Name: Jeff Briggs (Jeff
is on the left in the picture to the right)
Title: BMOC (Big Man on Campus)
LDespot: What led to the decision to break
off and start Firaxis?
Jeff Briggs: Sid, Brian and I had been
friends and colleagues at MicroProse for a long time and we were getting to the end of
projects we had been working on. I thought that, given the dire situation MPS was in at
the time, what with layoffs and consistent quarterly losses and so on, I could create an
environment with a lot more freedom and independence. I had always thought about how cool
it'd be to be a part of a very focused, dedicated game development group, much like
MicroProse had been in the very early days. So I decided that, once Civ II was out there,
I'd make the jump and see if I could get something going. As it turned out both Brian and
Sid were interested in joining, so soon after I left, they followed.
LDespot: How did the SMG design team come
together?
Jeff Briggs: The rest of the team responded
to ads we published locally. We chose the most talented applicants, many of whom, of
course, we knew of already. This was a very lucky coincidence, since we, for the most
part, know each others strengths and weaknesses. And, I believe, as Gettysburg! proves we
have a very small but extremely talented and versatile team here.
LDespot: What does Firaxis mean and why did
you decide to use it as the name of the company?
Jeff Briggs: The word Firaxis (Fur-ak'-sis)
is the combination of "fire" and "axis." I coined the word as the
title of the musical composition I wrote as part of the requirements to complete my
Doctoral studies. When we were thinking of a name for the company, we couldn't think of
any better way to describe what we wanted it to be - a very energetic environment where
creativity is king and hot games are made. FIRAXIS is sort of like the fiery wheel of
creativity or invention.
LDespot: What do you think of the growing
number and popularity of fan supported web sites? I hear the site called "The 14th
Brigade" is pretty cool.
Jeff Briggs: To be perfectly honest, we're
overwhelmed with the coolness of them and hope they continue! It is surprising how far the
web has come in the last year or so, where guys with web sites look really as professional
as any corporate site it's great!
LDespot: Is there anything else you would
like to say to the gaming community (This is your chance to vent, praise, or babble to the
world :) )?
Jeff Briggs: Game-play is the only thing that
is truly important. The function of Graphics and Sound is to enhance the drama of the
game-play that takes place in the mind. As with great music, the fun happens in the
player's mind, not on the screen or in the score.
LDespot: Why ask why?
Jeff Briggs: My point exactly!
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