Champions Online Introduces Cryptic’s John Hopler

Cryptic has a new Meet the Team feature up for Champions Online introducing John Hopler, one of the lead content designers. He’s a coffee-powered jingle and theme song buff in charge of making all the cool new mission content and events happen.

Hopler has put in 20 years working with games. He started in pen-and-paper games and eventually worked on all three versions of one of my personal favorites, Deadlands RPG. If you’re unfamiliar with this wild West RPG featuring gunslingers, magic, mad science and the undead; it’s a lot of fun. That Hopler helped write it speaks volumes, and explains more about the Snake Gulch setting.

Hopler’s words to the wise, or at least those who want to break into the games industry:

Play games, lots of games. Look at the games critically. The number one criteria is did you enjoy the game. But beyond that, look at what worked and what didn’t. Did the interface help or hinder the player? Was the game balanced? Did the choices made by the designers fit the subject material?

Also, if you have a favorite game with an accessible editor, try making a small map or mod for it. Don’t just write down your idea and call it a day. Actually finish it, play it and polish it. Lots of people have cool ideas, but to do well in the industry you need to be able to translate those ideas into actual gameplay and content.

Get the full picture of a day in the life of a Cryptic developer in the latest Meet the Team on John Hopler.