A Few Questions and Answers to give an insight to:

EM Augustus

Event Moderator, Ultima Online, Lake Austin

When you first started what impression did you have about doing events, is it harder or easier than you expected? Did you get nervous and do you still get nervous?

Honestly, it was about how I expected it to be. I had the impression that doing simple things at events would be easy, but also that doing some of the more fun and exciting things would take a bit of time to learn and figure out.

I was fairly nervous; the people of LA could tell you that. At one point, I even forgot to change my name to the proper name. (Players kindly pointed it out, I fixed my name and we continued onward!) Not the mention that moongate/boat incident… but we won’t speak of such things.

Also, I still do get nervous when trying new things that I haven’t done before. You can’t help it really, you want everything to go right and you want people to have fun. But something always goes wrong. You just have to shrug it off and work around it.

What is it like working with the EM team and Mesanna? What do you think about the structure of the program?

Working with the EM team is amazing; everyone really enjoys what they are doing. And you can’t get a better environment than when people enjoy what they do. No matter what kind of crazy thing you are trying to do at an Event, someone on the EM team has either tried it, or will help you figure out how to get it done. They are a great bunch of people, with good personalities.

Mesanna, is one of the nicest, coolest people you’ll ever get to talk to. Not to mention work for. And she loves this game, and being such a huge fan of UO in general, it makes me happy knowing we have such an amazing person who does so much for this game. At first I was a bit nervous to be working with her, because after not only is she Mesanna, but she’s the boss, but I think every new job is like that. (Also, I swear when it comes to UO, and doing things in it – Mesanna is an unlimited fountain of knowledge. *laugh*)

The structure of the program is solid, and we can probably thank Mesanna and all of the EMs who have been here forever for that. I’m not sure I even want to know all of the stuff they probably had to go through to get it the way it is now. But I can say this, I am thankful for it.

Can you describe the training you have to go thru to become a EM?

I’ll describe it this way. First you read, study and learn. Then you pop online and then test out all the stuff you have learned. That way you can get a good grasp on how it will work in game. If you need help, ask and you shall receive! (Literally, suddenly people jump up to volunteer to help you out. *laugh*)

It seems like work… it’s supposed to be work… but honestly it seems more like free time during recess when you were in kindergarten. *coughs* Ahem, not that you should just throw paint everywhere.

Then there is the testing. Big, bad, evil word yes? Less evil than it sounds. Every part of the test is meant to make sure that when you get in game, you know almost everything necessary to run your first event. The only confusing or trying times during the test for me, was when a new command that I did not know was thrown out to me and I was asked what it did. (That isn’t meant to penalize you either, if you don’t know what it does, during the test you can ask and the tester will explain it to you. It is meant to help you learn.)

After you pass the test, then you get to follow other EMs around as they do events. This is to further immerse you in the roll and allow you to see how things are done from the other side. Not only to introduce you to and get you ready to run your first event, but also because to get you used to working with and communicating with the others EMs. (Like I said above, anything you want to know or need help with, there is bound to be another EM who has done it before or will help you figure it out if you ask.)

If someone wanted to join the program, what would be the first thing you would say to them?

Give it a shot, especially if you love story telling, but definitely if you really love UO. As long as you follow the simple rules and communicate (and we’re all wonderful people here, so don’t worry) you’ll have a blast. I’m pretty sure this is one of the best, if not the best job I’ve ever had. I enjoy what I do.

Would you like to have a little more control over the player base at events?

Actually, no. I think the players are a big part of what makes the events come so alive. Yes, even the people who are a bit rude at times. People are going to be who they are, or act how they act.

In stories (and I write) we have those same type of characters hanging out; heck I have written some of the meanest, spiteful characters for a book. And I can tell you this, that without them things tend to get boring. That is my honest answer, and I’m sticking to it.

So whoever wants to come to an event of mine, please feel free to come.

  A Few Questions and Answers to give an insight to:

  EM Helios

  Event Moderator, Ultima Online, Legends

When you first started what impression did you have about doing events, is it harder or easier than you expected?  Did you get nervous and do you still get nervous?

