Stay Awhile and Listen! And Read!
Earlier today a Blizzard representative contacted me regarding a book I've been researching for the past few years. The book will be a nonfiction account of Condor, Blizzard North, and the studio's projects, with Diablo and Diablo II being the most prominently featured. Put simply, the book will be for Diablo and Condor/Blizzard North what Masters of Doom was for id Software and its catalog of games. That's my aim, anyway. I'm very excited about hearing from Blizzard and hope the company will lend me its support and participation.
I don't want to say too much right now, as I'm still in the research-and-interview phase, but I promise to keep you updated as the project moves along. What I can tell you so far:
- Release date: When it's done.* (Yeah, that old line.) Optimistically I hope the book's release coincides with some Diablo III release (which I know nothing about), but we'll see.
- Promotional plans: Like Masters of Doom, I plan to contact an assortment of media outlets to host a free chapter or two and interviews regarding the book. I'm open to other ideas if you've got them.
- Format: Largely third-person omniscient with segments following certain individuals key to the Blizzard north/Diablo story; copious amounts of quotes directly from the individuals involved in various aspects of the story.
Note that all plans--being plans--are subject to change, but the use of quotes is ironclad. I feel that including prodigious quotes from the developers will give the book more of a personal feel, kind of like sitting down with all of these guys (as I have) and hearing their story directly from them. I'm just writing a book; these guys made stuff happen, so I want readers to hear from them.
So, that's what I've got for you so far. Oh, and this book is going to be awesome. I hope you (eventually) enjoy reading it. :)
* I googled "When it's done" and the first four results were: Duke Nukem Forever, John D. Carmack, Blizzard Entertainment, and Valve Time. I take comfort in knowing that I am in good--albeit chronically late--company.
I don't want to say too much right now, as I'm still in the research-and-interview phase, but I promise to keep you updated as the project moves along. What I can tell you so far:
- Release date: When it's done.* (Yeah, that old line.) Optimistically I hope the book's release coincides with some Diablo III release (which I know nothing about), but we'll see.
- Promotional plans: Like Masters of Doom, I plan to contact an assortment of media outlets to host a free chapter or two and interviews regarding the book. I'm open to other ideas if you've got them.
- Format: Largely third-person omniscient with segments following certain individuals key to the Blizzard north/Diablo story; copious amounts of quotes directly from the individuals involved in various aspects of the story.
Note that all plans--being plans--are subject to change, but the use of quotes is ironclad. I feel that including prodigious quotes from the developers will give the book more of a personal feel, kind of like sitting down with all of these guys (as I have) and hearing their story directly from them. I'm just writing a book; these guys made stuff happen, so I want readers to hear from them.
So, that's what I've got for you so far. Oh, and this book is going to be awesome. I hope you (eventually) enjoy reading it. :)
* I googled "When it's done" and the first four results were: Duke Nukem Forever, John D. Carmack, Blizzard Entertainment, and Valve Time. I take comfort in knowing that I am in good--albeit chronically late--company.