Hey guys and gals!
We often mention our team in terms of "Amplidudes and Amplidudettes", but we decided we should give you folks an idea of who we mean. You've guessed it, it's time for another instalment 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.
He crafts the enchanting soundscapes in our games, meet Benjamin, aka DioD!
Who are you and what do you do at Amplitude?
I am Benjamin Michenaud, aka DioD on the outernets. I am a Sound Designer, and I've worked on the audio of all Amplitude games. My work consists in a lot of things, from realizing the game's SFC and integrating them, to working with FlyByNo to integrate the soundtrack into the game, etc. I often work with Adrien (tichau, the AI and audio programmer) to implement more complex things.
What were you doing before you joined Amplitude?
Contrarily to my colleagues, I am not an Amplitude employee! I am part of Game Audio Factory, and am mandated to work on Amplitude games. Before that, like a lot of others here, I completed a Masters degree at ENJMIN, which led to an internship at Game Audio Factory, and shortly thereafter, that was it, I was starting work on Endless Space.
When did you join the studio?
I started working with Amplitude on Endless Space, senior, so... whoa, if I'm not mistaken... that's five years and change!
What feature have you worked on that you're super proud of?
Mmmh... Certainly the ambient system for Endless Legend. It's a dynamic system that allows the player to hear a soundscape that corresponds exactly to what the player sees onscreen (a mix of the different biomes, points of interest, etc.). However, a few other features from Endless Space 2 could claime that throne!
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on Endless Space 2, and more particularly on battles. My typical workday is currently several hours of PEW PEW PEW BOOOM!
What's your favorite game of all time?
Final Fantasy 7. It is the first game I spent so many hours in that I got to the point where I tried remembering what sunlight looked like. :D
Is there anywhere on the Internet where I can see more of your stuff?
Currently there isn't, I need to take the time to update my website...
What's your favorite faction or character in our games?
OK, playtime's over! Of course it's the Sophons! This species always reminded me of a bunch of gifted but clumsy teenagers, frantically looking for answers. Let me remind you they blew up their own moon... by accident. Seriously though, don't mess with the Sophons, you could end up in a test tube.
Is there a funny story that happened to you at Amplitude?
A funny story? Nah, it's way too serious and calm here for there to be any (NDE: Benjamin has his own little sound studio bubble alone on the top floor of the studio). Regardless, some say that there was a time during Endless Space development when ships fired ducks... but they must be mistaken...
What's the most played song in your music library?
Not really a song but rather an album: Valtari by Sigur Rós. There isn't a week passing by where I don't listen to it. If you've never heard it before, give it a shot right now!
What's the next place you want to travel to?
To Colorado, and a race that makes me dream (the Hardrock 100). I hope to have the chance to be selected one day, fingers crossed! If you guys are curious:
Now close this window and go give Valtari a listen!
That's it for Benjamin! We hope you found this interesting. Comments or additional questions, feel free to comment!
If there's a question you would like us to ask the interviewees, let us know!