I had run player events quite often so I knew what to expect as far as most events go.  The setup of our events can be lengthy, that I didn’t expect.  I learn something each time I run one still.  I was soooo nervous with my first event! I still get nervous!

 What is it like working with the EM team and Mesanna?

It’s a blast really like a kid in a candy store!  Everyone is very good to work with I really couldn’t say a bad word on any of the team.

 What do you think about the structure of the program?

It’s structured fairly sound I think.  Of course more abilities would be tremendous but you can’t expect the good folks of Mythic to hand the keys to the kingdom to us. :}  They do a good job of instilling in us the importance of everything we do in game. The smallest of errors can affect a lot in game.  We are happy to be able to bring what’s available to us to the general player base.

 Can you describe the training you have to go thru to become a EM?

Training for me was a lot of hit and miss.  I wasn’t one of the original EM’s from when the program began but I wasn’t too far from it. Luckily for me a lot of the trial and error that Faine and Dudley and Tailspin, etc. went through was well documented for the next pack.  The structure that I referred to above had just begun to get organized.  Nowadays things have progressed pretty fluently, but I still learn something new every time out.

 If someone wanted to join the program, what would be the first thing you would say to them?

 COME ON DOWN!  If your interested contact Mesanna at [email protected]

 Would you like to have a little more control over the player base at events?

I don’t know so much about the player base as more control over the environment itself.  For instance it would be nice to be able to create a no spell zone or a two or three tile area of space for a rp character on the fly.  Legends players have always been good to me win lose or draw and we’ve worked hard to make sure everyone is treated in a fair manner.  Little tweaks here and there is about all I could ask for. Players know how to act accordingly in almost every instance.  Some public shackles in Luna would be fun though :}

A Few Questions and Answers to give an insight to:

EM Aname

Event Moderator, Ultima Online, Lake Superior

When you first started what impression did you have about doing events, is it harder or easier than you expected? Did you get nervous and do you still get nervous?

I felt that events would be something that are just on a whim, you go out do it have a blast and be on your way. *Buzzzzz* WRONG! Much harder than I expected. You need to take into account so many things: number of players, how many dragons to expect, how long you want it to last, location, facet(s), what monsters to use, how many of them, etc.

I think the first event is the hardest, as you don’t know your shard, you may have done a little meet and greet before your first big event, but you still don’t honestly know your players. Boy, do you get nervous. Sweaty palms, not wanting to eat, wondering “did I make sure this was in place”, not knowing if you will get 15 people or 150, and most importantly will they like this? It’s like the build up before having to do a big speech in front of a large crowd.

Now that I’ve gotten to know a lot of the players on my shard, Lake Superior (hurray!~), I know what most people can do, and what they are good at. I now try to stay longer than the event to chat and rp, I love it, mostly no more butterflies or worry. When we are trying something new out, and it hasn’t been done yet in the program I still get a touch worried, hoping to not crash the shard (that is bad).

What is it like working with the EM team and Mesanna?

It’s interesting. I think of us as a family, most of the time we get along, every now and then we take little stabs or fish slaps at each other, in the end, we work it all out. It’s nice being able to ask a large group for help if something comes up, as most of the time one of them are able to pop in and assist with whatever you have planned.

Mesanna: the leader, she who must be obeyed, the one who makes us go boom, and the dark queen. She is the force behind the program, without her, and her usual 18 hour work days with us, I don’t think the program would be around. How she does it I don’t know but I am very thankful that she can, as I’m sure most of the other EMs are.

What do you think about the structure of the program?

It’s good. If you have ever worked anywhere you can probably see ways which the business could improve, even if in just small ways like moving a desk over to fit more people.

At the start of the program you are the fresh meat, the trainee, and you get to learn everything. There is a lot to learn. Then you get tested to see if what you learned stayed with you.

If you pass, you are a Shadower, the helping hand. You have to go to other shards and… well… shadow the event, learn what they do, help them out, and fall for all the little tricks that they tell you and make you think are real.

