Hello Everyone!
Did you know the roundworm is a common parasite that infests our cats and dogs? Did you know that it has a life cycle that takes it from the intestines, to the bloodstream, to the lungs and back to the intestines? Did you know that these worms can grow to be 5 - 7 inches long? That is not the worst part of the news; the worst part is that they can be transmitted to people! Ewww!
These are just some of the interesting pet medical facts that I have learned in my time as the newest producer at Legacy. In preparation for the development of our newest veterinarian simulator title, I have been playing older versions of our vet games and reading, a lot. In a short time, my research as both surprised and scared me. I have probably learned more about companion animal health in two months than I have in the last 10 years.
For me, coming to work at Legacy was a shocking experience. I have been surprised over and over again by the company and its products. For example, I have a Neuroscience B.S. which means that I should know quite a bit about biology. At least I thought I did until I started playing some of Legacy’s older vet games to become familiar with the brand. Have you ever played the quiz in the office in Zoo Vet 2? Did you get a perfect score your first time through? I know that I didn’t. This was unexpected because the game is meant for children. Either I don’t know much about animals or children get to learn a lot from these games. I really like the idea that the games are educational because it’s good for the kids and it means that those animal questions are meant to throw you for a loop sometimes.
Before I came to Legacy, I worked for several different mainstream game companies over the years. The games I worked on were never educational and occasionally, I was personally offended by the content. I find it refreshing to work at a game company where an African American female game character always keeps her clothes on and is portrayed as intelligent and hardworking (Regina from Zoo Vet 2). Actually, if you think about it, Legacy’s games often portray women as professional, educated people.
It’s not only the games that are different at Legacy, it’s also the staff. This company has the highest ratio of female employees of any game company that I have ever worked for. “What does that matter?” you may ask. Well, for one it gives me the opportunity to work with women. Yes, you have that right, as a female producer, you don’t get opportunities to work with other women. I have never met a female game producer and I have never had a female supervisor. Also, the having more women means a friendlier work environment for women. At other companies, posters and desktop wallpapers of scantily clad women are normal run-of-the-mill cubical accessories. I know it may seem that would not be annoying, but try to see it from the point of view of the only woman working in that area. Day in and out, you start to feel like a girl in the boy’s locker room. Awkward!
Well, all the great things about Legacy aside, I am excited to produce my first educational game! While I do not have a title locked down for the project yet, I can tell you a little about the game. To give you a hint, I did gameplay research by watching Animal Cops Houston which is a reality show about the HSPCA and Animal Precinct , the reality show about New York City’s Humane Law Enforcement. The game will be set in an animal rescue and because of this; the cases should take on a more serious tone. I am planning on the game focusing on people’s commitment to companion animals and the basic functions of a rescue. Oh and don’t worry, I will be sure to include a good quiz in the office for you all!
Until next time,
Natascha Thomas
