Scott Marison Mini-Interview

Source: Stainless Steel Studios

November 21, 2000

Name: Scott Marison
Job Title: Lead Programmer

Q: How long have you been at SSSI and what were you doing right before you were hired?

A: I’ve been with SSSI almost from the start, back in the spring of 1998. Before working for SSSI I worked for a small game company called 5D Games, located in Stoneham, MA. The game we worked on was called “Millennium 4: The Right”. It was a 3D space combat shooter that also had a seamless transition into a first-person shooter. It was very cool technology.

Q: What task will you be working on next?

A: My next task is to finish up the remaining features of our random map generator. It is currently functional, and it really rocks. There are just a few minor features left to add, which will make it the best random map generator around.

Q: Is there something you added to or created for the game, that was not necessarily in the original design, of which you are particularly proud?

A: I’m really proud of formations, including formation facing. We have several different types of formations, and as you command a group of units you can not only specify the formation they should use, but also which way the formation should face when the units get to the end of the path. It’s very useful for setting up your units in defensive positions. For example, arranging your archers on the edge of a cliff, just waiting for the enemy to approach.

Actually, I’m also really proud of the quaternion physics engine I implemented for the guided missile system as well.

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

A: I’ve played a lot of the Counterstrike Half-Life mod. It’s been a bit of an addiction here at SSSI. I like it because it encourages team play in a semi-realistic environment.

Another game I’ve played and liked a lot was Dark Reign 2. It’s not a groundbreaking RTS in terms of game play. However, it’s an amazingly polished and fun to play game. The graphics engine is top notch as well.

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

A: That’s easy. It’s when I got my Atari 2600 system for Christmas. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to make games for a living.

Q: Besides games, what other hobbies or interests do you have?

A: Let’s see… Lately, my son and I have enjoyed making models together. We just finished a model of the Wolf Man. It’s in my office right now, as a matter of fact.

My daughter and I enjoy playing the Powerpuff Girls. They rock!

I also enjoy watching movies (action, horror, comedy, and Chinese), all on DVD, of course!

My wife and I also have a new favorite TV show. It’s called “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and is on HBO. It’s from the co-creator of the Sienfeld TV show, and it’s very “Sienfeld-ish”. I highly recommend it.