Meet the Team: Caliope
Step into the realm where pixels are more than just passion - they’re a way of life. In this edition of Meet the Team, we're thrilled to introduce Caliope, our shy but oh-so-witty 3D artist and animator.
We’ve asked her 75 questions to peel back the layers of her ultra-nerdy brilliance and unveil some unexpected snark. Prepare yourself for a journey through her game development expertise, sprinkled with her unique blend of sarcasm and wit. Get comfy, because this interview is about to get adorably nerdy and refreshingly candid!
Survey
Name: Caliope
Title: Vizier of Art / Lead Artist & Animator
1. Zodiac Sign: Pisces
2. D&D Class: Halfling Druid
3. Hogwarts House: Hufflepuff
4. Superhero: Raven
5. Ninja Turtle: Leonardo
6. Ice Cream: Strawberry Mint Chip
7. Cocktail: Mojito
8. Coffee or Tea: Coffee
9. Early Bird or Night Owl: Night Owl
10. Mountains or Beach: Mountains
11. Marvel or DC: DC
12. Empire or Rebellion: Rebellion
13. Pirates or Ninjas: Ninjas
14. Edward or Jacob: Edward
15. Pineapples On Pizza: Blegh!
Black Lotus & 3XO
1. What's your role at Black Lotus, and what steamy details can you share about it?
I'm the lead 3D artist and animator at Black Lotus. Basically, I bring pixels to life. The steamy details? Well, let’s just say I’ve spent more time perfecting virtual butt jiggles than I care to admit. It’s all in the name of art, right?
2. If you had to describe your job with a meme, which spicy one would you pick?
3. Give us an enticing glimpse into your daily life working on 3XO – what’s your routine like?
My daily life working on 3XO is pretty wild. I usually kick things off with a massive coffee, because mornings are evil. Then I jump into animating characters, which is basically like playing with really advanced digital dolls. There’s a lot of team chats, random meme exchanges, and sometimes we even get work done. By the end of the day, I’m usually exhausted but weirdly satisfied.
4. What’s the most delightful part about working at Black Lotus?
The best part about working at Black Lotus? It’s gotta be the people. We’re this tight-knit group of nerds who are way too into what we do. We laugh a lot, share way too many memes, and genuinely enjoy hanging out together. Plus, everyone here gets my obsession with making the perfect character animations. It’s like having a second family, but with more video game debates and cosplay discussions.
5. What’s one thing you could do without while working here?
Reigning Sun stealing all the snacks from the kitchen! Every time I stash something good, it magically disappears. Seriously, does he have a snack radar or something? Let a girl enjoy her cookies in peace!
6. What captivating feature or system are you currently working on?
Currently, I'm working on perfecting the character emotes and animations. Everything from epic dances to the most dramatic facepalms. It's all about making sure your avatars can express themselves in the most entertaining ways possible. And yes, I’ve definitely spent way too much time testing out the dance moves myself.
7. What’s been the most satisfying part of your journey with Black Lotus so far?
The most satisfying part of my journey with Black Lotus so far has been finishing the clothing customization system. It’s like playing dress-up on a whole new level, and I can’t wait to see what crazy combinations people come up with!
8. Can you share a sultry moment or unforgettable experience from your time working on 3XO?
An unforgettable experience from my time working on 3XO? Definitely the days I spent perfecting the settings for the genitalia morphs. Staring at digital dicks all day isn’t exactly what I imagined when I got into game development, but hey, someone’s gotta do it! It was both hilarious and bizarre, and let's just say, it's a story I never thought I'd be telling.
9. What is the most priceless lesson you’ve learned while working at Black Lotus?
Patience and flexibility. Game development is full of unexpected challenges and last-minute changes. I've learned to roll with the punches, adapt quickly, and keep a sense of humor about it all. It’s amazing how much smoother things go when you can laugh at the chaos.
10. Where do you conjure up your inspiration from?
Honestly, a lot of it comes from porn. You'd be surprised how much it really helps when designing certain animations and avatar movements. Plus, it’s a great excuse to mix work with a little, um, “research.”
11. If 3XO could team up with anyone, who would be your dream collaborator?
I think it would be hilarious to collaborate with Johnny Sins. He's done just about every "job" imaginable, so why not add video game character to the list? I can picture a special trailer with his avatar playing dress-up in the editor, changing outfits for all of his past "jobs".
12. How crucial are gaming communities and fan feedback in shaping 3XO?
Oh, they're vital. Where else would we get our daily dose of brutally honest critiques and wildly creative suggestions? Seriously, though, the fans help us catch things we might miss and come up with ideas that make the game even better. Plus, their enthusiasm (and occasional rage) keeps us on our toes!
