Steve Gaynor
Steve Gaynor | |
---|---|
Nationality | American |
Other names | Hot Scoops[1] |
Alma mater | Portland State University[2] |
Occupation | Video game designer, writer |
Notable work | Perseus Mandate, BioShock 2, Minerva's Den, BioShock Infinite, Gone Home |
Spouse(s) | Rachel Jacks |
Steve Gaynor is an American game designer and writer, known for his work on games BioShock 2, Minerva's Den[3] and Gone Home. He is a former employee of 2K Marin[4] and Irrational Games and is co-founder of The Fullbright Company. He is also a member of the Idle Thumbs's "Thumbscrew" team.[1][5]
Career
Gaynor started his career in game design as a tester for Sony and Perpetual Entertainment, during which time he made amateur levels for F.E.A.R. in his free time.[6] On the back of this experience, Gaynor started work as a level designer for TimeGate Studios working on the Perseus Mandate expansion to F.E.A.R.[4]
At 2K Marin, Gaynor worked on BioShock 2 as designer on levels such as "The Adonis Luxury Resort" and "Pauper's Drop".[6] Following the release of Bioshock 2, Gaynor worked as writer and lead designer on expansion pack Minerva's Den.[7]
Gaynor was Senior Level Designer at Irrational Games in 2010 and 2011,[2] while the studio worked on BioShock Infinite.
The Fullbright Company
In 2012, Gaynor formed independent game studio The Fullbright Company,[8][9] along with other ex-2K Marin employees Johnnemann Nordhagen and Karla Zimonja, and with artist Kate Craig joining the team in August 2012.[10]
Writing and journalism
As well as writing his personal Fullbright Design blog, Gaynor has written about video games for industry publications such as Gamasutra[11] and video game culture publications such as Idle Thumbs. He has also spoken about video game design for podcasts such as Michael Abbott's Brainy Gamer[4] and Idle Thumbs (which he co-hosted for a time[12]).
Work
At TimeGate Studios (level designer)
- F.E.A.R. Perseus Mandate (2007)
At 2K Marin (designer, lead designer)
- BioShock 2 (2010)
- BioShock 2: Minerva's Den (2010)
At Irrational Games (senior level designer)
- BioShock Infinite (2013)
At The Fullbright Company (designer, writer)
Personal life
Gaynor supports feminism and atheism.[13] He is a fan of film noir,[4][11] Japanese cinema,[14] cyberpunk[5] and the Looking Glass Studios style of immersive simulation games.
He is married to Rachel Jacks. He referenced to her in BioShock 2 as "Rachelle Jacques".[6]
References
- 1 2 "Idle Thumbs Episode 7: Stop Doing Interviews". Idle Thumbs. 17 November 2008. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
- 1 2 "Steve Gaynor's Linkedin profile". Retrieved 17 August 2013.
- ↑ "MINERVA'S DEN HEADED TO A PC NEAR YOU". 2K Games. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 Abbott, Michael (21 May 2008). "Brainy Gamer Podcast Episode 14". Brainy Gamer. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
- 1 2 "Idle Thumbs Games Of The Year 2011". Retrieved 16 August 2013.
- 1 2 3 Gaynor, Steve. "BioShock 2... seeeeeeecrets". Fullbright. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
- ↑ Kerr, Chris (June 30, 2016). "Remastered Bioshock collection to include never-before-seen director's commentary". Gamasutra. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
- ↑ Meer, Alec. "Minerva's Decree: Lo, The Fullbright Company Is Formed". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
- ↑ Ligman, Kris. "BioShock 2's creative lead is going independent". Gamasutra. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
- ↑ "The Fullbright Company: About". Retrieved 16 August 2013.
- 1 2 Gaynor, Steve. "Opinion: Is The Industry Ready For Its 'Game Noir'?". Gamasutra. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
- ↑ "Idle Thumbs Episode 51: The Great Gatling-Gunsby". Idle Thumbs. 12 February 2010. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
- ↑ Gaynor, Steve (8 August 2013). "Feminism owns. Atheism owns.". Twitter. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
- ↑ Gaynor, Steve (24 January 2011). "Get Into Film Noir. Get Into Japanese Film.". Twitter. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
External links
- Steve Gaynor's personal "Fullbright Design" blog
- Steve Gaynor's "Rekall" image blog
- The Fullbright Company official website
- Steve Gaynor on Twitter