QA Analyst
DnD Class: Cleric
Hogwarts House: Gryffindor
Pokemon Go Team: Valor
Empire or Rebellion: Rebellion
Turtle: Mary River Turtle

When did you first get started in games and how?

My grandparents had an Atari, which was the coolest thing in the world until my parents brought home an NES. From there my love of gaming grew into an inescapable black hole that ate up anything I came in contact with. Math Blaster? I’m in. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing? Why not. Doom? Myst? Zelda? Diablo? Age of Empire? Stardew Valley? Yes, please.

How did you first get started in the game industry?

My first job was with Insomniac Games, working on Resistance: Fall of Man for PS3. I was really lucky to find a first home with such a dedicated independent team; the whole experience changed my life.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I have an outrageous appetite for books, games, and movies, which leads to a really wide range of inspiration. A good throughline would probably include weird works by people like China Mieville and Ted Chiang, Albums from artists like Refused and At The Drive-In, and games like Diablo, Children of Morta, and Stardew Valley.

What is your favorite video game or series?

That’s a lot like choosing a favorite pet, but if you go by total hours then the answer has to either be the Elder Scrolls series or the Diablo Series.

What is your favorite tabletop game?

Honestly, whatever I can talk my friends and family into playing is going to be my favorite tabletop game. 

If Akupara could partner with any person, who would you want to work with?

If we wanted to make a surreal farming RPG with Tim Schafer, I won’t be upset about it.

What is your proudest accomplishment before coming to Akupara?

That would have to be the first time I had family members calling me about a prime time commercial that they saw for a project that I worked on.

As always, if you want to connect with Justin or any other member of our fabulous team, please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Discord!