NBA JAM Development Team Profiles
Mon Feb 22, 2010 4:18 pm
http://nba-jam.easports.com/news.action ... Profiles_1
NBA JAM is back!! One of the most iconic basketball video games ever made is making its long awaited return, and it’s coming to you from EA SPORTS.
You know about the game now meet the development team that is bringing you the latest version of this legendary franchise:
Jam Profile
Name: Andrea Schiel
DOB: yeah right
Hometown: Missassauga, Ontario
Role on NBA JAM: AI Lead SE
Hobbies: Games, Hockey, Archaeology
Pet peeves: AI that cheats
Why do you make video games?
Cause they’ll pay me to do something I would do for free anyways. Just don’t tell my boss.
Favorite EA games?
Battlefield, Dead Space, NHL, Warhammer
Best part of working at EA?
Working with a lot of very bright people.
Best part about working on the NBA JAM team?
Working with a lot of very bright people who are also alpha geeks like me and a whole hell of a lot of fun to work with.
Favorite thing to do in NBA JAM?
Build an AI that can trash Tony. Mastering the Alley Oop would be the second.
Most important contribution to NBA JAM?
Built an AI that trashed Tony.
My hero is?
Steve Nash. At least one Canadian has game.
My support group is?
Paolo – our gameplay lead – also my therapist and supplies me with espresso. Omid – my AI buddy who does all of the real AI work that I take credit for. Eric – our manager – who pays me anyways. Jeremy – our gameplay designer who really cares about the AI and gets it. Trey – our creative director who is so enthusiastic and supportive, it’s contagious. Tony – our gameplay animation guru who will be crushed by the AI – someday. Mark – gameplay SE that keeps our animators sane.
Jam Profile
Name: Joshua Bandy
DOB: 10/21
Hometown: Collingwood, ON
Role on NBA JAM: Sound Artist
Hobbies: Sports, Video Games, Sports Video Games.
Pet peeves:
Why do you make video games?
Making video games has been my dream since the first time somebody asked me “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Still haven’t grown up, but I figure a head start can’t hurt.
Favorite EA games?
NHL, Madden, NBA JAM!
Best part of working at EA?
Everyone here is ridiculously talented and driven. There’s no “slow lane” at EA.
Best part about working on the NBA JAM team?
Getting the opportunity to re-imagine and recreate a game that I grew up on, and that helped shape my whole concept of what a video game should be.
Favorite thing to do in NBA JAM?
Shove someone down and then dunk the ball in their face.
Most important contribution to NBA JAM?
With respect to the fun and authenticity of the original, I was given the opportunity to conceptualize and re-envision the sound effects and music in NBA JAM.
My hero is?
Anyone who made it this far through the interview.
My support group is?
Shouts to Audio Artist Steve Coscarella and all my work homies for keeping me laughing and in a good mood.
Jam Profile
Name: Chris Tham
DOB: November 29th
Hometown: Beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia
Role on NBA JAM: Systems Software Engineer (with a bit of Audio and Front-end thrown in the mix)
Hobbies: Photography, snowboarding, and video games of course!
Pet peeves: Sports team bandwagon jumpers. SERIOUS, it’s not a bus where you get on or off whenever you like. You stay on for the entire ride!
Why do you make video games?
It all started growing up playing the classics on the NES where I would squeeze in every second I could between school, homework and sleep. It just grew from there. I wanted to be a part of it and the dream came true in 2003. I really like the challenge of bringing production’s designs to life and working on cutting-edge new console technology. Not to mention, you also get the chance to entertain millions of people… How cool is that?
Favorite EA games?
NHL (especially NHL 94), Syndicate (published by EA), and DS Scrabble (when I’m on the go).
Best part of working at EA?
It’s the opportunity to work with people who are passionate and dedicated to make great video games.
Best part about working on the NBA JAM team?
Getting an opportunity to remake a classic I played for hours at the local arcade.
Favorite thing to do in NBA JAM?
Hit three consective shots to hear “He’s on fire!” and then lighting it up from all over the court!
Most important contribution to NBA JAM?
It’s hard to think of one particular contribution because I’m working in multiple game areas; however, I’d probably have to say it’s ensuring that the game is running in tip-top shape and helping to diagnose/fix those tough bugs.
My hero is?
