Derek Smart
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Derek K. Smart is the president and lead developer of 3000AD, Inc., a game designer based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In addition he is president of and investor in Quest Online, developers of the MMO Alganon.[1] 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",[2] 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.[3] A 2012 in-depth article regarding the disconnect between his real-life and online alter-ego was recently authored by media veteran Russ Pitts and published by The Verge.[4]
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Developed games
- Battlecruiser 3000AD
- Battlecruiser Millennium
- Universal Combat
- Universal Combat A World Apart
- Galactic Command
- All Aspect Warfare
- Angle of Attack
- Line of Defense
Smart has developed a combined total of 14 games to date, across his various franchise properties; most of which are derivative works.
On 20 February 2008 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.[5][6]
Recognition
Smart is a board member of the Miami chapter of the International Game Developers Association.[7]
Smart has worked with various publishers over the years, including industry powerhouse Take 2 Interactive, which released his first game Battlecruiser 3000AD in 1996 and which was listed in their SEC filing when they went public in 1997.[8] Prior to the release Smart and Take 2 were involved in a dispute over the premature release of the game. The matter was later settled out of court.[9]
Online activities
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."[3] Computer Games Magazine wrote that "Over time, his reputation as an online defender of his games and unabashed pistol-whipper of his enemies overshadows the games themselves."[10]
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.[11] 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."[11] In 2007, Smart stated why he decided to stop pursuing the license and instead start a new Galactic Command franchise.[12]
References
- ^ "Quest Online Corporate information". Retrieved 7 July 2011.
- ^ "Official biography from DerekSmart.org.". Retrieved 16 April 2008.
- ^ a b "Computer Gaming World Interview". Retrieved 6 December 2006.
- ^ "The Redemption Of Derek Smart". Retrieved 21 March 2012.
- ^ Chalk, Andy (20 February 2008). "3000AD Does Distribution Deal With GamersGate". The Escapist. Retrieved 27 November 2008.
- ^ "3000AD, Inc. Partners with GamersGate". IGN. Retrieved 27 November 2008.
- ^ "IGDA Miami — Chapter Meeting: June 2002". Retrieved 28 November 2006.[dead link]
- ^ "1997 Take 2 SEC filing". Retrieved 31 October 1997.
- ^ "1997 3000AD and Take 2 settle differences". Retrieved 23 December 1998.
- ^ Julian Murdoch, Computer Games Magazine, The People vs. Derek Smart, Issue 196
- ^ a b "Rumor Control: $179 DS in November and $29.99 GameCube games — PC News at GameSpot". Retrieved 6 December 2006.
- ^ "All Games Radio — Derek Smart interview". Retrieved 30 October 2007.[dead link]
