Former NASA Engineer Now Creative Mind Behind Baltimore Game Company
Andy Looney of Looney Labs has his own unique curriculum for what he now calls a unique small game company. Looney graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in computer science; and started out in aerospace at NASA as a software engineer while harboring aspirations of becoming a writer. At the same time, he was also fascinated with games.
What inspired you to enter your current field and to start your current enterprise?
"Games have always been my passion; but I got into designing them by accident. I really wanted to be a writer; so I wrote a story with an imaginary board game. But, what really got us going was the card game I invented when I was challenged to create a cheaper alternative to this board game that I'd written about but found too expensive to manufacture. Card games are comparatively easy to produce."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"Although I didn't plan it this way, my fields of study in college actually proved to be perfect for what I ended up doing. Since I wanted to be a writer, I took a lot of English classes; but since I was also more immediately interested in getting a job, I majored in computer science. Both have proved useful in-game design.
How has your education helped to further your career and contribute to your success?
"Going to college enabled me to work in aerospace for many years; and allowed my wife and I to establish the financial resources and the partnership to launch our own business. I met my wife Kristin at NASA and without her; I would never have started a game company. She has helped us to attain the success we have. (Andy's wife, is the president and CEO of Looney Labs; Andy is Chief Creative Officer).
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into your field?
"Play lots of games. Game design is like any creative endeavor - to add to the culture you must be a student of the culture. And don't expect your first design to be good. Like any creative endeavor, you must develop your skills via practice and experience. You must keep trying if you want to make it. Lastly, always have a plan B. It's only those with the right combination of talent, perseverance, and luck who can succeed."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years. Her current interests, in which she has several certifications, are metaphysics and the healing arts. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times.