We often mention our team in terms of "Amplidudes and Amplidudettes", but we haven't talked about them in a while. You've guessed it, it's time for another installment of our (semi-)regular feature, Meet the Team! If you want to know more about us, or your nephew wants to learn more about the career path of a game developer, or if you're just curious, read on.
Today, we're talking to the creator behind Endless Legend's cityscapes, Tiphaine, aka Tiph!
Who are you and what do you do at Amplitude?
My name is Tiphaine, I'm from Bordeaux, in the South of France. I'm 27 and I'm a 3D artist here at Amplitude.
What were you doing before you joined Amplitude?
Before Amplitude, I was a second year student in a Masters degree at ENJMIN (École Nationale du Jeu et Médias Interactifs Numériques [alocaltalenthotbed--ED]), and I did my last year internship at Amplitude for 6 months.
When did you join the studio?
I joined them upon completing my internship. The studio offered me a position that I was very glad to take! I have been working for Amplitude for 2 and a half years.
What feature have you worked on that you're super proud of?
I modeled numerous cities on Endless Legend, and I'm especially happy with the results of the Forgotten's and Roving Clans' cities, and I really like the Cultist city. I loved working on ships as well... it's really difficult to choose, I enjoyed working on so many things!
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on Endless Space 2. I do 3D modeling of spaceships and characters, and I'm having a blast!
What's your favorite game of all time?
I played a lot, and I mean a LOT, of the Ages Of series: Empires, Mythology, Titans when I was younger. I've never found another series in which to sink as many hours! However, the game that has left the biggest mark on me and made me feel the most emotions recently is Journey. I find the game gorgeous. Of course, I can be found exploding the odd Boomer in Left for Dead when I need to relieve the pressure...
Is there anywhere on the Internet where I can see more of your stuff?
Well, I try to keep my Art Station page updated as regularly as possible: https://www.artstation.com/artist/tiphaine
What's your favorite faction or character in our games?
I love the Forgotten! As a graphic artist, I am really responsive to a faction's style and visual identity: if their look doesn't suit me, I can't really play them.
During my WoW period in high school, I was always playing Rogues, I liked to loot my enemies' pockets in stealth mode and lockpicking chests. I think this played a major part in my love for the Forgotten!
Is there a funny story that happened to you at Amplitude?
I laughed a lot when I was told about the Amplitude workshop-slash-ski-vacation last year. I couldn't go because I was also traveling at the time, but I heard that Simon (Pixel artist, he was on our last Twitch stream --ED) fell off the chair lift atop the slope, right into our Technical director Eric! Thankfully no one was hurt, so we can laugh about it and make fun of them!
I wish there was a highlight reel of all these moments!
What's the most played song in your music library?
I listen to a bit of everything, but I'm a big fan of what we call "US sound", and I often dive back into classics from Busta Rhymes or Ludacris, it gives me the boost I need for my workday!
What's your favorite quote?
"Nothing ventured, everything wasted!" it's a take on "nothing ventured, nothing gained", but I like it better.
That's it for Tiphaine!
We hope you found this interesting. Comments or additional questions, feel free to ask!
