Roadmap for 2022
The beginning of a new year is always accompanied by a host of resolutions ranging from the pragmatic and achievable to the aspirational but unrealistic. For my own part this year I’ve decided to aim for somewhere in between and have decided to direct more of my time to blogging this year. In the past I’ve used my social media accounts for my professional pursuits, but this year I’m going to adjust my writing habits to reflect myself more fully.
My hobbies and interests
I’m very much looking forward to using this space to explore more of my personal hobbies, which are many and varied! I enjoy all kinds of travel; flying, sailing, cruising and driving. I have a keen interest in computers and technology, as well as the physical sciences and mathematics, and love reading on a wide range of historical topics — not least naval and maritime history. In terms of the arts, I both listen to and play classical music (on the piano for my part). I do enjoy reading fiction but mostly read non-fiction books on philosophy and history.
For recreation, apart from hiking and travel, one of my most long-term hobbies has been games. I grew up playing and continue to enjoy all manner of games; board games, video games, trivia games, etc. As part of a big family I played a wide variety of games in different constellations (with younger siblings of varying ages). In particular I was fortunate enough to grow up in a home with access to both a PC and educational video games from an early age — games like Civilization, SimLife and so on.
My plan for Medium
What I would love to do here on Medium is begin a year-long series of posts (schedule allowing) that together form an ongoing discussion on some of my favourite hobbies, interests, games and topics. I haven’t so much laid out a plan in terms of topics I wish to cover, but instead intend on following a (hopefully intriguing) trail of thoughts, letting them meander freely without regard to a grand plan nor a detailed series of atomized ideas.
The first challenge to this format is determining where it makes sense to begin. Reflecting on last year, 2021, I realised it was the 40th anniversary of the release of Ultima, now known as Ultima I: The First Age of Darkness. The Ultima games hold a very special place in my heart, and I happened to have found myself in conversation regarding their particular merits over the Christmas holidays. And so — from the top of my head to the beginning of my blog here on Medium, I will begin by talking about the Ultima games with which I grew up!
The Ultima games
Next week I’ll kick off with a post about the Ultima game series — RPGs developed by the endlessly fascinating Richard Garriot. It was foundational to the world of video gaming, in particular the entire genre of digital RPGs, and remain hugely influential to this day. For me, it stands out for the richness of its world and lore (developed over decades of games) together with the enormously ambitious (and successful) invitation for players to immerse themselves into their character (the aptly named avatar).
I think that there’s much in the design of the Ultima games that the contemporary gaming industry should consider — not least the importance of a coherent and engaging setting! I’m already looking forward to sitting down and putting some thoughts to paper (or monitor rather) next weekend about this topic.
Until then, farewell, and welcome along for the ride!
