So Who Is This Barnett Bloke, Anyhow?

BioWare Mythic’s creative director, Paul Barnett, has penned a short biographical write-up in the Washington Post that gives some insights into the man and his character:

I was a sickly child. I have asthma. I can’t read very well; I can’t spell. I can’t hear very well. I retreated into my imagination and things I could handle: comics, because there’s lots to look at and not a lot of words; and computer games, because they were so simplistic that it all relied on my imagination. I was a happy child, but my parents were always worried that I should get some sun and about how I was going to do in life.

I got completely tricked into believing that I was supposed to live a proper life. I did all the things from 16 to 24 that you’re supposed to. I followed the official plan. I worked every part-time job under the sun. I worked in the sewer. I was a horse-racing commentator. I called bingo. I’ve been a trash man. I put up bill posters, was a caterer and did bar work. I ended up working in an office. I was completely unsuitable for all of these jobs. I thought it was all over. If this is what life is all about, I wasn’t particularly interested in it.

And then at 24, the Internet was born for me.

Do read the whole thing. I’d excerpt the whole thing here, but…well, in blogging terms, that’s considered rude. Suffice to say, it’s an interesting portrait of the man who, it has been rumoured, is working to bring Ultima back into the gaming spotlight.

Oh, and by the way…here’s the image accompanying the article:

Do take a look at that box of games he’s standing beside. You might just notice some…familiar titles.