CODA THE FAQ PAGE: MARK HEALEY Develop grills respected figures from the global games industry
What was the first video game you ever played, and did you enjoy it? The first game I can remember playing was Space Invaders, which I loved, except I never had many 10p’s to insert.
What was the most recent video game you ever played, and did you enjoy it? Most of my games playing these days is quick fixes on my iPhone while sitting on the toilet. Last thing I remember playing is an adventure game called The Lost City. It’s dead simple, but I like the graphics and atmosphere. I’ve also been playing a series of games by a company called Toca Boca with my toddler son on his iPad.
I think the explosion of titles on iPhone is
Media Molecule creative director Mark Healy only has time for two-to-three hours of game time per week, depending on the condition of his bowels
Who are you and what do you do? I am Mark Healey, creative director at Media Molecule. This mostly involves coming up with ideas, followed by a painful period of trying to make other people understand what you are on about. Then, once understood, it’s a battle to convince them that the idea is actually good. If you’re lucky, you get to actually manifest the idea – this is the bit I like.
What are you working on right now? A new and exciting project which I am not allowed to talk about, as much as I would love to. We are actually looking for some new people to come and work with us on that.
What was the first product you worked on? My first commercial game was a Commodore 64 game titled KGB Superspy for Codemasters some 20 years ago. I coded it in 6510 assembler, and did all the graphics using a utility called 3-in-editor’ by Tony Crowther. I wonder what he’s up to these days?
fantastic. It reminds me a lot of the eighties when one or two guys were making stuff from their bedrooms.
What is your favourite game ever, and for what reason? It used to be Mario 64, but was toppled by Mario Galaxy, which I played through with my son. He loved it, and so did I –why? Because it’s absolutely fucking brilliant, that’s why.
How many hours a week do you spend playing video games? Hmmm, let’s try and work it out. I have a poo at least once a day, often more, and each session is probably ten minutes; so let’s say 20 minutes times seven days, then add a bit of random playing outside of the bog, we’re probably at about two-to-three hours a week.
What do you enjoy about the video games industry today? The only bit I really enjoy is when I get a chance to sit down and get my hands dirty
making stuff with other talented people – of which there are a lot. Pretty much everything else gets on my tits. I think the explosion of titles on iPhone is fantastic, there’s some real innovation going on there. It reminds me a lot of the eighties when one or two guys were making stuff from their bedrooms.
What disappoints you about the video games industry today? Companies that knock out the same old games with slightly improved graphics, and Facebook games.
Of all the games you have worked on, which has been your favourite to work on? Rag Doll Kung Fu – it’s probably the least successful commercially, but I had genuine fun making it. The filming was a gas, learning to code again was interesting, making the graphics was a breeze, and I even got a chance to play guitar and make some music.
What game would you most liked to have worked on? Lemmings. I remember when that came out, it was such a breath of fresh air; I am a real junky for novelty.
What hobbies, collections or interests do you have that are completely unrelated to video games? I like creating and recording music – in fact, I’m working on a concept album right now, so watch this space. And I try to swim whenever I get a chance; even though I’m rubbish at it. Other than that my main focus is entertaining my son, and watching him develop. I also happen to be a Reiki master.
What is your favourite book, movie, TV show and album of all time? Book? The art of dreaming by Carlos Castenada. In fact, any of his books. The movie is Apocalypse Now, the extended version. TV Show? A toss-up between Dragons Den and The Apprentice – I’d love to be like Alan Sugar sometimes, rather than trying to be diplomatic and sensitive.
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