Today
we learn more about Dennis Adams, one of the associate producers
working on Champions Online, the comic-based
superhero game under construction by Cryptic Studios.




Q: What
do you do on Champions Online?




style="font-weight: bold;">A:
I'm an associate producer, which means I have the pleasure of managing
the art team and designers on Champions Online
– the concept artists, character modelers, animators, FX artists,
powers and combat designers all fall under my jurisdiction. When you're
entrusted with managing a talented group of folks like the ones we have
here at Cryptic, it starts to feel less like work, and a lot more like
a golden opportunity.


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Dennis Adams,
Associate Producer for Champions
Online.
He's cooler than you.

Q:  style="font-style: italic;">How
long have you worked in gaming, and what did you do before working on style="font-style: italic;">Champions Online?




style="font-weight: bold;">A: I'm relatively
new to the gaming industry. I spent five years working
as an animation production supervisor at Walt Disney Studios, followed
by a gig on The Simpsons Movie; all the while
dreaming of
"making videogames." I eventually got my break a little over a year ago
after landing a job at a small game studio in San Francisco working on Star
Trek Online
. I then moved to Cryptic in February, and I love
every minute of it.

I'm constantly singing the praises of game development to my
old
colleagues who are still working in film and animation in an effort to
make them envious, as well as tempting them to move from L.A. to join
in on the fun.

Q: What
is your secret for keeping production running smoothly?




style="font-weight: bold;">A: First, you have
to understand that artists are one of the most integral
components of game development; respect their contributions, and do
your best to keep morale and enthusiasm at a constant high. Having a
background in art allows me to work closely with our art leads Shayne
and Chris, and to do my best to help realize their artistic vision
while being mindful of our delivery schedule, and ultimately our ship
date. I'm always leveraging schedules and art expectations to be sure
we successfully ship a product that exceeds the expectations of our
fans.



Q: Who
is your favorite Champions character?




style="font-weight: bold;">A: This is
constantly changing! A few weeks ago it was Armadillo, then
it was Mechassassin; now I'm looking forward to seeing the Gadroon come
to life from our concepts.



Overall, I'm still partial to Armadillo; the design of the
model,
coupled with his powers really gives him personality. We're constantly
pushing ourselves to present Champions Online's
heroes and villains in a manner that will not only pay homage to the Champions
IP, but also to create an iconic representation of their original
design – Foxbat being the exception, he's pretty much 100 percent true
to the original. *wink*



Q: 
What superpower would you like
to have and why?





style="font-weight: bold;">A: I'd like the
power to evoke rational judgment upon the masses. If
that's not cool enough, then I'd have to go with teleportation. If you
had asked me this when gas was only $2 a gallon, I would've chosen
something cooler like super strength.



Q: Who
is your favorite author?




style="font-weight: bold;">A: Thomas
L. Friedman. I find world history and current events just as
fascinating and strange as science fiction and fantasy.



Q: What
do you like to do in your free time?




style="font-weight: bold;">A: If I'm
not headed straight to the gym after work, I'm heading home to
log on to Xbox Live or working on personal art projects. I like to stay
as busy as possible, so I'm always playing in softball leagues around
the Bay Area, trying out new restaurants, watching movies and old
anime, traveling locally and abroad or generally avoiding having to be
too domestic.



Q: What
three things would you take on a deserted island?




style="font-weight: bold;">A: Three
hammocks – each strategically placed throughout the island to
minimize my trek back to my place of sleep. I'm so ready to settle down
on a deserted island and sleep my life away.



Q: What
game are you currently obsessing over?




style="font-weight: bold;">A: Grand
Theft Auto IV
, and eagerly anticipating Ninja
Gaiden 2
.



Q: What
is an interesting fact about you that players would be surprised to
know?




style="font-weight: bold;">A: My love of
videogames began as a young ruffian growing up in Italy, and I've owned
every console released … even the Sega 32X.



style="font-weight: bold;">Q: What
advice do you have for someone who wants to break into the gaming
industry?




style="font-weight: bold;">A: Love the craft –
you owe it to the gaming community, and to yourself to
be passionate about your work; the end result is a reflection of your
commitment. Immerse yourself in everything related to videogames; read
news sites, message boards, dev blogs and crash conventions if you
must. Remember, your reputation precedes you; so keep healthy,
professional relationships with anyone you come in contact with once
you get your big break



Q:
Is there anything else you want to add?



style="font-weight: bold;">A: PM
Shayne and ask him if he'll let me do some character concept art!

Are you super excited for
Champions Online? href="http://forums.tentonhammer.com/showthread.php?t=28977">Tell
us about it in our forums!

To read the latest guides, news, and features you can visit our Champions Online Game Page.

Last Updated: Mar 29, 2016

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