Working for a gaming company really does involve both the red and blue pills.

Game companies create fragile and mutable realities. On one hand, to be involved in the creation of astonishing new worlds is like magic. On the other, the underpinnings, code, crises, challenges, duct tape and baling wire are all too apparent from the inside. People in this industry need to be able to see both sides at once.


I write this commentary from a tiny suite in San Diego which I have lovingly dubbed "The Shoebox." Yes, it's that small.

Why am I in San Diego, and in a shoebox, no less? On Wednesday, July 8th, I start work for Sony Online Entertainment, as one of their Senior Community Managers. This of course is pending clearance of my criminal record and background checks. Us Dwarves don't get into that much trouble owing to our honor and dignity (you there, in the second row, stop laughing!), but you never know.

I am allowed to keep TheBrasse going, subject to the SOE Blogging Policy, which in summary reads: use common sense and don't trash your employer. I think I can manage that, as long as I stay away from that barrel of Irontoe's Extra Triple XXX Death Brew. Otherwise all bets are off.

I think I'll just ship that cask over to Khazakstan now, to save future trouble.

I cannot say that I have always wanted to work in the gaming industry. I know full well that it is not the glamorous field that some imagine it to be.

Still, I've always had somewhat of a special affinity for SOE, and have played a great many of their games. When I first came to the USA, I had to wait for a green card. A wait that turned out to be four years long. Through much of that, in addition to playing EverQuest, I was a volunteer in the EverQuest Guide Program, first as a Guide, then Senior Guide. I loved it, and learned more about good customer service than in any career I've been involved in.

When I was finally authorized to work in the US, I moved into game media. Over time, I learned a lot more than I ever wanted to know about many companies in the game industry, large and small. I can tell you that both by reputation and personal observation, SOE is one of the best to work for.

Now, I have the opportunity to do just that. I look forward to this adventure, and carry just a little bit of trepidation in my pocket, to keep me humble. While I have worked in corporate environs before, this is a whole new world. While I think that I have a lot to offer to SOE and its Community Team, I also have a great deal to learn.

I am ready.

;-)#
Brasse, SOE Dwarf


ps. I'd be remiss if I did not thank the following: Smed, for contacting me earlier this year, Craig for scoping out my shoebox in advance, and Josh for checking out my car prior to my arrival. I am one happy auld Dwarf right now.