- Joined
- Sep 3, 2013
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- Chicago, IL
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This here is the thread where I describe my trip to beautiful Burbank, CA, and tell you all about the magical experience of meeting the people that make up Lab Zero. I'm typing this out on my phone because my flight got delayed and I'm killing time until they glue the wings back on or something. I'm going to be continuously updating this post as I un-forget stuff. I'll post a bunch of fun pictures when I sit down at home later tonight.
First things first: I am not a representative of lab zero, and therefore nothing I say should be taken as a statement from lab zero. I'm a paid performer who asked a lot of nerdy gameplay and lore questions, and am relating that to you all. I won't talk about anything that might spoil story mode until it's released, and I won't talk about super secret Lab Zero stuff ever.
Another thing that I want to come out and say right now is that this job was not awarded based on anything I've ever done with Skullgirls. It wasn't because I did Saturday Night Salt, it wasn't because I make Skullgirls theme remixes, and it wasn't because I tell everyone I know to play Skullgirls. Beowulf's voice wasn't picked based on some, "who's the best Skullfan," points system. I got to be Beowulf because I sound like Lab Zero wanted Beowulf to sound.
Now for the people!
Earl is an angel, and a vision of beauty, if I may say so (such luxurious hair). He's the kind of guy that every team of professionals needs: he cares, he puts in the effort, he's got a great attitude and he's quick to smile. I frankly can't think of a cooler guy to have hung out with all week going from place to place as he shuttled me around town.
Cristina was a sweetheart, and kept the sessions relaxed enough to have lots of fun, but tight enough to get the best performance out if me, and on time, too. She's an LA girl at heart, and in the best way. If I ever did any other voice work, I'd be ecstatic to work with her again.
Alex is a funny guy, really full of that nerdy-but-excited-to-tell-you-about-it energy that's just infectious and charming. He humored all of my lore questions and stayed in good spirits despite my constant boisterous shouting and laughing.
Jon was a treat, because I hadn't really been following him as closely as some of the other team members, so I wasn't aware that he was A COOL MOTHERFUCKER. Jon's so cool, he'd rob a bank with you on short notice. He reminds me of the kind of guy that a group of friends would say, "wait, we can't go out without Jon!" The only bear-hugger on the art team <3
Mariel is exactly as in her self portraits. Constantly enshrouded in a blanket as she huddles in her chair, drawing with intent, focused eyes. Very friendly, though, and after talking to her over lunch about female representation in games, I'm very much looking forward to her talk on the subject at GDC.
Mike is Mike. He's the design lead on my favorite fighting game, so I kinda think the world of him. He's obsessive, over-thinking, critical and self critical, and we're lucky to have him work on this game. He's not Jesus: he's a real person with goals and flaws, and he breaks his back for you. I know it's as fashionable as ever to post some lulzy bullshit about Mike or Skullgirls, but seeing Mike and Lab Zero as a whole work on this game has solidified to me that if you don't appreciate what Skullgirls is, you don't know how good you have it. Say I'm riding their collective dick if you want, but I've seen it with my own eyes, now: Skullgirls is made of blood, sweet and tears.
I'll post more stuff (including L0 folks I didn't type about yet) and format this all better when I get back, but it's time to board my flight, so that's it for now.
edit 1, from my plane seat:
I forgot to say something really important. I expected more haters, frankly, and there were really only a couple. The overwhelmingly positive reception by the Skullgirls community has filled me with the kind of manly joy that makes me want to high five each and every one of you. A community is only as good as the people in it, and your hype has reaffirmed that this really is the community I belong in.
edit 2, from my desk at home, only 3 hours later than planned (thanks spirit airlines!):
I'm attaching some choice shots of the trip, with a more complete album to come later.
"The art side"
"The design side"
"inside the booth"
"outside the booth"
"but srsly I'm beowulf"
"blue steel"
"me and some hot chick"
"The design side"
"inside the booth"
"outside the booth"
"but srsly I'm beowulf"
"blue steel"
"me and some hot chick"
edit 3, end of the weekend:
Here's what Alex drew for me and for my wife, who cosplayed as Ms Victoria a little while back
edit 4, President's Day Edition:
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