Yesterday (oops) we were taken Inside the Vault with French programmer Jean-Sylvere Simonet. Here are a couple of highlights from the interview - What’s your job at Bethesda?.
I am one of the AI Programmers and I am responsible for Pathfinding, that is, figuring out how NPCs navigate around the world What is the best part about working as a programmer? The worst part?
The best part about being a programmer has got to be the ability to patronize every other discipline in the company... No, seriously, that’s actually the one thing you have to be very careful of: your ego. The fact is, it IS harder for other disciplines to understand the intricacies of your work, and so it becomes very easy to just dismiss them, assume they don’t get it, and have an air of superiority. And let me tell you, it is even harder for me, being French and all How did you get into the industry? Do you have any tips for breaking in?
It took me about a year between my first applications and actually getting a job, so I guess the first tip I’ll give is not to give up. What also really helped me was having something to show, and so that’s definitely what I’d recommend the most. Any other hobbies and interests? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love robots, and electronics in general, so that’s what I mess around with. There is something very satisfying in building something tangible like a robot.
Bonus for the rabid fans - he hardly worked on Oblivion at all! |
