FAQ: Peter Molyneux

“Don’t give him an introduction,” says my colleague, pointedly.

“It’s Peter Molyneux. He’s a UK development legend. Everyone knows who he is, what he’s created, what he’s achieved.“He’s been doing this for three decades, he’s made games of seminal quality and helped kick-start entire genres.“And everyone likes him. You could even go into an interview intent on not wanting to like him, but you will. He has this disarming quality about him. I mean, he’s made the cover of hundreds magazines because he’s interesting, and journalists really like him.

“So what’s an intro going to achieve? What could you possibly write? Just don’t do one this week. Not for Peter. Think of something else.”

What are you working on right now, and what stage is the project at?
Fable III which is almost at its final edit.

What was your first job in the industry – and what was the first game you worked on?
First job was Company Director, and the first game I worked on was a conversion of Druid II Enlightenment.

What was the first video game you ever played?
Pong.

What was the last game you played? Did you enjoy it?
Batman: Arkham Asylum and yes I did!

What’s your favourite game ever, and why?
Half-Life 2 for its polish and drama.

How many hours a week do you get to spend playing games?
A minimum of an hour a day, but sometimes much more!

What area of the industry needs more investment?
Planning. I think the industry as a whole needs to invest more in planning and prototyping.

What disappoints you about the industry?
I’d like to see much more innovation.

Of all the games you have been involved with in the past, what has been your favourite, and why?
Populous because it was the first original game I ever made

What websites do you visit most regularly?
BBC, Facebook, GamesIndustry.biz and Develop

What do you do in your spare time that isn’t related to video games?
Cooking and trying to be a good father

What’s your favourite book, movie or TV show, and album of all time?
Favorite book would be The Road, album would be Dark Side of the Moon. Favourite TV show has to be Space 1999

What game would you most like to have worked on?
Half Life 2

Which other games developer do you most admire?
Valve