Why are you studying games?
Because I love them, bone-deep.
Describe your favorite project made by a classmate.
I like Zeke, Franziska and Sebastian's current projects, because I feel I can see bits of them in their work. I like Shervin, Max, Dylan and Aaron's game, Field-1, because I got to see it evolve from OK to great. I like anything that Ilya makes. I liked the Living Games conference, because I could see Shoshana, truly in her element.
Describe your most embarrassing playtesting moment.
My wife playing a bad card game I made, leaning over to me with a smile and whispering, "Jon, this is really slow..."
What's your secret weapon?
Humor
Describe one memorable lecture, assignment, or exercise you've had at the Game Center.
My entire first year at the game center, I couldn't believe I was allowed to do something as cool as study and make games. When I got credit for knowing who created Kings Quest 6 on my Games 101 final, I started crying. The NYU Game Center is kind of like a home that I never thought I would be blessed enough to have.
How has the Game Center changed your thinking about games?
I see them as a lifestyle now. A legitimate one.
What do you hope to accomplish after school?
I want to either make experimental games that many people will probably hate and really accessible games that everyone can play and love. Perhaps alternatingly.
What's the last great game you played and what's great about it?
Killer Queen by Nikita Mikros and Josh Debonis. I love that there are only one or two cabinets, so you have to be in the right place and at the right time to play it. I like that it was first a playground game that made the jump to the video game realm. I love it because it is so undeniably fun.
What's your favorite New York City spot?
Pier i Cafe on the Upper West Side. It's a little burger place on the water that's only open during the summer. You should have a bleu cheese burger, a Blue Moon and a sunset there.
