Six Questions and Answers to give an insight to:

 

EM Emile Layne

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?

When I first started as an EM I didn’t expect to get as much freedom as we do. As EMs we are both writers and actors, I expected the acting part to be larger. I’m glad we get a lot of room to write our own stories as well, I really enjoy that.

It’s been a while since I was nervous about an event. But for my first event… I was physically sweating, I was so nervous.

 

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

It’s great! One of the best teams I’ve worked with. We all help each other out and with EMs from all over the world, there’s always somebody to bounce ideas around.

Mesanna is the champion of UO! I don’t know anybody who knows more and does more for the game than she does. It’s great to work with somebody who is so passionate and devoted to what they do.

 

What do you think about the structure of the program?

 

Europa’s players are usually very well behaved. So the times I feel the need for more control are rare. Sometimes at large events though, the wall of spam can get pretty thick and the narrative is lost. That’s when I wished I had like a shut-everybody-up-now!-button.

Five Questions and Answers to give an insight to:

 

Mesanna

Associate Producer, Ultima Online

 

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

I started in 1999 working for Origin as an External Test Lead when we were allowed to have volunteers with approx 20 testing volunteers.  Origin then built a structured team with 10 testers and myself.  I worked as a Contracted External Lead over the external testing program for years, then I was hired full time in QA after UO was moved to San Francisco.  When UO moved to Virginia, I was offered a different position as associate producer so I packed my bags and left San Diego and moved to Virginia with the team.

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

I actually have two projects, the success of the first External Testing Team and the current Event Moderator Program.  We have a great creative team that works really hard to come up with ideas that are played out in a unique style to each EM.

3- 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?

It’s really hard to know we were putting the shard named Ale on the pirate boats and not tell you guys,  Or to ask you guys for reward ideas and know something is already going in.  Or not tell you about changes we are making that hopefully will help make your gaming time better.  To be really excited about what we are doing and not be able to share is really hard for me.

4- 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”?

Well we do have a joker but I won’t rat him out, besides I just watch him do it so he leaves me alone.

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

Playing computer games, scuba diving, shooting archery, hunting, cooking, playing with my puppies, and being with my best friend which is also my husband