Derek Smart

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Derek K. Smart is the president and lead developer of 3000AD, Inc., a video game developer based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is an independent video game designer and software developer, and the creator of the Battlecruiser 3000AD and Universal Combat video game series. A self-described "eccentric and vocal personality",[1] Smart is renowned for lengthy and aggressive online responses to perceived criticism and is as well known for his online presence as he is for the games that he makes. [2]

Contents

Developed Games

On February 20th it was announced that Smart's 3000AD company has entered a partnership with GamersGate, covering the digital distribution of the Universal Combat series as well as upcoming releases planned by 3000AD, Inc.[3][4]

Recognition

Smart is a board member of the Miami chapter of the International Game Developers Association.[5]

Online controversy

Derek Smart has become known in the gaming community for making aggressive and lengthy online replies to criticism of his work, leading to heated and protracted discussions on Usenet and game forums.[6] In an interview which was featured on the cover page of Computer Gaming World, Smart said of his online persona: "Sometimes when I get online, and it's quiet, and I see something that attracts my attention, I'll post just to piss these guys off. That's why I do it. Because I'm in a good mood that day, I go in there and I start trouble."[2] A case history about the troubles and problems Mr. Smart encountered during the development of his flagship game, BattleCruiser 3000AD, commented that "... almost everyone would agree that he is probably the best known, most divisive personality ever to participate in an online gaming community."[7]

FreeSpace licensing

Smart was reported to be seeking to license the FreeSpace IP to develop a game based on the popular space-sim previously published by Interplay.[8] This sparked a controversy between Smart and FreeSpace fans. Gamespot reported that "Following Bethesda Softworks' acquisition of the Fallout license earlier this week, word spread that cash-strapped publisher Interplay is having a franchise fire sale.[8] The rumors of Smart's involvement started when he posed the question, "Would you buy Freespace 3 if I made it?" on the Adrenaline Vault forums. In the next paragraph, though, Smart clarified his supposition stating that he was only "seriously considering" licensing the FreeSpace engine. However, the very possibility of Smart taking over the series generated a strong reaction, prompting a heated exchange between Smart and FreeSpace fans. The controversy was further discussed in a Slashdot article.[9] In a 2007 All Games Radio interview, Smart stated why he decided to stop pursuing the license and instead start a new (Galactic Command) franchise.[10]

References

  1. ^ "Official biography from DerekSmart.org.". http://www.dereksmart.org/DEREK_SMART_BIO.PDF. Retrieved 2008-04-16. 
  2. ^ a b "Computer Gaming World Interview". http://www.3000ad.com/press/ds_interview_cgw0401.jpg. Retrieved 2006-12-06. 
  3. ^ Chalk, Andy (20 February 2008). "3000AD Does Distribution Deal With GamersGate". The Escapist. http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/81603-3000AD-Does-Distribution-Deal-With-GamersGate. Retrieved 2008-11-27. 
  4. ^ "3000AD, Inc. Partners with GamersGate". IGN. http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/853/853392p1.html. Retrieved 2008-11-27. 
  5. ^ "IGDA Miami — Chapter Meeting: June 2002". http://www.igda.org/miami/meetings/2002-06.php. Retrieved 2006-11-28. 
  6. ^ "GameSpy.com — Daily Victim: A tribute to online gaming dementia.". http://archive.gamespy.com/dailyvictim/index.asp?id=232. Retrieved 2006-10-16. 
  7. ^ http://www.stanford.edu/group/htgg/cgi-bin/drupal/sites/default/files2/nfang_2001_2.pdf
  8. ^ a b "Rumor Control: $179 DS in November and $29.99 GameCube games — PC News at GameSpot". http://www.gamespot.com/pc/sim/freespace2/news_6102932.html. Retrieved 2006-12-06. 
  9. ^ "Slashdot — Derek Smart Lusting Rights to Freespace?". http://games.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/07/17/0533221. Retrieved 2006-12-06. 
  10. ^ "All Games Radio — Derek Smart interview". http://www.allgames.com/radio.asp?show=agi&ep=405. Retrieved 2007-10-30. 

External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Smart"