After those, if the other EMs pass you, you get your shiny robe on your home shard! This is where you are the bleeding fish in a sea of sharks. Everything happens! You are an EM! Woot!

We have a colour system now in effect to let the players know how long an EM has been around. Pink/Magenta, if you have been EMing for under a year. Purple for 1 year to 3 years. Then the glorious black robe, for those who have been around for 3+ years!

Can you describe the training you have to go thru to become a EM?

I was the fast one. I memorized the manual the same day I started. So I got a small bit of training, maybe a few hours, just to see if what I claimed was true, played around on a TC with Auto, then passed my test (there was no shadowing back then). Sadly I do not have a great tale to tell with this one.

If someone wanted to join the program, what would be the first thing you would say to them?

Contact Mesanna at her e-mail, tell her you want to join up. She is always looking for people even if there isn’t a spot; good to know just in case someone has to take time off or leave.

Also make sure that you know what you are getting into. There is a lot of time spent EMing that you don’t even see in game, and a lot of time in-game spent EMing where you are alone, taking notes of locations and whatnot.

If you really want to be an EM make sure that you want to make others happy. I think that should be the goal of every EM; to make their shard have fun, maybe not be happy but that is always a plus, and that everyone enjoys themselves.

Would you like to have a little more control over the player base at events?

No, that would be boring. You can’t RP off people and improvise on the spot if you can just pull out the staff of “OBEY ME”. It makes the events more fun never knowing what is going to happen. I am saying this knowing now that most of the LS players are “well behaved” *cough* and tend to not go overboard.

A Few Questions and Answers to give an insight to:

EM Seppo
Elder Event Moderator, World of Ultima: Baja

When you first started what impression did you have about doing events, is it harder or easier than you expected? Did you get nervous and do you still get nervous?

I remember being zealously excited about my first event. In fact, for a first event, it was quite an ambitious one. It had a Felucca and Trammel component, puzzle solving, and bunch of other technical aspects that were definitely above my experience grade. I remember barely sleeping for almost 3 nights as I struggled to translate my vision into an event doc. Thankfully, Mesanna was kind enough to give me a 24 hour extension Of course, I made some mistakes and there is an amusing song written by a player on Baja about it.

In general, I used to get quite nervous before an event. However, it is not that bad anymore because you definitely learn to think on your feet at this job.

What is it like working with the EM team and Mesanna?

Well, there are many good things to be said about the team. However, the most important aspect is that we tend to drive each other. I really can’t even begin to emphasize Mesanna’s role towards the success of the team.

What do you think about the structure of the program?

I think that the program does a good job at evolving with the changing game and expectations.

Can you describe the training you have to go thru to become a EM?

The training program has changed considerably since the days of when I was an EM-in training. In my days, we really had to take baby steps as the program was not proven yet. For instance, we were tied to the EM office for several days before allowed to venture out. As the program evolved, the training regiment has changed along with it. Without going into details, current EM training heavily revolves around mentorship. However, once trained, a new EM today has lot more freedom than when the program first started.

If someone wanted to join the program, what would be the first thing you would say to them?

To be a successful EM, you need to be equal parts ambitious, creative, and willing to dig in to do the hard work. Bottom line is that you have to be extremely passionate about it or you are not going to make it.

Would you like to have a little more control over the player base at events?

I often read on U.Hall about more powers to EM. Personally, I am not quite convinced that it is a good idea. For instance, I would not feel comfortable playing the role of a GM. In my experience, we can largely control the player base through the stage we create. When things do get out of control, 1-800-MESANNA is always available. (PS: that is not a real number)

Alternates/additional ones suggested:

What is one thing you would to see improve between your community and the EM team?

The community on Baja is amazing. For the most part, players really do try to get involved in the story line that we present. Even, reds! I really couldn’t ask for more!

A Few Questions and Answers to give an insight to:

EM Dudley

Elder Event Moderator, Ultima Online

Six Questions and Answers to give an insight to:

EM Malachi

Elder Event Moderator, Ultima Online

When you first started what impression did you have about doing events, is it harder or easier than you expected? Did you get nervous and do you still get nervous?

