Blog #2 David Feltham, Sr. Designer
of Mass Effect
For full story-http://blog.bioware.com/2009/06/18/the-long-road-to-bioware-a-designer%E2%80%99s-origin-story-p1/
"Luck, Networking, and Determination." Words spoken by Sr. Designer of one of the top games created for the Xbox 360. I myself believe that dreams can be achieved with hard work and determination even if it means starting at the very bottom where one would probably not find their job as exciting. To me, life is all about making connections. Meaning that it will take some time and dedication to rise to the top. Reading this article that David Feltham wrote himself was truly inspiring because he states in his own words his journey through life before he established himself at Bioware. He began like many of us starting in college, having absolutely no idea what to major in, or in his case majoring in English Literature and then receiving a diploma in Computer Graphics. His first job was acquired by luck because he went in on a slow day and happened to come across the owner who happily took his 3D Studio Max demo reel. The owner was skilled in modeling and animating with a variety of programs which made it easier for David to learn the ropes by shadowing. About one year later Feltham decided to try Freelance work and start his own business. He stated that owning one's own business is a lot tougher than working for a company because he could barely get by with the money he made so he decided to find a larger company to work for. He finally decided what he wanted to do in life, and that was create video games so he applied to a gaming company called Bioware and was turned down because they said that he needed more experience. Instead of giving up, David actually gained more determination and began to work for a small company that could compete against well-known companies such as Sony, Sega, and Nintendo. He was hired as a 3D artist and animator where he would work on a game called Cartoon Mayhem which later become Cel Damage. The game was a success and was later published by EA games for the Xbox and Gamecube. Unfortunately the company has financial issues that had developed later on so Feltham was forced to find somewhere else to work. With sheer luck his former boss had began to work for Bioware and offered David a job there which he immediately took. His job was in Level-Design within Mass Effect, meaning that each level in a particular game whether it be the rewards from killing a boss, the experience gained, the amount of "treasure chests", how many bosses, what will their moves be, etc. etc. it basically determines how fun the game-play will be within a game which is highly important. With David Feltham's hard work and determination, he was able to help shape a 9 out of 10 star game. This article is the perfect example of how someone can start out small and work their way through jobs they hate, jobs they like, jobs that open doors to a great opportunity and eventually establish connections that will help create a happier and better life.