It would have to be my parents, who put up with all my video game playing from elementary school onward. Thanks for letting me “hog” our one TV for hours on end, letting me pause the game until I finished my homework, and being supportive of my career decisions. I guess those homework breaks paid off!
My support group is?
I’d say it’s the EA development community as a whole. We all band together to help solve problems and share ideas/technology.
Jam Profile
Name: Eric Place
DOB: November 27, 1972
Hometown: Brussels, Belgium
Role on NBA JAM: Franchise Development Director
Hobbies: Fly Fishing, Hiking or anything Outdoors really
Pet peeves: People who take themselves too seriously… Relax, life is too short!
Why do you make video games?
Well why would anyone ever want a real job? More seriously though, this is a lot more fun and challenging for a development director then your regular software development. The number of moving parts is amazing, making sure everything comes together is always a challenge no matter how many times you have done it. The technology is always evolving and people around you all share the same passion to make the greatest games possible!
Favorite EA games?
NHL, NBA Street, Fight Night, NBA Live and now (not that I am biased or anything) NBA Jam is shaping up to be my fav.
Best part of working at EA?
The new challenges put in front of us daily… Things are always changing and that definitely keeps you on your toes and nothing is ever routine
Best part about working on the NBA JAM team?
This is a great, passionate bunch of people working real hard to resurrect a legend.
Favorite thing to do in NBA JAM?
Bring on the shoving! Nothing better than playing basketball with a lot less rules…
Most important contribution to NBA JAM?
I think my biggest contribution is helping everybody work towards a common goal, help ensure that all the pieces are being worked on at the right times and that everything comes together in the end. Other than that, I just need to stay out of the way and let people do what they do best!
My hero is?
My Parents. Yeah I said it!
They taught us to go after our dreams and encouraged us to take whatever decisions necessary to be happy! Even if for them, that meant us moving to the other side of the planet!
My support group is?
Has to be my wife Maite who also works at EA as an executive assistant. She knows what it takes to make games and really helps me get through it when the going gets tough!
Jam Profile
Name: Frank Lin
DOB: February 27
Hometown: Vancouver
Role on NBA JAM: Lead ScreenWorks SE
Hobbies: Online gaming, card games, board games, snowboarding, badminton, volleyball… anything and everything fun!
Pet peeves: Dishonesty, unfaithfulness, and people who don’t signal before changing lanes
Why do you make video games?
I think a large part of our culture is built around entertainment and sharing an experience with another person, whether it’s going camping with family in the outdoors or sitting on the living room couch trash-talking your friend about how he totally messed up that buzzard-beating, game-winning alley-oop to Kobe in a game of Jam. Creating software that promotes this interaction is very rewarding in itself, plus being part of the dev team gets me that much closer to the community that embraces gaming, one of my biggest interests in life.
Favorite EA games?
I’d say Dragon Age is up there on my list with Jam right now, although Battlefield and Rock Band are a couple of favourites as well.
Best part of working at EA?
It’s a joy being able to talk about games every day as a work-related topic, with people who are just as passionate about making games as they are playing them.
Best part about working on the NBA JAM team?
Honestly, walking into our game area and always having your mind blown away by the unexpected is an amazing feeling to have day in and day out. Everything is always changing and unpredictable – I’d say moments where our team comes together in unity and when our spirit skyrockets make this all truly worthwhile.
Favorite thing to do in NBA JAM?
Being able to land one of those rare shoves on our gameplay SE Tony Humphrey is really gratifying. He’s so good that he can space himself just out of reachable shove distance, so it’s always a challenge facing him.
Most important contribution to NBA JAM?
Getting that [insert front-end feature] into the game and helping others do the same
My hero is?
My dad – he’s gone through so much in life, including researching plasma laser technology for NASA and shipbuilding for the navy. And here I am, setting up laser light shows in Jam, watching The Akron Hammer fly sky-high like a rocket ship, and screen building for the Jam team – it’s such a different level between us and at the same time fitting for who we both are and our interests in life. I respect his accomplishments and really look up to him.
My support group is?
My family, friends, and co-workers. There’s a lot of you, but the ones who have taken the time to understand and accept who I am deserve a huge shout-out – thank you all!
NBA JAM is back!! One of the most iconic basketball video games ever made is making its long awaited return, and it’s coming to you from EA SPORTS.
