Back To Meet The Devs

1. What is your name and/or nickname?

Ken Troop, aka Ace (it can be a legit nickname even if its inside my own head, yes?)

2. How did you come to work at Turbine?

One day I ran across an article profiling Turbine in the Boston Globe. I didn't realize that there was a MMORPG company in the Boston area, and I thought, "Gee, it's too bad I can't get a job there." And then I thought, "Well, why can't I get a job there?" And the rest is epic history. (Again, this definition of "epic history" might be an extremely localized one)

3. What other jobs have you had?

I could recite a laundry list of every single job I've ever did to make it seem like I've led a quirky and varied life. Or, I could make up a list of weird and funny job titles to make myself seem clever (I actually tried this one, it didn't work). I also guess I could actually say what previous employment I have had, but I would only consider that if it was something easily explained and yet really cool, which it isn't.

So, instead: An Employment Haiku

Chicken parts in vats
resting 'neath the summer sun
helps not your love life

4. Do you work on anything else besides AC (and can you tell us about it)?

Nope, AC is pretty much my life right now.

5. If you could add or change one thing in AC, what would that be?

One of my big focuses for AC is to try and improve communications and allegiances. It would really add multiple levels of enjoyment for players if we had more tools in those areas.

6. What's the most amusing or embarrassing death you've had or witnessed in AC?

When Crowley was playing his level 30 buff UA guy, and got one shotted by an Azure Gromnie. His excuse was that he didn't have his pants on. Luser. (Of course he may say that he was only level 20, not 30, and that the Gromnie one shotted him only because he was down to 10hp. Whatever.

7. Are you in an allegiance and do your allegiance members know you're at Turbine?

My non pk char is sworn to a fellow Turbineite. My pk char sucks too much to be in any allegiance. But that will change. Really. One of these days.

8. Have you played any other MMORPGs and are you looking forward to any upcoming ones?

No, and no. I was a straight text mudder before this game, and I still feel some loyalty for the medium. AC rocks though, of course.

9. What's the current in-office LAN game?

Actually, its AC (yes I know its not local, but right now its pretty much the only game we play). A lot of the artists play CS. I have been trying to start a Spaceward Ho! revolution (well I haven't actually communicated this desire yet, but I've been sending out positive mental energy about the game) with no success so far.

10. Favourites:

Music: Britney Spears; Film: Miller's Crossing; Food: Matzoball Soup; Sport: Ultimate Frisbee; Computer Game: M.U.L.E.

11. What was the first computer game you played?

Might and Magic; Wasteland

12. What would you like appreciative fans to send as gifts?

Their continued involvement and support of the game.

13. Did you get your pre-patch Greater Shadow Armour in time?

Well, I wasn't working here at the time. If I had I would have made sure to stock up on some and then provide myself with a little "supplemental income" on Ebay. Alas on the lost opportunities.

14. Fasten and then zip or zip and then fasten?

I wear elastic skirts, so a non-issue for me.

15. Because of the lead- and asbestos-lined walls at Turbine's offices, you all survive the apocalypse - who'd get voted Supreme Leader?

Snowball, but then Napoleon would send his nasty dogs after him. Communists are bad!