Designer for a day: PAX memories

TelltaleGames

Hey MI fans! Wow, this is amazing, where to even begin? I'm Liz, winner of "Designer for a Day" contest. I've been a life-long fan of the Monkey Island series; in fact, I went to the Art-Institute of Vancouver-Burnaby and took Game Design just in hopes to one day work on the legendary "fifth" game that was always rumoured. Dream come true, even if it's only a one-liner. I'm back in school now so the break to attend PAX was well needed, and hopefully deserved, I mean, a few of you thought I was witty at least )

Telltale Games so amazingly flew me out from my comfy Okanagan existence and plunged me straight into the heart of Seattle, PAX '09! I've always wanted to attend PAX, but, as I'm Canadian, and my budget has never really covered those expenses, I had never the opportunity to go. Needless to say, I was so thrilled! Who knew one line could get you free airfare, free hotel, free food, and one of the most amazing experiences of my life!

Did I mention I got to meet the most talented people ever? All my MI idols and more? A fan girl dream come true! Not only that, I got to sit down and pick Kevin's brain, which all in itself was a reward. It's pretty fascinating to find out everything that went into this company.

That Friday, I met up with Joel and Kevin at the hotel and they brought me down for my first experience of PAX, and although the exhibits were shutting down that place was crazy busy! I was then introduced to the team, and met my favourite voice actor Dominic Armato. (It took all my strength not to tell him "I wanna be a pirate too" but I somehow managed.) I then met Dave Grossman, who, smiles a lot and is deviously quite, but I assure you he's up to no good; that smile gave it all away Dave. I was actually pretty speechless meeting them all, which is rare for me.

Come Saturday I enjoyed a day at PAX and was shyly introduced to all the fans at the "Make a Scene with Telltale" event. If you missed coming down it was so much fun! It was so incredible to see how quickly they can turn out their scenes! The fan voice-actors were really good too, I think Dominic was getting a tad-bit worried about the safety of his job, but then again, there is only one mighty pirate voice I say.

That evening I was surprised with an invitation to go out with the whole gang for dinner. Ron Gilbert came along too! Yup, I met Ron, score one for me. It was an awesome night talking with everyone! If you ever get the chance to sit down with any of the team, don't miss out! They are full of so many interesting stories! Especially Mark, he was great fun and made me feel very welcomed among my idols.

After dinner, there was heartfelt farewell where I wished them all luck and told them not to forget about me before I headed back to good old Canada where I was bombarded by end of term finals.

Telltale showed me a personal side of the company. I was able to match faces to names, talk about the games with their creators, and it gave me a great respect for everything the company stands for. I said once before I wouldn't want to work for any other gaming-company and I stand by that still. --hint-hint guys, designer here-- Telltale Games gave me an experience of a lifetime and enabled me to cross a life-goal of my list. I'm a part of the Monkey Island Legacy now, and I couldn't be happier. Thanks to everyone at Telltale who made this possible! May you keep going strong for years to come!

~Lizink~