10-30-2008, 10:05 AM
Gender: Male
Age: 28
Job: Nintendo Software Engineer
Favourite Hobby: Programming
Favourite Game: Ocarina of Time
Earlier today I sat down with software engineer Peter Watts to talk about all things Nintendo (including his job). It turns out he is working on a few secret projects, will he reveal what they are? Keep reading to find out more about Peter Watts and his role at the big N.
Did you find it a challenging road to become a programmer? What hurdles did you overcome?
It all began when I was seven years old, I wrote my first program in BASIC in 1987. From then on, Computer Science had always interested me. After school I took a course in C programming before advancing to C++ where I studied for a masters in Computer Science. I eventually achieved the accolade after much effort and hard work. One of hardest areas I found was pointers, and understanding how a computer works.
I would also say I learnt from some amazing people and the courses, although long, gave me the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the world of Information Technology as a whole. Some other things I had to overcome was the ability to multi-task as some times you have to code two difference pieces of program at once, but it is certainly a skill worth mastering.
What past projects have you worked on?
Projects that I have worked on would of been mainly personal ones, anything for Nintendo is still work in progress; although I do backlog and update legancy code. I have made a 2d shooter game, a basic RPG and a tetris clone. The most enjoyable project I worked on was probably the RPG.
What role do you play at Nintendo?
My job title is "software engineer", but that is just a posh title for "programmer". There are other roles, such as game maker and renderer. My job mainly consists of working as part of a team under the supervision of a project manager who over looks the general operation as a whole. I do not code the entire game, but I code pieces of it, and I am assigned to a general area to focus on. Each project is planned, designed, implemented and actioned. And from a simple puzzle game to the latest video game craze, they all have the same amount of commitment put into them. Some projects take longer to develop than others, but that can depend on graphic API and GUI cross-hardware issues.
Would you say that you enjoy your job? Or does Nintendo work you like a pack mule?
Ha ha! I am totally honest when I say I really do enjoy what I do. The job is difficult, but not frustrating. Sure, some days are harder to get through than others, but it just depends on the project you are given and what deadlines you need to meet. I'm working in a team of professionals, so I can always ask for help, or help others.
Speaking of making games, what is your favourite Nintendo game of all time and why?
I've had all the consoles to date, but I would have to say my favourite Nintendo game of all time is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Reason? It was the first 3D Zelda game Nintendo made; it was also one of the first games to use the motion sensor with the rumble pack. On top of that, the game was just awesome all over and the fact you could complete it then go back to find all the secrets made it even better.
What titles are you working on at the moment?
I am not allowed to specify the game titles we're working on, as it is still confidential until it is revealed to the general media through the appropriate channels. There are two main titles being developed at the moment, which is all I will say.
Would you label the projects you're currently working on as "hardcore"?
The projects we are working on at the moment can all be deemed as "hardcore" really.
How hardcore? Animal Crossing hardcore? Or The Legend of Zelda hardcore?
I would say somewhere in between the two.
Thank you for your time Pete, it has been a pleasure speaking with you.
No problem!
I hope one of those new games if F-Zero Wii, 30 players online...