42 replies to this topic

[Hugs_]

For our first edition of Meet the Mech Masters venerable Producer Jason Hughes is in the hot seat!

Name: Jason Hughes
Callsign: [HWK]Hughes
Favorite Mech: Reaper
Favorite Map: [background=white]REDACTED[/font]
Role on HAWKEN: Producer



So, don't take this the wrong way, but um... What exactly does a producer do_

Producers are a tricky bunch and I've heard quite a few different definitions on what that entails. I'm not sure that everyone would describe the job in the same way and I believe a lot depends on the personality of the person in the role.

Ultimately, I'm responsible for delivering the game. The guy who makes sure things are taken care of or helps ensure those things get taken care of. True, there's the classic description of being one who balances quality, schedule and budget and my goal is for us to hit as many of those points as possible.

However I consider that to be just a part of what I do and getting things done often involves being a jack of all trades. I jump in where help might be needed, help members of the team out with what might be causing them a problem, look after the studio as a whole, put time into business development needs and ultimately help make sure the vision for the game and studio is unified and on the right path.

I heard someone smart describe the role once as being a head coach of the team and I think that's a pretty fitting description. Everyone at the studio works really hard, does amazing work and I do everything I can to support them, the studio and the project.

What got you started in video games_

The interest was there as long as I can remember but I suppose it started with me messing around in Applesoft Basic in elementary school. I was playing Rygar at the local pizza place in fifth grade and had vision of making a game of my own so I got together with a friend and we started work on The Hidden Scroll.

We didn't get very far but it was pretty cool and ended up looking something like The Bard's Tale. I spent a lot of time on lighting design and computer science in college; which I admit sounds like a weird mix, but I had an interest in both movies and games so it made sense to me. I focused much more on movies at first and spent a number of years in the film industry doing commercials, music videos and some small features in both production and camera. I started transitioning to visual effects, but ultimately decided to make a career change.

I switched to gaming and ended up at THQ in 2004. I've been in gaming almost 10 years now and haven't regretted the choice for a moment.

Finally, and most importantly, if you were a mech, what sort of mech would you be_

One with a coffee mug in his hand.

---

Team HAWKEN thanks Jason for volunteering going first, because Hugs made him do it. You can usually find [HWK]Hughes in our forums between the hours of 2:00 AM- 5:00 AM PST (GMT -8).

Click here to view the article

[erathic]

Cool initiative ! It's very nice to "see" the human side behind a game, i've never seen such effort pushed this far before.
It's really one of the things that make Hawken so special in my heart

[Gookywun]

These are great. Keep em' coming! (Y)

[The_Eldritch_Abomination]

Lemme, guess is your favorite map... <DATA EXPUNGED> from the <DATA EXPUNGED>_

But still, great work guys.

[Roundlay]

As someone just getting their feet wet in the advertising/commercial media industry it's nice to hear that nerding out at some point down the line isn't off the table! Sounds like Hawken is in good hands.

I would love to see more of these, in particular, featuring whoever is responsible for the game's audio slash sound effects, which have impressed me more and more with each update!

Edited by Roundlay, February 15 2013 - 05:50 PM.

[tman7919]

Giving us more info on the developers. This shows that you do want to be in the community than just creating a game. I congratulate you for making an initiative to be a little bit more personal with the community.

[Akrium]

I totally bet his favorite map starts with the letter V... for victory.

[Dedhed]

Yeah, seeing devs get involved with the community more than simply moderating forums and giving updates is great. It's always nice to see more personal touches from the people making the game. Things like this are partially why I like being part of the communities  of such games as Hawken and City of Steam. The developers are personable and involved with their players.

[ShadowGTR]

Getting to know the people behind the game...this is great! It's like taking a look into the heart and soul of the game. Seeing what makes it tick, so to speak. Excellent idea in deciding to do this! I hope we get to see many more of these!

One thing keeps bugging me, ....what IS that in the background of Hughes profile pic_! I've been trying to figure it out. Is it a conference room_ Kitchen_ Mini bar_ Or is it a <REDACTED>_ Oh wait! Maybe it's a <REDACTED><SYSTEMS ALERT: FLAGGING USER>_ Ah ha! I got it! It's a <REDACTED><FULL ALERT. DISPATCHING HELLFIRE MISSILES TO USERS LOCATION>.

Hey....why is the word "Incoming" flashing on my monitor_

[machmanx]

To Jason Hughes: W-T-F were you thinking_!_ . . . when you took your picture in that room_  Can't you see the DARK EYES staring at you all the way in the back__

[Krellus]

i seriously want a Hawken t-shirt and/or cap - like the one in the photo. Who do i throw my cash at devs_

[The_Silencer]

I like this initiative very much. Very interesting, indeed!

[GN010]

Me want that Hawken cap.

[_AlexanderKnight_]

dose any-one know when the clans will be out_

[_AlexanderKnight_]

dose any-one know when the clans will be out_

[snarparrics]

Приветик! Выручайте, нужен класный рецепт пицы с салями. Хочу своих побаловать, а ничего толкового найти не могу.

[Kruthal_Dexlar]

My take away from this - WHERE CAN I BUY THAT HAT_!

[c0mad0r]

*Wonders if google has a cached copy to see what map he put first*

Thank you JH for the nearly-human inside look. You work to much to be completely human.

[[HWK]HUGHES]

c0mad0r, on February 19 2013 - 10:41 AM, said:

*Wonders if google has a cached copy to see what map he put first*

Thank you JH for the nearly-human inside look. You work to much to be completely human.

Hehe, thanks. I'll take nearly-human...

[DarkPulse]

Something tells me that picture was also taken under pain of death.

Hugs, what sort of blackmail did you have on the poor guy_ That's a forced smile on par with the Stepford Wives.

...No need to publicize his dirt, of course. I have a PM inbox.