The first events on Great Lakes were chaotic. While most EMs, including myself, have prior experience running player events, the large number of people at an EM event was something we weren’t prepared for. I remember looking at the Counselor Hall packed with over a hundred people and needing a moment to hyperventilate. I’m comfortable with that aspect now. Some of the other aspects remain a challenge. After over a hundred and thirty weekly events, there are just some times when I have no inspiration and yet still need to write an event.

What is it like working with the EM team and Mesanna?

Pick any hour of the day and chances are Mesanna is doing something to make this game better. She provides support and aid to every EM in addition to her other duties as associate producer. I also have an incredible partner, Elizabella, whose EMing style and events complement mine perfectly. They are both a lot of fun to work with.

The three of us have had some very amusing brainstorming sessions in Green Acres.

It has also been great working with the entire team. We are all very passionate about Ultima, but we each have our own way of approaching EMing. There are the mad scientists who come up with new tricks and event mechanics. The lore masters who debate the finer points of 14 years of UO plot and 30 years of overall Ultima plot. The optimists who provide a kind ear when things go wrong.

What do you think about the structure of the program?

I think the structure works very well. We are allowed a great deal of freedom and flexibility to write and run events. Each EM spends a lot of time getting to know a shard and its players. This allows that shard to become a second home.

Can you describe the training you have to go through to become a EM?

Training to become an EM was very different when the program started. The documentation wasn’t as good as the handbook we have now, so our first week was spent trying to figure out how our powers worked. Then we were tested and sent out into the world, bright-eyed and naive. We actually learned how to be EMs by doing events.

Three years later, new EMs have the initial power practice and testing, but training doesn’t end there. They must then shadow several events and learn from established EMs. These shadow EMs still learn by doing events, but with more guidance.

If someone wanted to join the program, what would be the first thing you would say to them?

You need to love doing events. You need to love doing events even when you come home tired from your day job. You need to love doing events even when you are sick and huddled in a blanket. If this is the case, you’ll fit right in and should e-mail Mesanna.

Would you like to have a little more control over the player base at events?

There are some minor powers I would love to have to make events run more smoothly. That said, I don’t want to become a warden at events. Players shouldn’t have to play “Malachi, may I?” to get through an event.

What is your favorite part of the GL community?

My spies. For almost three years, I’ve gotten to watch GL’s Royal Spies work to save the world each and every week.

What is one thing you would to see improve between your community and the EM team?

I like constructive feedback and would like to see more of it. I want to know what parts of events you liked and which parts you didn’t enjoy. This helps us write better events. We do want to know what you think.

On the flip side, I dislike destructive criticism. I don’t enjoy being a punching bag, and insults don’t lead to better events. Nor do they lead to more prizes. The players and EMs aren’t opposing forces. I believe we want the same things.

[ Discuss This Article ]

Six Questions and Answers to give an insight to:

EM Autolycus

Elder Event Moderator, Ultima Online

When you first started what impression did you have about doing events, is it harder or easier than you expected? Did you get nervous and do you still get nervous?

I really didn’t come into the program with any expectations. When we were told to design and perform our first event, I had no clue what I was doing. Nobody did. I almost feel it was easier in the beginning, though. Nothing had really been done, yet. We were open to just about anything. Now, almost three years later, you find yourself grasping for something new. Something to keep the interest alive. This is the mechanism that lets the EM program evolve, and forces us to keep pushing for that something different.

I’m not sure that the anxiety before an event ever leaves everyone, entirely. In the beginning, we were all biting our nails. To this day, there is still plenty of room for some pre-event jitters. There is no way to test a new event concept, or a new monster template, with any certainty. It takes players. That first time testing something is always worrisome. There are so many variables to consider when you’re designing an event, and one simple foul-up can send the whole event awry.

What is it like working with the EM team and Mesanna?

