#insomnia54

My name is Ethan Maddix, and I am a VFX Artist here at Whitebox. I hang out at conventions to gather observations on player feedback, which I take back to Vancouver for further iteration.

Every time I go to these conventions I’m blown away by the fans. People care about these worlds and characters. They are invested in these franchises, they make friends with people who share their love and will vehemently defend them without question. Working on a beloved intellectual property does not guarantee a warm reception; in many cases it tends to generate the opposite result. But when you meet people face to face or win them over with the product, it is a rewarding experience. Seeing the same excitement in the eyes of the fans that I see every day in the workplace makes the long hours, the risk, and the detractors worthwhile.

Insomnia kicked off with some fast-paced games of Dark Nexus Arena. I was at PAX East as well and Insomnia had a very different feel. There was a lot more community influencer, streamer, and clan presence. Presenting live to a crowd at the Insomnia Main Stage was a great experience too, and was something we didn’t get a chance to do at previous conventions. A bunch of Games Workshop guys visited our booth over the course of the event, and for many it was the first time they had played. Throughout all the craziness, the Multiplay guys were very welcoming and we’re hoping to make it back soon.

On the final day, we held an impromptu tournament, in which Konvict Gaming went undefeated and took the victory in a 100-92 game against the developers. I’ve seen the game as a fan, an exciting foray into an unexplored corner of vast and fascinating world. I’ve seen the game as an employee working on a dream project with a group of driven and talented individuals. But now, I have a glimpse at what the game will become as a competitive experience where clans joust for digital honor and glory. Where strategy comes from the guile of players and not just theory on the development floor.

Coventry may have been cold and grey compared to Vancouver’s sun and spring, but the warm reception we received more than made up for it. Not only from fans of Warhammer 40,000 but from fans of MOBAs and competitive games - people who were excited to try their hand at something new; excited to wade into a dark and more brutal world.

SOOoo sad to be leaving I54 soon :( had so much fun in the Eon BYOC hall all weekend :D

Have seen so many cool looking and obscure games even added a few on steam.... hehe