It’s been a crazy couple of weeks – as many of you have guessed. Thanks for all your letters and calls – it is wonderful to know that so many people notice when the blog lags, or my Facebook profile changes.
:)
Here’s the official scoop: When I left for Tokyo, I was on a mission. I’ve been thinking a lot about my life, quality of life, and for want of a better word – my goals. Friends assured me that this happens for most, post project, and that I should drive deep in evaluating where I want to be. Look out a year, 5 – or even 10.
For me, at least, this kind of math is extremely counter-intuitive. I’m a Tigger, to use Randy’s evaluation scale – and I roll with the punches, most of the time. Things that seem bad become lessons, things that seem great seem like good luck. I let the universe drive, but I attempt to steer.
It’s also pretty hard to say “what really matters”. Our time is so short, our connections so tenuous – it’s almost ludicrous to assume there is a point beyond feeling in control.
And then, if you get past all that to write lists and compare alternatives – there’s the content itself. There are things that seem important, things that seem impossible… things that seem illogical. And all of them weigh in, regardless. It’s enough to make you feel like a monkey.
Sifting through my thoughts, visiting with friends and colleagues… I uncovered a couple of things that are true for/of me.
1) Relationships are Life.
Nothing is quite like quality time with the people you love. Especially when you’re hard at work on something you love, too. We have people in our lives to give us energy, strength, patience and laughter. When they are far from us, physically or emotionally, it makes such a big difference.
So I’ve decided to move down to LA, after a looooong time of the long-distance thing. Will I take a permanent gig there? Not sure. But in the next few months I will be seriously focused on co-location, co-habitation, and collaboration w/r/t our future. Life doesn’t go any slower just cuz you’re cranking at work.
2) Living is Growth.
There are so many things to learn!
By switching locations, I hope to take the best lessons forward while gaining new experiences. Design is fun – but what else can I do? Step into creative direction or production? Help develop long-term strategy or focus on incubation? Start a company or build my own games (art, code and all)? At this point I still have no idea.
But something is changing – I can feel it. So moving forward, my job is to work, wait, and see.
That may sound cavalier, but I mean it as optimistic, grounded patience.
I am a Katamari. I will roll and roll, getting bigger and more oddly shaped… until the level ends. There’s no predicting collisions beyond some negligible horizon – but sometimes, if I pay attention, I can avoid the crazy mice, furious cats and dazed elephants.
Sometimes…
Starting Monday I’ll be down at EA’s LA office. Short-term, I’m psyched to pitch in and help friends get to the finish line. Long-term, I’m curious to see what rolls my way.
Wish me luck. Every little bit helps push the ball forward… every nudge, a blessing in disguise.
