An Interview with gibbie

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Could you briefly introduce yourself (age, location…) and tell us since when you are active in the Q1 community?

Sure! My name is gibbie, I am 24 years old, I live in The Netherlands, and I am a mapper focusing on quake (the original). I started mapping in (I believe) '96 for doom and heretic, and gradually switched to quake around '97. My first proper map was released in '98 I think.

How did you get involved in the community?

To be honest, I don't really remember anymore! I guess I wanted to hang/stay up to date with the cool kids (Mr Fribbles, ZTN, Escher, Headshot, Gonzo, Bal, etc.) so I visited Qboard, Ramshackle, etc. quite frequently. I also somehow ended up in #terrafusion…

What Q1 contributions are you best-known for? Which of your works is your personal favorite?

None of my maps are well known. My personal favorite is my last map, Shady. It is sooo good… But kind of samey..

What was your very own motivation to work for Quake?

When I first started I was fascinated by the idea that I could create anything I wanted, and sort of break the boundaries of reality. I (tried) to make real life settings in quake. Then I grew up and learned about quake's limitations and I got more into the design element of mapping, creating geometry that is functional (ie. plays well) but above all is esthetically pleasing. It gives me so much joy when both come together!!

Do you have a website/links where we could check out your stuff?

No.

What are your best memories about this community?

My best memories are fighting with Shambler and fighting/making love with Vonder. My worst memory is gomjabbar's beta testing facility, I felt so sad when he didn't get any entries :(

Are you regularly playing Quake? Are you trying out mods, maps and engines?

I only play maps (dm and sometimes sp), and only those that have appealing screenshots…

Have there been other games you have been playing a lot?

Yes, Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne! I've been playing that non stop since about a year after its release, both online and on LAN's with friends.

How would you describe the Q1 community right now? Is there any contribution that really impressed you in the last couple of years?

Hmmm… I've been very impressed by Than's and Lunaran's maps.

How do you picture the future of the community? Do you (objectively) think that people will still be modding/mapping for it in, say, 10 years from now?

Yes, I think there will still be an active community 10 years from now. If there is such an active community 12 years after quake's release, then why not 22 years after it's release? It'll probably be smaller than now though.

Your #1 secret special ingredient to a good map (imagine a newbie asking for your advice)?

I can't think of just one! To me, a good map adheres to the following rules: sourced lights only (no minlight), trimmage on most geometry edges, all textures properly aligned (no texture cutoffs), consistent use of a theme, balanced geometry (there is something going on in all parts of the room), consistent room/hallway sizes… My advice for newbies: don't be lazy and ask for critiques :)

What is the question you would have like to be asked (but weren't), how would you have answered it and how pissed are you for me not thinking about it?

I don't know.