recommendations
“Ben joined our development team as we were moving into full production. He had an immediate positive impact, providing needed management oversight for his team and actively improving communication to his managers and to his peers in the team. Ben stayed calm under stress and was level-headed and objective about his team members. He and his team did excellent work, and Ben did a great job of tracking their efforts and ensuring they stayed on time.” November 12, 2008
Judith Hoffman , Studio Manager , Sierra Online – Seattle
managed Ben indirectly at Sierra Online
“Like me, Ben had to hit the ground running at Sierra. He very quickly got a handle on the project, and helped to steer it in the right direction. He was able to efficiently manage a truly eclectic team of world designers while still having time to contribute substantively to the project himself. Additionally, Ben’s world design skills were on full display at Sierra, as he was able to bring fresh designs and new ideas to a genre that is famous for not having any. If the project had been allowed to continue, his work would have spoken for itself.” October 10, 2008
Grant Roberts , Lead Content Designer , Sierra On-Line
worked with Ben at Sierra Online
“Ben is a rock solid world designer as well as design lead. He consistently provided exceptional work and offered insight into all manner of design issues. Ben is intuitive and practical and I would happily work with him again.” September 5, 2008
Franz Felsl , Design Director , Sierra Online
managed Ben at Sierra Online
“Ben is knowledgeable, experienced and professional. He’s seemingly unfazed by the scope of the challenges he faces daily. An ever changing project and a design team full of creative personalities are apparently no match for Ben’s ability to see the big picture and march forth. I have enjoyed each and every interaction I’ve had with Ben and would gladly work with him again.” August 20, 2008
Donnavon Webb , Sr. Character Artist , Sierra Online
worked with Ben at Sierra Online
“Ben is a well spoken personable guy. He took charge of our World design team, and managed to bring many differing opinions and personalities in line. He was easy to work with and was always willing look for a compromise when opinions were at odds. I know he’ll be an asset to any team he is a part of in the future.” July 14, 2008
Matthew Bell , Lead Artist , Sierra Online
managed Ben indirectly at Sierra Online
“I have known Ben now for some time. I was happy to see him come aboard our team at Sierra On-Line/Vivendi, and he immediatly hit the ground running. He took control of many various areas of design on the project we are working on. He’s professionalism, has been second to none. And coming from an artist who believes in high end production, Ben has been a great asset to the team. Anybody and or any company would be lucky to get the chance to bring him aboard.” July 14, 2008
Rob Johnson , Senior Artist/World Environment Lead , Vivendi / Sierra On-Line
worked directly with Ben at Sierra Online
“Ben provides a great foundation for designers to pull from, having such a solid game background. He has a great sense of team compromise while never losing the design vision. Whenever I have a design quandary, Ben is the first on my list to ask.” December 15, 2007
Matt Cox , Designer , Sandblast Games / THQ
reported to Ben at THQ Inc
“Ben is a fantastic guy to work with! He kept a great attitude and was always willing to walk me through anything he was working on. He’s a very good communicator and I’d be happy to work with him again.” November 8, 2007
Adam Smith-Kipnis , Audio Designer , THQ – Cranky Pants Games
“For the short time we worked together at Surreal Ben was lead designer with my group. He was an effective and competent designer and was a pleasure to work with. I would recommend him for a similar position in another company.” March 18, 2008
Mike Barrette , Art/Design Lead , Surreal Software
worked directly with Ben at Surreal Software
“Ben’s an insightful and resourceful designer who a brings a well-rounded point-of-view — a level of involvment found only in people who’ve successfully worked on multiple titles and platforms, yet still remains true to their desire — to make games exciting and fun. Any developer would benefit from his years of experience!” October 1, 2005
Nathan Cheever , Senior Designer , Surreal Software
worked directly with Ben at Surreal Software
“Ben is a person who is very passionate about game design, and has a keen eye for pacing and balance in games. He’s happy to help when problems arise, providing advice and counsel. I’m honored to have worked with him, and hope to do so again in the future.” October 1, 2005
Simon Cooke , Lead Gameplay Engineer , Surreal Software
worked directly with Ben at Surreal Software
“Worked together on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Established the standard of designing all the levels in the game using diagrams. Created the diagram for my favorite level in the game, the Spongify Challenge. Designed how the hubs in the game worked. Easy to work with.” September 19, 2005
Phil Co worked directly with Ben at Surreal Software
“Ben did a great job as a designer for our team on The Suffering: Ties That Bind. He works hard and due in large part to his skills both at design and communication, kept us on, and many in many cases even ahead of schedule, while maintaining a dedication to high quality work.” September 15, 2005
Josh Andersen , Senior Environment Artist , Surreal Software/Midway Entertainment
worked directly with Ben at Surreal Software
“Working with Ben it didn’t take long to see how much of an asset he is to his group and company. Ben’s work ethic, professionalism, intelligence, and pleasantness make him extremely easy to work with while taking a task from difficult to almost easy with his help and knowledge. He exudes invaluable abilities, and I would highly recommend him and/or work with him again.” September 13, 2005
David Heutmaker , Graphic Designer , Surreal Software Inc.
worked directly with Ben at Surreal Software
“Working with Ben for the last 2 years has been great. As an environmental artist, I appreciated his skill and experience. He helped to educate me and heighten my awareness of what a Designer does. His attention to detail and commitment was definitely a high point to the success of the project. I would not hesitate to work with him again given the opportunity.” September 13, 2005
Cory Lee , Level Artist , Surreal Software
worked directly with Ben at Surreal Software
“Ben is a fantastic gamespace designer, and has an excellent eye both for what makes a game fun, as well as making an area look and feel as it should to fit the style and focus of a game. Beyond his professional expertise, Ben is a great person to know and is very good at lightening a mood and keeping spirits up at work. I would proudly and happily work with him again if that was to be.” September 13, 2005
Chris Johnson , Animator , Surreal Software
worked directly with Ben at Surreal Software
“Ben was my lead on the Treason of Isengard project in addition to working alongside me on other projects. He was an excellent lead who always kept me in the loop. He has a way of making you want to work with him rather than simply working for him because he’s your boss. He’s always receptive to other people’s ideas, takes all feedback into consideration and tries to lead by example.” November 18, 2004
Bach Payson , Localization Coordinator , Surreal Software
reported to Ben at Surreal Software
“Ben has all the qualities I expect out of a lead, as well as a teammate. He is professional, efficient, and creative in his management. He also is very personable, and easy to get along with. As a lead, he set a bar that most of my leads since have not come close to.” September 15, 2005
Dan Thibadeau , World Artist , Monolith Productions
reported to Ben at Monolith Productions
