Getting to Knowmade: Max Boyle
Max Boyle
Level Designer
Max is one in a million, mayhaps even… a Maximilian? Don’t quote me on that, he could just be a “Max” on that birth certificate. But he is a legend of the level design team, always testing the limits and injecting nothing but the purest fun into everything he creates. We’re so lucky to have him, and all his incredibly chaotic energy. We love ya, Max!
Hey, you, you’re finally awake! Max, what do you do at Glowmade?
Level Designer! I essentially spend time doing professional Lego with really weird shapes, in a bid to make the gameplay pop, and ensure players have a fun yet challenging time!! Think of me as Virtual Brick Layer and Official Social Media Avoider.
Now how would your mum describe your job?
"So like... he makes things in 3D and puts it in a space... like an architect for games"
How did you get to this point in your career?
I originally started my career at Mediatonic, and later Epic Games, working on Fall Guys and Rocket League Racing! Having been there for a number of years honing my craft and experiences, it was a great experience that came to an end, and I was looking for my next place to become a chaotic goblin. That was Glowmade! Fortunately, they accept my chaotic-goblinness whilst I build out levels and contribute to [REDACTED NAME HERE].
(Another chaos goblin for my pile, yes… good… gooooooood…)
What made you want to pursue games?
When I was about 11 years old, I picked up Halo 3 for the first time. I used to looove playing Halo with friends. Getting mates over to splitscreen games, it was a blast! Then I learned it had Forge, and I started making my own levels and arenas for my friends to play in. If I had an idea, I spent loads of time trying to build it. It definitely got me in trouble, as I barely did my homework.
I remember I made race tracks, deathmatch arenas, infection maps, the works! I then even started writing down game ideas, and seeing if I could make them!! I still have my old Xbox with all my old stuff on it! I knew I wanted to get into games, but I didn't quite know how, but I know I loved making stuff and playing with people.
When I got older, it all connected that I could actually do Level Design, which wasn't really a proper role till the mid 2000's!! So I put my head to it and here we are!!
Share something you love doing outside of everything video games.
In recent years, I’ve gotten really into D&D. I’ve been in a group for the past 2 - 3 years playing consistently, and just started my own campaign lately where I DM!!
I have also become a rather large coffee snob, buyin' all the beans and going to coffee festivals, as well as getting pieces of equipment etc. On the flip-side, when I have guests round, they get nice warm bevs.
Who or what inspires you?
I know it sounds cheesy or cringe, but more often that not, the team I work with!! I'm not the type of person to idolise or look up to role models that are in the public eye. There sure are a lot of them, but people I tend to idolise are people I can actually talk to. My team are consistently fantastic, and their work is phenomenal! Seeing them make cool stuff makes me want to make cooler stuff!
It's almost like a fun game of trying to one-up, and when they get one over on me, it just makes me want to do better! They're all so talented!!
What game do you wish you could’ve developed?
That's a toughie. Some of my favourite games and game series I think, “I just don't wanna see how the sausage is made.” That way it's still exciting and new!
With that in mind, I think I would've loved to peek behind the curtain on would be something like small like Firewatch, or Virginia! Making little set pieces in a title like that just to add something would've been fantastic!!
Share something you appreciate about yourself. Give yaself a pat on the back, why don’t ya?
I think I tend to undervalue my ability to back myself. It's really easy when you see people rip apart your work online, or get posed difficult questions about your designs. In those moments, it's easy to feel knocked over where that Imposter Syndrome kicks in. But I always remind myself to back myself, and just push for something to make a point.
“Trying to accomplish something is better than doing nothing.”
What's the best thing about working at Glowmade?
The people! Everyone here is so lovely in their own ways, lots of good eggs!!
(Yeah, I have to admit, we would make a very tasty omelette…)
Anyone on the team who stands out as a role model, or source of inspiration, perhaps?
My friend Maggie! We joined on the same day, and have similar experiences, but we're both so different! We bounce off each other really well when it comes to our work, and we often find holes in each others designs, which makes both our work better.
What do you want from your career? What goals are you looking forward to vaulting past?
Eventually I would love to run my own team, but we're a good ways off that yet! Besides that, I just want to keep making games that make people happy.
What are your top tips for someone looking to get into games?
It's tough, and it's never guaranteed, so look at the holes in the market and find your niche! I have found in my experience, studios tend to prefer specialised folks who are great team players. Work well with others and have a portfolio that shows you kick ass at something and you'll find a good fit somewhere!!
Outside of that, work hard and ensure your work is up to date. If you're a student, then be sure to have personal work outside of your university work! If you're wanting to be a level designer, show your final blockout in a portfolio, and back it up with a page on why you made the decisions you did! Without an industry project, folks will be looking at you for how you think, and how you defend your designs.
In your opinion, who is the cutest Glowmade pet?
My own!! I have a cat called Billie and she's a real gem.
If you had to pick one game to play for the rest of your life, what would it be?
In honesty? Maybe Minecraft. I can build and create in an unending world! Lots of mods, and lots of ways to play! I think it's the most open ended game you could ask for!
What's your guilty pleasure?
Camembert and cranberry sauce with a French baguette, toasted. Hands down.
(Why would you make me read this just ten minutes before lunchtime, you animal…)
There's one biscuit left in the tin and it's your favourite... what is it?
Do Jaffa Cakes count?