The EM team is an ever changing beast. A lot of names have come and go over the years. Nevertheless, it has always been a great team to be a part of. There is so much creativity and intelligence bouncing around between them all; it makes it a wonderful group to work with. Working with Mesanna has been the true treat, though. She has a tougher work ethic than most anyone I’ve known, and she doesn’t have time for nonsense. She’s our Skipper, and without her this ship is sinking. The communication between us all cannot be understated. If it weren’t for the unceasing chatter between us, the program might not have functioned.

What do you think about the structure of the program?

The program has a relatively simple structure. Shards get two Event Moderators (generally, sorry Siege!). While seniority on the team is sometimes respected, we consider ourselves equal EM’s from the moment we pass training. The Elder title is honorific, only. So, really, there isn’t a whole lot to say on the matter. It works! Historical fact… at the start of this program, some shards were assigned a single event mod while other EMs were given the job of “floaters”. Apparently, they “floated” between the shards. EM Faine Morgan (now an Elder) was originally a floater!

Can you describe the training you have to go thru to become a EM?

Well, those of us from the beginning really didn’t get much training. Sure, we were taught our basic commands and powers… but it would be impossible to teach us the dynamics of events. The first EM program was radically different than this one in many respects. We were essentially flying blind. Winging it, as it were. But, over time we were able to develop methods and guides. Now, the modern newbie EM has a manual, training, a test, and they even do some cross-shard shadow work. Some from the LS community may remember EM Taka from the Britannian Games, or EM Augustus from one of the L-Ag events.

If someone wanted to join the program, what would be the first thing you would say to them?

If they want it in, I say go for it! Mesanna is always accepting applications, feel free to fill her inbox up. Really. She loves it when she has a few-hundred e-mails to go through each morning. Don’t let her down! Hah, in all seriousness though… being an EM is fun. If they have the nerve, than join right up!

Would you like to have a little more control over the player base at events?

This is a tough one. We are EMs, not GMs. It isn’t our place to punish players outside of RP, or to even judge if they deserve it. I’m certain every EM has, at one point or another, wanted to squelch someone. But, really, there are many ways to keep control of events without expanding our powers into the realm of GM. Much of the attitude of the player has to do with the work of each EM. The thing to remember is, every event mod is a player, too. There is a lot of room to identify with, understand, and respect one another. An EM should learn how to work with all types of players, from griefers to roleplayers and spawners to Trammies. Also, humor is generally more effective than spite. When all else fails, for the players, there is the ignore feature. For the EMs, there are shadow fiends. Mwahahahahaaa!

What is your favorite part of the LS (shard) community?

A favorite part of the LS players? I wouldn’t even know where to begin. When I get to spend a couple hours at a social event with LS, I find myself feeling pity for all other shards’ EMs. We have such a mature and respectful group. Their discipline, such as at the Royal Guard Drills, have left visiting EMs in awe. Recently, members of the LS community have been getting together to put on large festivals for all of LS to enjoy. They have been great fun, and a big success! Its no clique, here. Everyone can get involved! If you want in on organized community happenings, just come to the meetings held every Monday, 7:30pm CST, at the community center next to Skara bank. I could rant on and on, and tell stories all day, but I’ll try to summarize. LS players rule while other shards’ drool! Nananana booboo.

What is one thing you would to see improve between your community and the EM team?

Things between members of the LS community, of which EM Aname and myself are a part of, already work so well. There is some good communication there. But I still see many members of the LS family out in the dark. I do wish I could encourage more of the community to contact us, whether through e-mail or our site. LS isn’t the most chatty bunch out of game, as can be witnessed on the relatively inactive LS forum. So, LS… If you have criticism, or a compliment even, maybe an event suggestion or an inappropriate life suggestion, get it to us. We also love supporting player events… so if you or your guild wants to do something, holler!

[email protected], [email protected], lakesuperior.uoem.net, the EM forum at Stratics, a PM through Stratics, however you have to do it, we want to hear from you.

Five Questions and Answers to give an insight to:

Michael “Phoenix” Moore

Designer II

For those of us who don’t know, what has your “career track” been with the gaming industry?

I am what is known as a game systems designer. That means I am primarily concerned with game mechanics and not game content.

