Brooke Luder from Sega Creative Assembly

Interview from Anna - Thursday, 01 May 2008 @ 1:43pm

What led you to a career in the gaming industry?

Australia has such a rich gaming industry, with so many great companies all working on top quality games. Because of this there are a great variety of career opportunities to choose from.

This is and always has been one of the big attractions for me. I’ve been working in the industry for four years and I’ve already worked as an environment modeller, texture artist, interface designer, animator, lead animator and producer. I love the learning curve and constant challenge and I get a kick out of seeing what’s next both with the technology and the great games. So I guess the constant creative challenge is what lead me to and keeps me in the industry.

What’s been the most exciting game you've worked on so far at Creative Assembly?

In my four years in the industry I would have to say the game I’m currently working on for The Creative Assembly is the most exciting game I’ve sunk my teeth into. We are currently working on our own IP which is the Mecca of gaming opportunities. Most arties would cut off their right arm for a chance at IP!
As we’re still in production I can’t tell you the name of the game or, as we say in the industry, ‘I’d have to kill you’!



What advice would you give to others wanting to train for your particular job?

If you want to work in the industry it’s so important to get the right training. There’s a bunch of private colleges you can attend and with competition to enter the industry being so steep, not attending one of these colleges can hurt you. Also make a point of attending any open nights and chatting with professionals when you get the chance. The Games Industry is so hungry for new talent that studying hard and being brave enough to put yourself out there are the best moves you can do for yourself.

What are the challenges of working in (let's face it) a male dominated industry?

There is a perception that the games industry is hard on females. This is both incorrect and correct. You have to remember that at the moment it is a male dominated industry. Some girls don’t quite know how to deal with an office full of guys. Just remember they are people just the same as you, and they’re really nice people too!

What types of games do you prefer playing?

I still love old arcade style games, Pacman being one of my favourites. But I also love pretty much anything with puzzles and pretties: God of War, Spyro, Guitar Hero, Prince of Persia (I could go on... and on..) At the moment I’m digging Super Mario Galaxy on the Wii.