Do you think playing video games is essential for later developing them?
I think that to create something, you have to understand what it entails. I believe that video games are, above all, about interaction, so playing them is an advantage. But interaction isn’t limited to games themselves. There are many game developers who come from fields like archaeology and marketing. I don’t think playing video games is absolutely necessary to later create them, but I do think you need to have a basic understanding of what interaction is and how games work. It’s often very interesting when someone with no prior experience in video games enters the industry. There are many preconceived notions surrounding video games, and sometimes an outside perspective can be helpful.
You’re a video game developer. Do you play a lot of video games?
One of the ways you stop having time to play video games is by developing them. Making them takes a tremendous amount of time. I’ve never had less time to play than I do now. I consider myself an eclectic gamer. I don’t have any preferences. My relationship with video games has changed to the point where I can no longer be a normal gamer. As you start to become a professional in this field, you look at games through a developer’s eyes. Instead of seeing an action game, I see the cinematography, the movements, the characters’ faces. I can’t play video games the way I used to, although every now and then I manage to turn that part of my brain off, which I really enjoy. I still enjoy playing.
Do you think studying video games at a university is necessary to be a good developer?
“Necessary” is too strong a word. We’re talking about an artistic discipline. It involves creativity, and creativity is very difficult to teach. But being able to experiment, learn about different perspectives, methodologies, creative processes, and production theories is very important. And those are things that people without proper education in the field miss out on. But I don’t think there’s a single right path.
How does the press kit you invented work?
It’s a platform that allows developers to create a professional press kit. Marketing is very difficult for developers. I realized they don’t have the resources or the necessary information to present themselves to the media correctly. I spoke with the press and asked them what they needed. What this kit does is provide you with the information and show you what’s relevant.
Do you know of or have you played any games developed by Uruguayans?
Yes, especially this week since I’m here. Kingdom Rush [created by the Uruguayan studio Ironhide Game Studio] is known all over the world. From what I’ve seen, a lot is being done here in video games. Uruguayan developers are starting to realize the level of professionalism expected of them. I think there’s a strong movement to internationalize Uruguayan video games. I’m very interested to see what happens in the coming years in this regard.