I don’t normally write quests or populate dungeons with monsters or lay out game maps. I occasionally do those things, but mostly I work with things like combat balance, monster AI, monster and player abilities, crafting, trading, and other such features. My job requires a broad skillset that includes software engineering, spreadsheets, databases, technical and creative writing, and user interface design. I often implement the designs I create.

I’ve been doing this for ten years now. 6.5 of those years have been spent working on Ultima Online, and the remainder of it was spent on Richard Garriott’s Tabula Rasa

What project that you were involved in are you the proudest of?

I had a hand in bringing customizable housing to UO with Age of Shadows. The idea was one that the team often talked about but largely considered a pipe dream.

What I did, the thing I am proud of, was to build a prototype. It was a proof-of-concept that took about four days to construct. That prototype wasn’t very much like the final product at all, and was scrapped after use. But what it did was to show the possibilities in a way that people could interact with. Rapidly prototyping gameplay is the thing I love
most about my job. I did later work closely with client and server engineers to bring the final custom housing to fruition.

Another thing I’m really happy about is my recent work with the itemization system released in conjunction with the revamp of Dungeon Shame.

I have long felt that UO’s random loot drops had one particularly bad problem: the randomness was dialed up to 11. Now, I love randomness in game systems up to a point. I just don’t think that finding a needle in a haystack is enjoyable gameplay. So I got the chance to address that issue, along with a number of other important problems with UO’s random item generation. I think the result is a huge improvement and will significantly change UO for the better.

I think most of us understand and respect Dev’s having to remain tight lipped about upcoming content etc.

However, when it comes to past content only, what was the hardest thing for you to personally remain tight lipped about?

**kind of like, you saw a bunch of negative/griping posts on Stratics and you were sitting back thinking “dang if y’all only knew” or something along those lines**

I pretty much have no desire to “spill the beans”. I prefer to play my cards close to my chest, as it were.

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, this is true of game systems: A working alpha is worth a thousand forum posts. A simple prototype can show off a game system in ways that words can’t. Using mere words creates a layer of abstraction. You can’t teach a pilot to fly with just an instruction manual; at some point they have to take the stick and feel it. Similarly, you can theory-craft a game design on paper all you want, but you just won’t really know if it’s really good until you can actually play it.

When it comes to the current team, who is the practical joker of the bunch and have they gotten you? OR What was your best retaliatory strike against “the joker”?

Hmm. The current UO team is pretty tame. They could take some lessons from those who came before.

When I was working on Tabula Rasa, one of the producers broke the build over an important weekend, when a pre-alpha version of the game was to be demonstrated live. This is one of the reasons why producers generally don’t get to touch the engineers’ shiny dials. But anyway, when he returned the following week, the bosses had literally erased his office door. They removed the door and the door frame, covered it with drywall, painted it to match the corridor, and removed his nameplate. Eventually they let him bust in with a hatchet.

Then there was the time they tinfoiled the lead designer’s office. They went so far as to remove aspirin from a bottle, individually wrap them in foil, and put them back in the bottle (after, of course, tinfoiling the bottle). Every surface and every object in the office was wrapped in aluminum.

When you are not chained to the desk working, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy spending time with my wife of 15 years. We game together, watch movies and TV. We enjoy good food. Currently, we are fostering kittens with an animal rescue organization.

Faine Morgain

Elder Event Moderator

When you first started, what impression did you have about doing events? Is it harder or easier than you expected? Did you get nervous and do you still get nervous?

When I first started I really wasn’t sure what to expect. Sometimes I’m still not! I don’t think you can set expectations in this position because something always happens to surprise you. It’s definitely harder I think than I thought it would be. A lot of the time we aren’t really sure how some creature or puzzle or design will work out until the players get their hands on it. Sometimes it works as planned, sometimes, not so much. You have to be willing to adjust on the fly.

As for being nervous, I don’t think nervous begins to cover it. From the beginning I had butterflies the size of dinosaurs. Even after three years, I really can’t eat on event days until the event is over.



What is it like working with the EM team and Mesanna?

