GameInformer

A Quick Inside Look into The Mind of The Nerdcore Gamer

The name is Zak. I currently live in Illinois and am working as a Research Technologist / Software Developer at Northwestern University. I also volunteer frequently at a children's hospital. I'm a trained physicist, an aspiring game designer, and an overall Nerdcore Gamer. I've been playing video games for over 20 years, ever since I was two years old. My earliest known memories involve me with some sort of controller in my hand. You could say it is a healthy obsession. I counter this with a 2nd love on the other end of the spectrum. I am an Ultramarathon Runner. All you need to know is it includes running a lot every single day. I enjoy writing and am trying to blog more and work on a universe I've been cooking up in my mind for years.

I'm a goofball. I love to have fun and joke around. I also am a huge fan of sarcasm and have a very broad sense of humor. That being said, I know when to be serious. I know when I can joke around and when not to. I am typically shy at first, due to a moderate/severe stutter that I have had all my life. It doesn't really keep me from talking anymore like it did when I was a child. But overall I am a pretty nice guy. Just don't tick me off or you'll see the other side of me.

I graduated from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Physics, minoring in both Astronomy and Music. I participated in Varsity Track and Field throughout my tenure at Rose. I was also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Rose-Hulman Pep Band, Water Polo Club, Anime Club, and Astronomy Club. I was very active with my fraternity and with community service, as well as a volunteer little league coach. I plan to hold a few video game marathon charities in the future.

I pretty much like all types and genres of video games. I try to see the good in video games, even the lowly rated ones. I feel the writers, designers, programmers, and developers worked extremely hard on the products, so why not give it a chance and try to have some fun. There is good in every game. It may not be right for you, but it could be right for someone else.

I am very fond of Role Playing Games and can sit for hours being entranced by the stories. I don't mind grinding my characters though levels; I actually see the fun in doing so. Some of my greatest video game memories involve RPG's and finally finishing them after running through hours and hours of gameplay. There is no better joy then completing the storyline of a RPG, good or bad.

I love anime. Each one I watch seems to show me the value of friendship, love, and fighting for what is right and what you hold dear to your heart. I have learned a lot of life's little lessons and values from anime. I am not afraid to say that. I guess that is why I love it so much, even the most obscure shows.

If there is anything else you would like to know, don’t hesitate to ask. I am pretty much an open book.