Getting to Knowmade: Jonathan Maldonado Contreras
Jonathan Maldonado Contreras
Principal Engine Programmer
Jonathan’s captain of this ‘ere Steam [game] engine, working every day to keep code running ship-shape and smooth as butter! You’d also be amazed at the sheer breadth of his retro and emulator know-how - give him time and he’ll be running Zelda on the world’s first microwave. Surprised he hasn’t already…
Ello, Jonathan! What do you do at Glowmade?
I’m our Principal Engine Programmer, which means I make things run properly everywhere and - if possible - look really, really pretty!
Now how would your mum describe your job?
Make games, but just as an excuse to play games and say it is for work.
How did you get to this point in your career?
It’s been quite a ride! I started programming games and emulators back when I got a GP2X Wiz console when I was 17, and later I got a bachelor degree in computer science. I passed through several companies like Gameloft working on N.O.V.A Legacy, Creative Assembly working on Hyenas and CD Projekt RED working on Cyberpunk 2077, and now here I am!
What made you want to pursue games?
When I managed to modify a few lines of code in a homebrew emulator and make simple changes on it, it was so cool every time I got to compile and see it all run. I love to make stuff, but most importantly I love to try to understand how everything works on the low level, so games it was.
Share something you love doing outside of everything video games.
I have way too many hobbies - I wish I had twice the hours in a day. I have been learning Japanese for a couple of years, building and painting Warhammers, woodworking, Lego, reading, and repairing electronics!
Who or what inspires you?
In general, I get inspired by people that love their craft and want to master it. In videogames people like Mike Acton, John Carmack, or our own superstar Oscar and all the other low level engineers that just strive to learn and be better.
What game do you wish you could’ve developed?
Pokemon. I would love to make a custom engine that can make Pokemon run like a triple A on a Nintendo console…
Share something you appreciate about yourself. Give yaself a pat on the back, why don’t ya?
I never take myself too seriously and don't have all that much of an ego.
“The obstacle is the way.”
What's the best thing about working at Glowmade?
The people, and working in a company that still values custom tech!
Anyone on the team who stands out as a role model, or source of inspiration, perhaps?
Oscar, and just the whole engine team in general. We achieve a lot with a little, and always try to improve every day.
What do you want from your career? What goals are you looking forward to vaulting past?
From a dream perspective, I would love to make games for retro consoles and be able to sell them. I’d also love to always stay someone that cares about the craft of making videogames and low level coding.
What are your top tips for someone looking to get into games?
Don't focus too much on getting a games degree or something field-specific. If you want to program games, just learn to program, become an engineer and start making small game projects. Never do too-big projects, and always focus on improvement over instantly ‘good’ endings!
In your opinion, who is the cutest Glowmade pet?
There are too many, I don't want to choose!
If you had to pick one game to play for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Super Mario 64.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Watching tons of hours of people going through second hand shops in Japan buying retro games and vintage toys on YouTube.
There's one biscuit left in the tin and it's your favourite... what is it?
I don't think they make biscuits flavoured like Joselito Jamon Iberico de Bellota, but it would definitely be that.
