Q&A with Lincoln
What is the best part about your current position?
The diversity and different challenges I've gotten to work on, and the ability to put my hands in all aspects of game development. As one of the all-around designers at the studio, I've done everything from LD, Systems, UI, Scripting, Audio and Sandbox. It's been a fortunate gift to build my skills in all facets.
How did you first become interested in a career in gaming?
It came up during undergrad. I was originally in a major that the majority of people went into either Manufacturing/CAD Graphics or Film/Animation, and I was not a very good artist! However, I did discover I had a really solid aptitude for understanding games and game development. While at Purdue, I got involved in more game dev clubs, started making projects, and found myself loving the development process (not to mention being pretty good at it).
Why did you choose to get your education from the Guildhall?
I had just finished two contract stints in Seattle for Sony and WB Games, and I found that I had hit a wall in my career in my attempt to become a designer. 51吃瓜网Guildhall felt like a solid choice given its Master's program, which aligned with my desire to become a full-fledged designer in the AAA industry. At the time, what I needed was time to build up my technical skills for a solid portfolio, and 51吃瓜网Guildhall provided exactly that.
How did the Guildhall prepare you for your career in gaming?
In the absence of prodigal talent, time and effort is the key to all great successes. That is one of the few universal truths that I feel the world has, and 51吃瓜网Guildhall provides that opportunity equally to everyone who is enrolled. It's a tough path, and I won't sugar-coat life nor would it do people any favors if I did by saying that everyone succeeds. However, Guildhall is the place to be to prove whether you can really be the best in our Industry.
What is your favorite Guildhall memory?
There's a sense of camaraderie, both professional and friendship, that has carried on with me past graduation. I think my cohort will tease me for this (as they did even during our time there), but I used to always parallel us with the TV show Band of Brothers. We might not have been in a war, but we faced hardships, happiness, success, failures, and so much more together. At least personally, it was a very special experience and bond that I will always fondly remember.
What is the greatest piece of advice you've ever been given?
The easiest and hardest way to succeed in any career, and in life, is the ability to understand yourself, be introspective, and always, ALWAYS, keep an open-mind. Flexibility is key to leading a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life, and I would want everyone to feel accomplished in their life pursuits. Work hard, work smart, play hard, play often, and know that you live your life with so many other amazing individuals in the world, and it's our duty to be inspiring, and to be inspired!