13. How do you elegantly handle player criticism and feedback?
When I get player criticism and feedback, I take a moment to laugh (or cry), then dive in. It’s all about finding the useful stuff buried in the snark. Even the harshest comments are coming from people who care about the game, so I try to take it all in stride and use it to make things better. Plus, some of those comments can be pretty entertaining!
14. What’s been the most grueling part about creating 3XO?
Easily the late-night crunch sessions. There's nothing like staring at a screen at 3 AM, fueled by coffee and sheer willpower.
15. What’s the boldest risk you’ve taken during the development of 3XO, and did it pay off?
Deciding to use Daz3D models. They take a ton of work to get them working properly and optimized enough for Unreal Engine. The official Daz tools? Totally useless. We had to create a custom workflow from scratch, and honestly, we weren’t sure if we could pull it off. But guess what? We did, and the results are amazing!
16. What’s the most maddening challenge 3XO faces right now, and what’s your strategy to conquer it?
Optimization. Getting everything to run smoothly without sacrificing quality is a constant headache. My strategy? Lots of late-night troubleshooting, creative problem-solving, and probably more caffeine than is healthy. It’s all about finding that perfect balance, and we’re getting closer every day.
17. What do you think makes 3XO irresistibly unique compared to other games in the same genre?
It’s all about the character customization and social stuff, instead of just naughtiness. You can create the most ridiculous characters - think neon purple elves with dragon wings and cyborg eyes. And then you get to socialize in this crazy virtual world, with all kinds of tools to foster socializing and community. It’s like we took a social network, mixed it with a cosplay convention, and turned it into a game. Seriously, it’s nerd paradise.
18. What about 3XO has you absolutely thrilled?
I can't wait to see all the awesome and creative avatars that people come up with. We even plan on having lots of contests and fashion shows!
19. How do you envision 3XO evolving in the long run after its initial release?
We plan on greatly expanding upon the mini-games and other social activities and systems. From strip poker to mud wrestling, the mini-games are going to be so much more fun than just AFK dancing in a generic night club. And the simple RPG system we'll be adding in an update is going to be loads of fun!
20. What kind of lasting legacy do you hope 3XO will leave in the gaming world?
I hope 3XO leaves a legacy of unparalleled creativity and social connection. I want it to be remembered as the game where players had the freedom to be whoever they wanted and made real, meaningful connections with others. A game that truly brought people together in a fun and unique way.
Game Development
1. What exhilarating escapades were you on before you graced us with your presence at the studio?
Before joining the studio, I was working on a GPS-based mobile game called Lore. It was similar to Pokemon Go but with creatures from real-world mythologies and folklore. It was a blast researching all the different myths and legends and bringing them to life. It definitely kept things interesting and gave me a whole new appreciation for folklore from around the world. It got put on hold so we could put all of our focus into 3XO, but I do hope to return to it soon.
2. When and how did you charm your way into the world of game development?
You can blame Reigning Sun for that. I was minding my own business, happy to just be a player, and then he was like, "Hey, let’s make our own games!" He’s very difficult to say no to, so before I knew it, I was knee-deep in coding and design. And, well, here I am!
3. What’s the most attractive aspect of game design for you, and why does it get your pulse racing?
The most attractive aspect of game design for me is creating the tools that will let players unleash their own creativity. Knowing that my work will help others bring their wildest ideas to life is incredibly exciting. It’s like I’m setting up a canvas for an endless stream of artists, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with.
4. What’s the most maddening challenge you face in game development?
Dealing with endless bugs and glitches. Just when you think everything’s running smoothly, something breaks and you’re back to square one. It’s like playing whack-a-mole, but way more frustrating.
5. What’s the most irresistible skill a game developer should possess?
Definitely creativity. You need to think outside the box and come up with unique ideas that make your game stand out. Plus, a healthy dose of problem-solving skills doesn’t hurt, because you’ll be tackling unexpected challenges all the time.
6. What’s one jaw-dropping secret about game development that would make anyone do a double-take?
It’s not all fun and games. Sure, we get to play with cool technology and make awesome stuff, but there’s also a ton of tedious, behind-the-scenes work that no one sees. Like spending hours fixing a single bug or staring at lines of code until your eyes glaze over. It’s definitely not as glamorous as it seems!
7. Describe the game of your wildest dreams that would be the ultimate fantasy to create.
The game of my wildest dreams? Imagine a 3D version of Stardew Valley, but with a naughty twist. Picture this: players can farm, fish, and build relationships with other characters, but with the added option for some steamy encounters and risqué adventures. It would be like the My Time At... series, but with better graphics and a whole lot more nudity and naughtiness!
