Q1) What first drew you into gaming?
A) As a kid I had been brought an Aquarius computer and book with the code to write in the games yourself. As I grew up I continued to play on newer consoles / computers (Spectrum, Amstrad, Mega-Drive, SNES, Dreamcast, PS2) so gaming has been a part of my life for a long time.
Q2) What elements of the games you currently play do you find the most engaging?
A) I like RPG's and Strategy games most, but any type of game that makes you think about what you're doing usually will interest me, although I'm also a big fan of Beat-em-ups. I like large games with lots to do and find. I have lots of games from almost every genre so that I've always got a game to fit my mood.
Q3) Briefly what would be your 'ideal' game?
A) Probably an RPG style game which has a decent action element to it, where the combat was more real-time that turnbased.
Q4) How long, roughly, do you spend gaming per week?
A) Roughly, about 10 - 30 hours depending on what else i've got on that week.
Q5) How does this break down, alone, with friends (physically present), networked, clubs, etc.?
A) Often alone on the PS2, sometimes online on either the PS2 or PC playing multiplayer online games. Sometimes with friends we'll have a gaming day. Also the after pub/club beat-em-up session often on Soul Calibur 2.
Q6) How does gaming fit in with your other social / domestic arrangements?
A) My gaming sort of merges with everything else I'm doing. Quite often I'll have a bundle of things I need to do and while gaming I'll just suddenly pause the game and go off and do one of them. So mid-game I may pause and decide to go sort out the washing, make some phone calls or make some food.
Q7) What sort of collections of games / consoles do you have, where are they situated in the house.
A) I still have some of the old systems lying around (my Amstrad is in a cupboard somewhere with a stack of games). The SNES is still about as is one of the Dreamcasts I had (both again with a bundle of games). The systems that I currently use are both in my front room. They are the PC and the PS2. There are 2 TV's one dedicated to the PS2.
-- End of Interview