I don’t even know how to express how it is to work with Mesanna. I adore her. I think a lot of players would be very surprised at the level of commitment and passion she has for UO. She definitely doesn’t always get the credit she deserves. If it weren’t for her, I’m pretty sure this program would not be heading into its 3rd year.

As for the rest of the team, they are fantastic and it truly is a team. Nobody on the team sees themselves as being above anyone else and everyone shares ideas freely and looks out for each other. Sometimes one will get an idea for something they want to do but it’s not quite technically feasible. By working together, however, generally someone in the group will come with an idea to make it work or make something very close to the original idea.



What do you think about the structure of the program?

I think the structure is great. Mesanna is our head and has the final say on everything we do. However, all of the EM’s are definitely a team regardless of whether they work on the same shard or not. All of the longer term EM’s are very willing to help out the newer ones and the newer ones bring in some exciting ideas that liven things up.



Can you describe the training you have to go thru to become a EM?

I can tell you it’s come a long, long way from where it was when we started. Our first day with our shiney new powered EM accounts Mesanna put us on TC1. I believe that lasted about one day. It was sort of like turning a group of children loose with a box of finger paints and zero adult supervision. We quickly got moved to an internal shard and a lot of the training at that time was trial and error and “I wonder what this button does”.

Today, new EM’s are started out on an internal shard where other EM’s help them practice and learn the ropes. In addition, there’s documentation that’s been written as time has gone on that is constantly evolving. Before a new EM is turned loose on what will be their permanent shard, they have to pass a test on abilities, commands and rules. After that, they shadow on other shards at events with seasoned EM’s to get some experience while still having a safety net. Today’s EM’s know a lot more what to expect when they get on their shards than we did in the beginning.



If someone wanted to join the program, what would be the first thing you would say to them?

I would say send Mesanna an email! She’s always on the lookout for people who are interested in case there’s an opening. This has got to be the most fun job ever!

However, I’d also caution them not to do it unless they are willing to put the time into it. I think people would be very surprised at how much time goes into being an EM and planning, writing, testing and running events. Be flexible, because things WILL go wrong, have a great sense of humor and be willing to learn from your mistakes and listen to the players. Agreeing with everything the players say is not required but listening to them and trying to see their point is.



Would you like to have a little more control over the player base at events?

Actually, on Origin, not at all. They are a wonderful group of players and I’m truly blessed to have Origin. They really make my job easy.

I remember one of the first events we did where we had to hand something directly to the players, we requested that they stable their pets and line up knowing the chances of that happening were slim. My partner at the time and I were sitting with our mouths open when they did exactly that! They formed a perfect line with no pushing or cutting or even any cranky talk! To this day they still line up when asked. Other EM’s and even Mesanna have been stunned to see the famous “Origin Line Dance”.

Michael “Misk” Armstrong

Software Test Lead

For those of us who don’t know, what has your “career track” been with the gaming industry?  

My career track in the gaming industry had been mostly playing them.  Quality Assurance for UO is my first job in the gaming industry.  Prior to our move to Virginia I had worked for an accounting firm back in San Diego.

What project that you were involved in are you the proudest of?  

I would probably choose The Stygian Abyss expansion as I was involved in testing that project from day one after the move to Virginia.  As this project was my first experience in QA it definitely holds a special place for me.

I think most of us understand and respect Dev’s having to remain tight lipped about upcoming content etc. However, when it comes to past content only, what was the hardest thing for you to personally remain tight lipped about?   

Smooth boat movement (period). When I first saw smooth boat movement implemented and started testing it, I am pretty sure that I uttered the words “Holy crap, this is freaking awesome!”  After spending years fishing and doing MIBs with the old choppy tile by tile boat movement I actually had the “Dang, if you all only knew what is coming down the pipeline” moment.

When it comes to the current team, who is the practical joker of the bunch and have they gotten you? OR What was your best retaliatory strike against “the joker”

I hear nothing, I see nothing, I know nothing.

When you are not chained to the desk working, what do you enjoy doing? 

Spending time with my wife and pups, nearly anything baseball related and playing various video games.