Global Agenda’s Sr. System Architect, John Dew talks with us how he helps keep the game going, his first video game experience and his excitement for Global Agenda.

John, tell us a little about what you do at Hi-Rez Studios.

My main focus is the design and implementation of the platform services that run on our servers.  This includes everything from handling the initial handshake from the client running on your computer, placing the player in the correct world space, connecting the player to the chat and voice, all of the coordination that goes on until the client disconnects.  In general things that are not part of the actual in game play / combat.  I guess you could call me the unofficial Sr. System Architect.

How did you get into the gaming industry? How did you get to Hi-Rez Studios?

I have been a professional game developer for about 5 years.  I worked for the company that Erez owned prior to starting Hi-rez Studios.  I heard some talk that Erez was wanting to start a game company so I ‘volunteered’ to be a part of that endeavor.  We started out playing with game concepts and learning the ropes.  A few months later, Erez made it official and formed Hi-Rez Studios, Inc.

Describe your video game experience; when did you start playing/making games?

I played my first video game at the local hamburger joint, so many quarters ago.  Later came the Odyssey, Atari, and the Apple computers.  It was when I learned about programming on the Apple that I became more interested in how to make a game and AI’s verses just playing a game.  I later got into  playing the RTS games and started thinking about how one could design a game where a lot of people could play against each other in a persistent environment instead of a hand full of players going through rounds or levels that started over.  Of course I was paying the bill writing point of sale / restaurant software so the game programming remained in notebooks and little test apps.

What is your favorite class/character to play in Global Agenda?

I used to play the medic class a lot, then switched to the robotics, but I think I’m going to go back to the medic.  So until I change my mind - again, it’s the medic.

What are you most excited for in Global Agenda?

There’s the gameplay itself which is very fun and I’m excited to play it once its released.  I am also excited  for the big puzzle of networking, multiple servers and game logic to come together as a world — the world of Global Agenda.

What experiences do you draw from when creating content for the game?

Most of past work experience has been related to platform level, networking, and high through put code so performance and writing tight code comes in handy when implementing services that will handle all of the players that are online.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to break into gaming?

Really, I do not have anything new and enlightening to add to what so many others have said before.

The standard stuff: work on projects to be familiar with the technology; keep an eye out for opportunities in the industry.

Favorite game(s)?

The game that I have invested the most time in is World of Warcraft.  WoW is good for just going out solo and grinding when you want and has the social aspect when you want to play with friends.

A classic I fall back to is Transport Deluxe.  Occasionally I just feel like doing some micro management and construction.  I know there are some new RTS games out that have my name on them, but I really do not need another time-sink.

What do you do in your free time?

Play with my kids, play WoW, work here and thereon a project in the wood shop…

What is on your iPod/MP3player?

Maybe one day I’ll get one and then I’ll let you know.  In general I have a very eclectic taste in music.