Derek Smart

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Derek K. Smart is the president and lead developer of 3000AD, Inc., a game designer based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In addition he is president of and investor in Quest Online, developers of the MMO Alganon.[1] He is an independent video game designer and software developer, and the creator of the Battlecruiser 3000AD and Universal Combat video game series.

Smart is as well known for his online presence as he is for the games that he makes.

Developed games

  • Line of Defense Tactics (2013)
  • Line of Defense
  • All Aspect Warfare (2009)
  • Angle of Attack (2009)
  • Galactic Command Echo Squad SE (2008)
  • Galactic Command Echo Squad (2006)
  • Universal Combat CE 2.0 (2009)
  • Universal Combat CE (2007)
  • Universal Combat SE (2006)
  • Universal Combat A World Apart (2005)
  • Universal Combat Gold (2005)
  • Universal Combat (2004)
  • Battlecruiser Millennium: Gold Edition (2003)
  • Battlecruiser Millennium (2001)
  • Battlecruiser 3000AD (v2.0) (1999)
  • Battlecruiser 3000AD (1996)

Smart has developed a combined total of 14 games to date, across his various franchise properties; most of which are derivative works.

On 20 February 2008 it was announced that Smart's 3000AD company has entered a partnership with GamersGate, covering the digital distribution of the Universal Combat series as well as upcoming releases planned by 3000AD, Inc.[2][3]

Recognition

Smart is a board member of the Miami chapter of the International Game Developers Association.[4]

Smart has worked with various publishers over the years, including industry powerhouse Take 2 Interactive, which released his first game Battlecruiser 3000AD in 1996 and which was listed in their SEC filing when they went public in 1997.[5] Prior to the release Smart and Take 2 were involved in a dispute over the premature release of the game. The matter was later settled out of court.[6]

Online activities

A self-described "eccentric and vocal personality",[7] Smart is renowned for lengthy and aggressive online responses to perceived criticism.[8]

In an interview which was featured on the cover page of Computer Gaming World, Smart said of his online persona: "Sometimes when I get online, and it's quiet, and I see something that attracts my attention, I'll post just to piss these guys off. That's why I do it. Because I'm in a good mood that day, I go in there and I start trouble."[8] Computer Games Magazine wrote that "Over time, his reputation as an online defender of his games and unabashed pistol-whipper of his enemies overshadows the games themselves."[9]

Smart was reported to be seeking to license the FreeSpace IP to develop a game based on the popular space-sim previously published by Interplay.[10] This sparked a controversy between Smart and FreeSpace fans. GameSpot reported that "Following Bethesda Softworks' acquisition of the Fallout license earlier this week, word spread that cash-strapped publisher Interplay is having a franchise fire sale."[10] In 2007, Smart stated why he decided to stop pursuing the license and instead start a new Galactic Command franchise.[11]

A 2012 in-depth article regarding the disconnect between his real-life and online alter-ego was authored by media veteran Russ Pitts and published by The Verge.[12]

References

  1. ↑ "Quest Online Corporate information". Retrieved 7 July 2011. 
  2. ↑ Chalk, Andy (20 February 2008). "3000AD Does Distribution Deal With GamersGate". The Escapist. Retrieved 27 November 2008. 
  3. ↑ "3000AD, Inc. Partners with GamersGate". IGN. Retrieved 27 November 2008. 
  4. ↑ "IGDA Miami — Chapter Meeting: June 2002". Retrieved 28 November 2006. 
  5. ↑ "1997 Take 2 SEC filing". Retrieved 31 October 1997. 
  6. ↑ "1997 3000AD and Take 2 settle differences". Retrieved 23 December 1998. 
  7. ↑ "Official biography from DerekSmart.org.". Retrieved 16 April 2008. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Computer Gaming World Interview". Retrieved 6 December 2006. 
  9. ↑ Julian Murdoch, Computer Games Magazine, The People vs. Derek Smart, Issue 196
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Rumor Control: $179 DS in November and $29.99 GameCube games — PC News at GameSpot". Retrieved 6 December 2006. 
  11. ↑ "All Games Radio — Derek Smart interview". Retrieved 30 October 2007. 
  12. ↑ "The Redemption Of Derek Smart". Retrieved 21 March 2012. 

External links

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