8. Which game dev or studio has you utterly mesmerized and why?
Currently, I'd have to say Supergiant Games. Those folks are like the sorcerers of storytelling. I am absolutely hooked on Hades 1 & 2. Plus, their art style? Stunning. It's like playing inside a painting. And don't even get me started on their soundtracks - utter perfection.
9. What’s your most triumphant moment that makes you puff up with pride?
Fixing a tricky animation bug that had been driving me crazy for weeks. I swear, I did a victory dance right there in the middle of our office. It was like slaying a dragon, but with less fire and more keyframes.
10. How do you keep your cool when dealing with stress, deadlines, delays, and player criticism?
Well, let's just say it involves a lot of deep breathing, some not-so-subtle cursing under my breath, and maybe a few too many cups of coffee. But hey, whatever gets the job done, right?
11. How do you masterfully balance work and play, especially during those heated crunch times?
It's like walking a tightrope while juggling flaming chainsaws - exciting, but also terrifying. Sure, there are days when I'm chained to my desk, fueled by caffeine and sheer panic, but I also know the importance of taking breaks. Whether it's sneaking in a quick game session or just staring blankly at the wall for a few minutes, sometimes you gotta step back to avoid burning out.
12. What makes all your hard work feel like a sweet reward?
It's when I finally get to step back and see the masterpiece we've crafted. Sure, the public hasn't played it yet, but knowing that we're building something that's going to blow people's minds is a pretty sweet feeling. It's like having a secret superpower that nobody else knows about yet - except instead of flying or shooting lasers, it's making kickass games.
13. What recent gaming trends or technologies have you absolutely enchanted?
I’d say it’s the emergence of AI-driven NPCs. It’s like having virtual companions that feel alive, with their own personalities and quirks. Plus, the idea of having dynamic, responsive characters that adapt to your actions is just mind-blowing. Now if only it weren't such a legal minefield using AI in games...
14. Do you have a programming language that you’re head over heels for?
SASS. It's just a special layer on top of CSS. When I still did website design, I just loved to say "Time to get sassy!" when writing the CSS styles 🤭
15. What’s your favorite tool or software that you can’t help but flirt with every day?
Oh, it’s gotta be Blender. I just can’t get enough of it. Whether I’m sculpting 3D models or animating characters, Blender has got my back. It’s like having a hot date with creativity every time I fire it up.
16. What personal quality have you polished to perfection that’s been crucial to your game dev career?
I’d say it’s my ability to think on my feet and adapt to any situation. Game development is like navigating a labyrinth filled with unexpected twists and turns, and being able to roll with the punches is essential. I’ve learned to embrace the chaos. It’s like being the MacGyver of game development!.
17. If you could wave a magic wand and transform one thing about the game dev industry, what would it be?
Oh, easy. I’d zap away all the crunch culture and replace it with a healthier, more balanced approach to work. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love making games as much as the next person, but burning out isn’t a badge of honor. Let’s make game dev a place where people can thrive without sacrificing their mental health, yeah?
18. How do you foresee the electrifying evolution of gaming over the next five years?
If trends continue, then in the future, even your toaster will have a gaming app. AI-driven worlds? Oh, they’ll be so smart, they’ll probably start critiquing our gameplay strategies. And as for new genres and mechanics, let’s just say we’ll be playing games we didn’t even know we needed. It’s like the gaming industry is about to drop the mother of all plot twists, and I’m here for it.
19. What alluring pitfalls or mistakes should one avoid in the world of game development?
Oh, where do I even start? First off, don’t fall into the feature creep trap. I’m talking about adding every cool idea that pops into your head until your game becomes a bloated mess. (cough Revel! cough) And speaking of messes, watch out for spaghetti code. It might sound delicious, but trust me, it’s a nightmare to untangle. And last but not least, don’t forget to playtest early and often. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a game that’s about as fun as watching paint dry.
20. What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to someone dreaming of a career in game development?
Oh, buckle up, because here it comes: Don’t let anyone tell you it’s gonna be easy. Game dev is like trying to climb Everest with a broken shoelace - it’s gonna be tough, it’s gonna be frustrating, and there will be moments when you seriously question your life choices. But if you’ve got the passion, the perseverance, and a healthy dose of caffeine, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.
Personal Details
1. What’s your ultimate video game crush – your favorite game or series?
Oh, it’s gotta be Mario Kart. Nothing beats the satisfaction of pulling off a perfectly timed blue shell attack and watching your opponents squirm. It’s like therapy, but with more rainbow-colored tracks and less talking about your feelings.
