Last 5 days of our screenshots special, plus another interview news - The Ball

10 Mad Days of Screenshots - Day 5 to 10

The final five screenshots of our 10 Mad Days of Screenshots special! And as added bonus, we have also replaced all of the old screenshots on our website with brand new ones! Have a look at our refurbished Media Page.

Developer Friday

This weeks Developer Friday is devoted to Markus Palviainen, our lead artist and the one responsible for the Ball and weapon models for one.

• Who are you and what do you do on “The Ball”?

My name is Markus Palviainen, and I am 28 years young. I do mostly artwork for The Ball, anything from environmental pieces to characters and UI, but I have also done some kismet scripting and level work.

• When and how did you join the team?

I joined the team in summer 2008. I got introduced to Sjoerd through my friend Bart (sensei Pestibug). I was studying 3d art at the moment and thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more about game development.

• How did you start out with game development?

Well at first I thought I wanted to be a network technician, but after studying in Gothenburg for a while in 2006, I figured out it wasn’t my calling. I got in touch with Pestibug on irc and he showed me what could be done in 3d. I was really inspired and started teaching myself. Well not all by myself, I got got a lot of information and help from Polycount (great forum for artists!). Eventually I got accepted into the School of Future Entertainment, a game development education here in Sweden.

• What has been the most challenging thing you have done on the game?

I would say either Unreal Kismet or UI scene editor. There have been moments where I was close to massacre my computer, and let’s leave it at that.

• What do you like the most about the game?

The environments are beautiful! I enjoy just walking around and exploring the areas, finding the secrets hidden in the game.