Designer Notes Designer Notes 80: Jake Solomon - Part 1
Dec 5, 2023
In this engaging discussion, Jake Solomon, a veteran game developer known for the XCOM reboot and Midnight Suns, shares his journey through the gaming industry. He reveals the interesting quirks of game animation, delves into the nostalgic gaming experiences that shaped his career, and reflects on the unique challenges of game development. Solomon also humorously recounts his early career decisions and influences, offering insights into the evolution of strategy gaming and the emotional connection players have with their game mechanics.
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First Game Memory: Sopwith
- Jake's first memorable PC game was Sopwith on an 8088 with CGA graphics and shared family play.
- The early home PC unlocked gaming for him more than arcades did.
Ultima V's Deep Worldhook
- Ultima V transported Jake by offering a living world with day/night cycles and conversational keywords.
- He and his brothers played and replayed it for years until they used a BBS guide to finish it.
Simulation Makes Games Feel Real
- XCOM gripped Jake by feeling like an independent simulation running with events irrespective of the player.
- That emergent world feeling kept him hooked despite obtuse mechanics and permadeath.