MiDAS Spotlight: Kevin Long
Undergraduate Degree: Game Design
Three words that best describe you: Persistent, Humble, and Team Player
What brought you to the MiDAS program?
I have a background in game design and development, but I am also interested in VR game design which I don’t have much experience in. The MiDAS program was really one of the only programs I found that really focused on VR and AR, so that really attracted me to the program. With that, I would really like to add VR development to my skill set.
What was your lightbulb moment that brought you down this career path?
Ever since I was a kid I have been a huge video game player, so it’s always been my dream job to be a game designer or developer. I was undecided when I got into my undergraduate institute, NYU, and I found out that there was such a thing as a game design program. I took some sample classes and it was a perfect fit. The MiDAS program is now a great continuation of my undergraduate studies.
What interactive experience are you looking forward to creating in the near future?
I’m really interested in creating game sets that not only entertain players but also provide some educational values and knowledge. I’ve always wanted to make a history oriented game because I’m also a huge history buff. I have been playing Assassin’s Creed since I was a kid, and I learned a lot about history in Asia, Egypt and ancient Italy. I’d really like to make games like that.
What is your favorite class you’ve taken in your program?
All of Professor Santoso’s classes. I took one last summer, and I’m taking one now, and they are essentially about VR and AR development in the game engine. I’m excited to continue taking his classes because he teaches how to really make games instead of only theoretical work.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I’m a huge soccer fan, I just love everything about the sport. I don’t play so well, but I still love watching soccer games and playing soccer video games. One of my dreams is to also create a soccer simulator type of game, perhaps in VR.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten?
In five years, I hope to land a full time job in the game industry as either a game designer or developer. I would be really happy to be in one of those roles since it is a huge passion of mine. In ten years, I hope to have enough experience to work in a “AAA” level game project. Maybe I could even start my own studio, making my own professional games.
Favorite place you’ve visited?
Definitely Los Angeles and the general Southern California area. I spent my last summers there and I really liked it. It’s also a commercial hub of the video game industry, so hopefully I could move there one day.
