Interview with Payam Arabzadeh of Infinity Mask Studio by Peter Ward
Self Portrait is a first person adventure game about a bankrupt man who is trying to find a way to survive his cruel life.He goes on a weird journey. A journey that changes his world
In Self portrait you play as Dr. Walter Pollack , he became the owner of Pollack Industries after his father died, but only a few months later the factory sealed by police because of illegal activities and all the investors protest against him so the court ordered to seizure all he had, even his home, in this critical moment his wife decided to divorce.
The night before the final court session Dr. Pollack wants to see his lawyer to show him some evidence but exactly before going out he feels so strange, He goes to bathroom to wash his face but…..
First of all Welcome to Retrogamesmaster.
Thank you so much, I’m so happy to be here.
What is your first gaming experience?
my first gaming experiences was with my brother’s console and his games. so I don’t recall exactly which game I was doing . I just know that I was a little kid who loved doing that stuff
What got you into programming games?
I dont know exactltly. I was always curious about games. As a gamer, I always wanted to go deeper in details. To know how things get done in these worlds. I didnt realize back then, but as time passed, i became more and more interested in these things. And it becane more than just a game. I wanted to know more. To be able to create something for myself and not just using it.
First I started with 3D modeling tools when I was 12 years old, and after a few years I started working with a game engine called 3D game studio. There were baby steps but thats what led me here.
What development tools or coding did you use?
For making Self Portrait we are using C# for coding and our game engine is Unity.Also for 3D modeling we are using Maya and Zbrush.
What hurdles did you have making your current game?
I believe If you love something , you wont complain about it. I love making games and I wont say it is hard but making an indie game can be challenging in different aspects , from gathering a team to publishing the game.
After the completion of the game what game will you make?
Actually we are working on a horror game called TNM. It’s somehow a sequel to self prtrait, and it happens in a much larger world.
What other games have you made you made?
I’ve made some games for my own and I’ve been involved in many commercial games. But This the first time I’m releasing my game.
My favourite computer was my Amiga and console the Megadrive do you have a favourite?
Of course, my favourite console is Sega Genesis. I can still remember most of the parts of the games I played on this cosole.
What is your favourite retro game?
One of my favourite retro games is Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, it is unbelievably good, I still play it sometimes.
Do you still game on the current consoles if so whats your favourite game?
Yes , I play games to study them , as a game designer I can learn a lot from other games. Uncharted and Last of us are two of my favorite games.
Whats the worst game you have ever played?
I played some bad games but let’s not name them. Maybe I didn’t get the point.
Finally what game or feature would you like to see on Retrogamesmaster in the future?
Everything seems to be fine, maybe articles about history of some famous retro games.