Sorry for the lack of updates lately -- life has been a bit on the crazy side the past few months.  Lots of exciting, but busy-making goings on at the studios.  I can't wait until I can talk more about some of what we have cooking...

Also, I realize that I was trying to only post when I had more "article-like" content to write (such as one I have in progress on Ensemble's rather interesting hiring procedure), but that means sometimes I won't post for long periods of time.  I'd like this site to update more frequently than I necessarily have pre-meditated deep insights.  :)   So in the whole process of figuring out this blogging thing, I may try more "day in the life of" stuff or random musings about games I'm playing, and see if it feels right.

Anyways, I recently discovered that I'm going to the Austin GDC.  I'm looking forward to it -- I love Austin, the topics sound quite interesting, and while I generally suck at schmoozing it is always fun to hang with fellow game devs. 

I hear that life for Austin game devs has gotten a bit rough of late with a few high profile shops laying off or getting relocated.  There are a ton of talented people there, and the town itself just has an excellent vibe.  Fortunately these things are usually pretty cyclical and I have no doubt that in another few months various new studios will be starting up or established ones will be back in the growth mode.  It is still remarkably hard to hire top-quality talent, so the jobs market is still strong for those with the mad skillz...

Today is also my birthday.  33 revolutions around the sun since I showed up here on this hunk of rock.  I'm mostly celebrating by playing lots of Magic Online and World of Warcraft.  

I also celebrated by going to see my Mom's latest performance on opening night.  "I Hate Hamlet" at the Pocket Sandwich Theater here in Dallas.  It was a lot of fun -- I highly recommend it anyone in the area.  There is something very real and immediate about a live performance that is just fundamentally different from other forms of entertainment.