2. If you could slip into the skin of any video game character, who would you choose to be?
Oh, that’s a tough one. But I’d have to go with Lara Croft. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be a badass archaeologist with killer combat skills and a killer rack? Plus, she’s got that whole Indiana Jones vibe going on, but with better hair. It’s like stepping into a world of adventure, danger, and fabulous outfits.
3. What tantalizing hobbies do you indulge in outside of gaming?
Oh, you know, just chilling with my two best buds, Sun and Moon, and watching some TV. It’s like a mini vacation for my brain, and I’m all about that lazy life.
4. If you couldn’t seduce pixels as a game developer, what would be your dream job?
Easy, I’d be slinging spells and crafting campaigns as a Dungeons & Dragons writer or designer. I’ve already got the wizard hat, so I’m halfway there. And let’s be real, pixels can’t compete with dragons and dice rolls.
5. What movie sweeps you off your feet every time?
Oh, hands down, it’s The Princess Bride. I mean, who can resist a classic like that? It’s got everything - sword fights, giants, pirates, and some seriously quotable lines. Plus, it’s the kind of movie that never gets old, no matter how many times you watch it. It’s like comfort food for the soul, but with more swashbuckling and fewer calories. As you wish!
6. If you could be serenaded by any musician or band, who would it be and what song would they sing?
The Pretty Little Reckless, and they'd be performing Take Me Down.
7. What dish makes your taste buds tingle with delight?
Cereal. Yep, good old sugary breakfast cereal. Count Chocula, Cap'n Crunch, and that silly little leprechaun are my homies!
8. If you could morph into any animal, what would you be and why?
A hummingbird, hands down. It’d be like the ultimate adrenaline rush, but with feathers. Plus, they’re so darn cute! Who wouldn’t want to be a tiny, iridescent speed demon of the skies?
9. If you could wield any superpower, what would it be and why?
Invisibility, obviously. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be a ghost with benefits? You could sneak into places, mess with people, and never get caught. It’s like being a ninja, but without all the training. And sometimes you just don't want to be bothered by other people, so poof and you're gone!
10. If you could whisk yourself away to any destination in the world, where would you go and why?
Oh, I’d totally jet off to Japan. I mean, the food, the ancient temples, the karaoke, the cat cafes... It’s like a feast for the senses, with a side of cherry blossoms and neon lights.
11. Do you have any secret talents that would make jaws drop?
I can do this weird thing where I bend my thumbs all the way back until they touch my wrists. It’s like having double-jointed superpowers, but only in my hands. Plus, I’ve got this knack for guessing people’s astrological signs with eerie accuracy.
12. What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Well, I might not be scaling mountains or skydiving anytime soon, but I once mustered up the courage to navigate a crowded comic convention all by myself. For a shy introvert like me, it was like diving headfirst into the deep end of the social pool. But hey, I survived, and even managed to snag a limited edition Funko Pop!
13. If you could magically master any new skill, what would it be?
I've always wanted to learn how to sew. But every time I've tried learning, it's just so boring! I just want to have it mastered and skip straight to making cool cosplay outfits!
14. What quote or saying gets you all fired up?
Hmm, it’s gotta be something from the Sword of Truth series. There’s a quote that goes:
“Your life is yours alone. Rise up and live it.”
It makes me want to grab a sword and charge into battle life.
15. If you had a sexy theme song that played every time you entered a room, what would it be?
Hmm, probably the Cantina Band song from Star Wars. It’s quirky, fun, and nerdy - just like me! Who needs sultry seduction when you’ve got the toe-tapping charm of Mos Eisley?
16. What’s the most outrageous dare you’ve ever accepted?
Oof... probably shoplifting. Yeah, I know, not exactly my finest hour. Let’s just say it didn’t exactly end in a standing ovation.
17. If you could enjoy a romantic date with any celebrity, living or dead, who would it be?
Timothée Chalamet, obviously. I mean, have you seen those cheekbones? It’s like having a date with a living, breathing Renaissance painting. Plus, I bet he’d totally nail the whole brooding artist vibe.
18. What trait in another person turns you on the most?
A nice smile. There’s just something about a genuine grin that gets me. It’s like an instant mood booster, you know? Who can resist someone with a smile that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside?
19. What’s your favorite way to set the stage for a steamy, romantic evening?
Well, dimming the lights is a classic move. Add in some flickering candles for that extra touch of ambiance. Maybe throw on some nice music in the background - nothing too cheesy, just enough to set the mood. It’s like creating your own little love nest, where everything feels cozy and intimate.
20. What’s a surprising fact about you that would leave people stunned?
It's no secret, but I doubt most people in our community are aware of this - I'm mute. When people find out, they're like "Wait, you mean you never speak?" Yup, that's me.