You know about the game now meet the development team that is bringing you the latest version of this legendary franchise:
Jam Profile
Name: Andrea Schiel
DOB: yeah right
Hometown: Missassauga, Ontario
Role on NBA JAM: AI Lead SE
Hobbies: Games, Hockey, Archaeology
Pet peeves: AI that cheats
Why do you make video games?
Cause they’ll pay me to do something I would do for free anyways. Just don’t tell my boss.
Favorite EA games?
Battlefield, Dead Space, NHL, Warhammer
Best part of working at EA?
Working with a lot of very bright people.
Best part about working on the NBA JAM team?
Working with a lot of very bright people who are also alpha geeks like me and a whole hell of a lot of fun to work with.
Favorite thing to do in NBA JAM?
Build an AI that can trash Tony. Mastering the Alley Oop would be the second.
Most important contribution to NBA JAM?
Built an AI that trashed Tony.
My hero is?
Steve Nash. At least one Canadian has game.
My support group is?
Paolo – our gameplay lead – also my therapist and supplies me with espresso. Omid – my AI buddy who does all of the real AI work that I take credit for. Eric – our manager – who pays me anyways. Jeremy – our gameplay designer who really cares about the AI and gets it. Trey – our creative director who is so enthusiastic and supportive, it’s contagious. Tony – our gameplay animation guru who will be crushed by the AI – someday. Mark – gameplay SE that keeps our animators sane.
Jam Profile
Name: Joshua Bandy
DOB: 10/21
Hometown: Collingwood, ON
Role on NBA JAM: Sound Artist
Hobbies: Sports, Video Games, Sports Video Games.
Pet peeves:
Why do you make video games?
Making video games has been my dream since the first time somebody asked me “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Still haven’t grown up, but I figure a head start can’t hurt.
Favorite EA games?
NHL, Madden, NBA JAM!
Best part of working at EA?
Everyone here is ridiculously talented and driven. There’s no “slow lane” at EA.
Best part about working on the NBA JAM team?
Getting the opportunity to re-imagine and recreate a game that I grew up on, and that helped shape my whole concept of what a video game should be.
Favorite thing to do in NBA JAM?
Shove someone down and then dunk the ball in their face.
Most important contribution to NBA JAM?
With respect to the fun and authenticity of the original, I was given the opportunity to conceptualize and re-envision the sound effects and music in NBA JAM.
My hero is?
Anyone who made it this far through the interview.
My support group is?
Shouts to Audio Artist Steve Coscarella and all my work homies for keeping me laughing and in a good mood.
Jam Profile
Name: Chris Tham
DOB: November 29th
Hometown: Beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia
Role on NBA JAM: Systems Software Engineer (with a bit of Audio and Front-end thrown in the mix)
Hobbies: Photography, snowboarding, and video games of course!
Pet peeves: Sports team bandwagon jumpers. SERIOUS, it’s not a bus where you get on or off whenever you like. You stay on for the entire ride!
Why do you make video games?
It all started growing up playing the classics on the NES where I would squeeze in every second I could between school, homework and sleep. It just grew from there. I wanted to be a part of it and the dream came true in 2003. I really like the challenge of bringing production’s designs to life and working on cutting-edge new console technology. Not to mention, you also get the chance to entertain millions of people… How cool is that?
Favorite EA games?
NHL (especially NHL 94), Syndicate (published by EA), and DS Scrabble (when I’m on the go).
Best part of working at EA?
It’s the opportunity to work with people who are passionate and dedicated to make great video games.
Best part about working on the NBA JAM team?
Getting an opportunity to remake a classic I played for hours at the local arcade.
Favorite thing to do in NBA JAM?
Hit three consective shots to hear “He’s on fire!” and then lighting it up from all over the court!
Most important contribution to NBA JAM?
It’s hard to think of one particular contribution because I’m working in multiple game areas; however, I’d probably have to say it’s ensuring that the game is running in tip-top shape and helping to diagnose/fix those tough bugs.
My hero is?
It would have to be my parents, who put up with all my video game playing from elementary school onward. Thanks for letting me “hog” our one TV for hours on end, letting me pause the game until I finished my homework, and being supportive of my career decisions. I guess those homework breaks paid off!
My support group is?
I’d say it’s the EA development community as a whole. We all band together to help solve problems and share ideas/technology.
