taking place?
I can confirm that the Bungie Beta is in a perpetual state of taking place. We’re always curious about the mind of the gamer. Inside the guarded realm of our Laboratorium, we are experimenting on willing subjects to learn how they respond to all sorts of stimuli, including (but not isolated to): builds of our next website, builds of our next game, as well as websites and games that belong to other people. Don’t miss your chance to drive headlong into our wall. Make sure that your Beta Tester profile is up to date, and keep an eye on the email address that you share with us.
spawn031 Roses are red, blue flames are blue, I want them dearly, but only from you.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Tom T How would you describe the community now? What do you think it will be like in 2 years’ time?
Anxious. Bigger.
coolmike699 Is it true that one of your servers caught on fire during the Halo Reach beta?
Maybe.
QuirkyNate What is your favorite holiday? And why?
Bungie Day. Swag.
MetalxTongue Can I have a peek?
At what?!
Eco Maiden How many Bungie Employees does it take to change a light bulb?
One:
Burnaroos.
Mass Craziness Can I have a dollar?
No.
EAGLES5 Is it true you plan on surrendering to the Mythics?
Never!
ALI217 Last! (put this at the end of the mail sack)
Don’t tell me what to do. You’ll spoil the ending.
You have reached the end of the Mail Sack. It’s unlikely that you saw it coming, but life is full of surprises. Speaking of which, the Bungie Riddlemasters have a surprise of their own for you. Rare and wonderful swag
will be awarded to cunning decoders at every stage. The puzzle will be complete when you decode the last line.
The only hint I’ll give you is that your next chance to ask us a question will come on Monday. Until then, you are at the mercy of your own problem solving skills. Have a nice weekend!