By gable875



Our second installment of Game Industry Insiders features Dave Gilbert, designer of Emeral City Confidential and owner of Wadjet Eye Games.

1. What games did you play when you were growing up?

I inhaled anything by Sierra or LucasArts.  Which, if you played my games, should come as no surprise!  I was also a big fan of RPGs like Dragon Warrior and the early Final Fantasies. 

2. What is your favorite all time game to play?

There are some games I can replay and never get tired of.  "Planescape: Torment" is one of them.  It's a bit dated now, but I always get caught up in the story and the multiple ways you can go through the game.

3. What is your current job title and main responsibilities?

I'm the head of Wadjet Eye Games.  I guess you'd call me the CEO but it feels weird to call myself that!  I design the games, hire the artists and programmers to work on them, and make sure they come out on time. 

4. What games have you personally worked on developing?

My first commercial game was The Shivah, a murder mystery starring a Rabbi, which I released in August of 2006.  Following that, I started the Blackwell series, about a medium and her spirit guide, in December of that year.  Two Blackwell games are out and a third is in the works.  I'm currently working on Emerald City Confidential, a noirish mystery set in the land of Oz.

5. From concept to release, how many people worked with you on your latest game prior to it being sold to the public?

Usually I have around 3-5 people working on one of my indie titles.  For Emerald City Confidential, I've got about 7 freelancers working on the game, in addition to all the folks at PlayFirst who are helping me.

6. Where do you find new inspiration for freshness in the games you work on?

Inspiration can come from anywhere.  Most of the concepts come from people I know, or places I've travelled, or even a conversation I overheard. 

7. Name a personal touch or contribution to a specific game that you are really proud of.

Gosh, I spent so much time developing the Blackwell backstory I feel like I know the characters personally!  It's important for me to feel that personal touch with a game, and not just see it as a product to be sold.  The Shivah, in particular, drew from my "New York Jewish" background and dealt with many questions that I was asking myself at the time. 

8. Where do you see casual PC game development headed in the next 5 years?

It's hard to say.  I admit to coming to the casual game thing late - I never envisioned my games being popular with the casual gamers but I was completely wrong!  I think it's a good indication of where the casual game scene is going.  The field is evolving.  The gamers want more.  It's allowing new and interesting games to come out.  It's cool to be a part of it.

9. Tell us any secret about yourself, games, or the industry.

Most of my games are programmed and designed on my laptop while sitting in various coffee shops in New York City!    A chunk of Wadjet Eye's profits always goes to supporting the local coffee industry.  We game developers need our caffeine.

Thanks!

-Dave

Dave Gilbert
Wadjet Eye Games
www.wadjeteyegames.com