Jon Alenson Mini-Interview

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and what your job is with respect to Empire Earth.

A: My job is great. I get to help Rick design the game I've always wanted to play. I get to manage the other designers to make sure we will finish off this monster in a timely fashion. As to my personal life, I have none. I'm married with three kids - I exist to provide a personal life for others.

Q: What's the best thing about working at SSSI?

A: Tough question. This is the best team of dedicated, talented people I've ever seen, let alone worked with. But I have to weigh that against a large volume of free ice cream sandwiches… sorry guys.

Q: What's the first thing you'll do after Empire Earth is released?

A: Hang out in software stores and casually let it drop to total strangers that I worked on Empire Earth. Then make them look up my name in the credits.

Q: What game(s) are you currently playing just for fun? What do you like or dislike about it (them)?

A: System Shock 2 and TA-Kingdoms. I heard so many good things about System Shock 2 that I bought and saved it until I could clear my schedule so I wouldn't dilute the games impact. Never happened, so I started playing it instead of sleeping - it makes for a good substitute as you can't sleep after the game has scared you a couple of times. I still play TA - Kingdoms 'cause I like it. It's too bad it isn't balanced very well for multi-player.

Q: If you had to pick a single event that most influenced your decision to enter the gaming industry, what would it be?

A: The Avalon Hill Game Company (R.I.P)

Q: How do Artists and Programmers REALLY get along? Do you have an anecdote that illustrates this relationship?

A: All that talk about the hatred and animosity is exaggerated. Just the other day, after the programmers shot one of the artists who was trying to get over the barricade, they gave him a proper burial right next to the water. They could have just dumped his body in the river. I think real progress has been made.