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An Interview with Rick Burton

Profile by Jay Watamaniuk

An Interview with Rick Burton

Using the well-crafted community name 'Rick Burton', Rick Burton became well-known to fans as the author of several impressive Neverwinter Nights modules, including his 'Paladin' series, which is planned as a trilogy. His work garnered the attention of the BioWare design department, which concluded that he was the stuff that professionals were made of. Rick took some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions on being the latest community talent to start working as a professional game developer.

How did you come to work at BioWare?

Rick: I have always been a huge fan of RPGs. Looking back at all of the video games I have ever owned, I'd estimate that 80% of them were RPGs. Since I wanted to work in the video game industry and greatly prefer RPGs, I really couldn't find a more appropriate developer to work for than BioWare. But to answer how I came to work here, I'd say it really came down to two factors. First was the amazing NWN community who supported my mods. I received way more feedback from players and other mod builders than I ever expected. This feedback was the best guide I could have had to learn what players liked and how to refine my skills to the point that BioWare would possibly be interested. For this, I thank everyone who took the time to email or post their thoughts on my mods. Secondly, I want to thank Steel Wind and DLA. I learned quite a bit by working with them and wouldn't even know where to begin to explain how much they helped me get my opportunity with BioWare.

What work have you produced for the Neverwinter Nights community?

Rick: I have produced three mods so far (Guild War, Twilight, and Midnight). My fourth and final mod (Dawn) is well under way, but I have shelved it temporarily due to the huge transition of moving from Texas to Alberta.

How did you get started in making modules? Had you tried your hand at modding before NWN?

Rick: I started making mods for one simple reason. I wanted to get a job in the video game industry. The best method I could find to do this was to complete my computer science degree and make mods. I was certain that if I could create some solid works I would eventually be able to get some consideration by the industry. Fortunately, NWN came out at the same time. Since I had never attempted to make mods before, I was very grateful for the easy to use toolset.

What is your background and education? Is there anything you can recommend to fans who want to follow in your footsteps?

Rick: I (finally) completed my BS in Computer Science at Texas A&M last year. Before that I was working in network technology for a major international bank.

As for others who want to break into the industry, I'd highly recommend following the same path I did. Make mods and evolve by listening to the good feedback. And by good feedback, I don't mean that you only acknowledge the people who give glowing reviews, but the people who give detailed feedback on what they did and didn't enjoy. Learning to understand why people like or dislike certain aspects of your work and using this information to refine your work will significantly help you to improve the quality of your content.

What has been the experience so far working 'on the inside' of game development? Any surprises?

Rick: Hmm... Well, I'm still learning the ropes around here. But so far, this has been by far the most enjoyable work environment I've ever been in. Everyone here is focused but having fun. I simply cannot imagine wanting to work anywhere else. Now that being said, I've yet to be introduced to crunch time. We'll see if my tune changes then. :)

Honestly, the biggest surprise has been that there have been relatively few surprises. Over the past few years I tried to get as much info on what it would be like to work in this industry and it all seemed to be pretty accurate. I guess the main reason why I am enjoying this job so much is the fact that it has really been what I had envisioned.

What are you working on?

Rick:

Unfortunately, I am
Not
Really allowed to
Explain too much
About my
Latest work.

Everyone will
Need to wait before I can
Give more
Information on this
New
Endeavor.

Canadian weather - freezing stereotype or pleasant surprise?

Let me put it this way, I made it up here at the beginning of April and the temperature was a little above freezing. Everyone in Edmonton was going on about how mild the weather was while I was equating it to the coldest days of winter in Houston. I fear next winter. :P

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