Jam Profile
Name: Eric Place
DOB: November 27, 1972
Hometown: Brussels, Belgium
Role on NBA JAM: Franchise Development Director
Hobbies: Fly Fishing, Hiking or anything Outdoors really
Pet peeves: People who take themselves too seriously… Relax, life is too short!
Why do you make video games?
Well why would anyone ever want a real job? More seriously though, this is a lot more fun and challenging for a development director then your regular software development. The number of moving parts is amazing, making sure everything comes together is always a challenge no matter how many times you have done it. The technology is always evolving and people around you all share the same passion to make the greatest games possible!
Favorite EA games?
NHL, NBA Street, Fight Night, NBA Live and now (not that I am biased or anything) NBA Jam is shaping up to be my fav.
Best part of working at EA?
The new challenges put in front of us daily… Things are always changing and that definitely keeps you on your toes and nothing is ever routine
Best part about working on the NBA JAM team?
This is a great, passionate bunch of people working real hard to resurrect a legend.
Favorite thing to do in NBA JAM?
Bring on the shoving! Nothing better than playing basketball with a lot less rules…
Most important contribution to NBA JAM?
I think my biggest contribution is helping everybody work towards a common goal, help ensure that all the pieces are being worked on at the right times and that everything comes together in the end. Other than that, I just need to stay out of the way and let people do what they do best!
My hero is?
My Parents. Yeah I said it!
They taught us to go after our dreams and encouraged us to take whatever decisions necessary to be happy! Even if for them, that meant us moving to the other side of the planet!
My support group is?
Has to be my wife Maite who also works at EA as an executive assistant. She knows what it takes to make games and really helps me get through it when the going gets tough!
Jam Profile
Name: Frank Lin
DOB: February 27
Hometown: Vancouver
Role on NBA JAM: Lead ScreenWorks SE
Hobbies: Online gaming, card games, board games, snowboarding, badminton, volleyball… anything and everything fun!
Pet peeves: Dishonesty, unfaithfulness, and people who don’t signal before changing lanes
Why do you make video games?
I think a large part of our culture is built around entertainment and sharing an experience with another person, whether it’s going camping with family in the outdoors or sitting on the living room couch trash-talking your friend about how he totally messed up that buzzard-beating, game-winning alley-oop to Kobe in a game of Jam. Creating software that promotes this interaction is very rewarding in itself, plus being part of the dev team gets me that much closer to the community that embraces gaming, one of my biggest interests in life.
Favorite EA games?
I’d say Dragon Age is up there on my list with Jam right now, although Battlefield and Rock Band are a couple of favourites as well.
Best part of working at EA?
It’s a joy being able to talk about games every day as a work-related topic, with people who are just as passionate about making games as they are playing them.
Best part about working on the NBA JAM team?
Honestly, walking into our game area and always having your mind blown away by the unexpected is an amazing feeling to have day in and day out. Everything is always changing and unpredictable – I’d say moments where our team comes together in unity and when our spirit skyrockets make this all truly worthwhile.
Favorite thing to do in NBA JAM?
Being able to land one of those rare shoves on our gameplay SE Tony Humphrey is really gratifying. He’s so good that he can space himself just out of reachable shove distance, so it’s always a challenge facing him.
Most important contribution to NBA JAM?
Getting that [insert front-end feature] into the game and helping others do the same
My hero is?
My dad – he’s gone through so much in life, including researching plasma laser technology for NASA and shipbuilding for the navy. And here I am, setting up laser light shows in Jam, watching The Akron Hammer fly sky-high like a rocket ship, and screen building for the Jam team – it’s such a different level between us and at the same time fitting for who we both are and our interests in life. I respect his accomplishments and really look up to him.
My support group is?
My family, friends, and co-workers. There’s a lot of you, but the ones who have taken the time to understand and accept who I am deserve a huge shout-out – thank you all!
Re: NBA JAM Development Team Profiles
Sat Feb 27, 2010 12:07 pm
A second batch of developer profiles has been posted on the official website:
http://nba-jam.easports.com/news.action ... Profiles_2
http://nba-jam.easports.com/news.action ... Profiles_2
Re: NBA JAM Development Team Profiles
Sat Mar 06, 2010 8:51 am
Re: NBA JAM Development Team Profiles
Sat Mar 13, 2010 10:36 am