Getting to Know-made: Oscar Peñas, Engine Programmer
Oscar Peñas
Engine Programmer
Glowmade Towers - that’s right, we’re back in the studio! - is home to a team of talented and passionate creators, and support staff. Their creativity and talent bubbles over into our games and studio culture daily, and - frankly - we all benefit from it!
It’s always fascinating to understand what makes people tick, and today’s Getting To Knowmade (d’ya get it?) is with Oscar Peñas, Engine Programmer at Glowmade!
If you’re looking to join the Glowmade family then great news! We’re hiring!
So Oscar, colour us intrigued, exactly what is your role at Glowmade?
Engine programmer, work on many areas related to infrastructure and tooling for the team.
Sounds cool! But how would your nearest and dearest describe your job? Do you have gadgets? OOH! Are you Batman??
"In front of a screen all day!"
Uhh? So, not Batman?… Enlighten me then, how would you describe your role at Glowmade?
I like to solve puzzles, and try to do so in the simplest way if at all possible!
*Swoon* I’m getting Zelda-esque vibes! But how did you get to THIS point in your career?
I was quite tired of the lack of interesting options in the field back in Spain, so I decided to look for greener pastures.
Everybody loves an origins story. Describe the moment that got you to pursue a career within the games industry. Allll the details please!
For me it all started when I first discovered the demoscene waay back in the 90s. I immediately knew I wanted to do "that"! Of course videogames is not exactly the same thing, but it's the closest I can do and still get paid for it!
So when you aren’t involved in super puzzle-solving wizardry, what might you love to do outside of everything video games?
Music! Producing, djing, dancing to it!
LOVE! Also, *ahem* I’ve been practicing my Grammy’s acceptance speech for no-particular-reason (if there’s an invite going of course ;) )
Who or what inspires you the most?
I'm inspired mostly by people at the top of their field, that do what they do because they just love it with a passion and couldn't think of doing anything else.
☝️ THIS!
We all know how hard you guys work and the importance of being kind to yourself, what do you appreciate most about yourself. Give yourself a pat on your back.
I like that I have a pretty big attention to detail, and not only for work related stuff, way more than the average person I think! Which can be a curse because it slows you down a lot, but I do think it's an ability which is hugely necessary in this day and age, so I still cherish it even if I have to "mute" it quite a bit to remain practical.
“I’m inspired mostly by people at the top of their field, that do what they do because they just love it with a passion and couldn’t think of doing anything else.”
I adore our team of Glowbugs - What's the best thing about working at Glowmade?
On the code side, I can see there's a culture and an interest in coming up with actual "good" solutions, and not just "industry standards" (those two things are sadly opposites most of the time in the software world). That to me is just invaluable.
What do you want from your career? What goals are you looking forward to vaulting past?
I don't believe in "careers". I just want to ship cool games!
(Can confirm - Cool games are coming!)
If you could have been involved in the development of ANY game, which would it be?
Too hard! I'll say The Witness.
What are your top tips for someone looking to pursue their dreams and get into games?
Follow your passion, even if it's ultra cliche! But it's the only thing that will keep you motivated. Also, be careful who you decide to learn from. A lot of people are just repeating ideas they don't even understand that well. Take the time to find your own "experts", and never be "sure" of something you haven't tried for yourself.
“Follow your passion, even if it’s ultra cliche! But it’s the only thing that will keep you motivated.”
In your opinion, who is the keeper of the cutest Glowmade pet? (photos/drawings encouraged!)
Stef, obviously!
We 💚 Bramble, she’s fancy! 🦗
Even Super-Stef’s pets are über creative!
Who on the team is most likely to make a mess in the office?
Idk, me with the coffee machine probably!
Who on the team inspires you the most? (don't worry, I won't tell them... honest! ;) )
Jonny. (CEO and Studio Head ofGlowmade)
Who's the first to make a round of tea?
Mike D is usually on top of the coffee game
Duckers’ Coffee, it’s a thing! But tell us (hypothetically) there's one biscuit left in the tin and you're all eyeing it up... what is it?
I don't do those.. >)
Straight caffeine it is then!
Now that we are all safely integrating back into Glowmade HQ, how did you maintain the team feeling and connection whilst in lockdown?
For me Show & tell is just great.
Ooh! So if I asked you to show and tell for us today….what would it be!?…
What in the Fallout!?…Now This is a show and tell flex!
Super-cool T-51 Power Armour, oh my!
If you had to pick one game to play for the rest of your life - but let's hope it never comes to that - what would it be?
What game are you most looking forward to?
What's your personal motto?
Keep it simple, stupid!
Couldn’t have put it better myself.
What's one thing most people don't know about you?
I used to play the violin for many years as a kid, and I loved it!
And lastly, what's your guilty pleasure?
Binging on incredibly boring programming videos. Also, pizza!
Well there you have it! Thanks for sharing this Oscar, we know you’re a very busy guy, so it’s very much appreciated!
You didn't confirm nor deny whether you are indeed Batman, though, which raises suspicion...
And don’t forget WE ARE HIRING! We want to hear from you, even if you don’t see a role listed on our website that fits your skills - get in contact! And show us your adorable pets whilst you’re at it!
