FxGen

It can be assumed that this forum is intended to be used for introductions. Therefore, I will make a point of introducing myself thoroughly.

I am Ardhanari Harihara, a relatively new graphics designer and conceptual game designer. I have been working on the squad-based FPS Derelict for about a week, (which led to me finding FxGen) and have been conceptually detailing what I would like to be my first solo effort, "maru", for a year and counting.

I am currently Head of studio maru, an independent game studio whose goal is to serve as a repository of interesting ideas, to implement those ideas, and to empower game designers and programmers. Inspiration for the first two goals came from the work of such talented people as the programmers and designers at Q? Entertainment. Inspiration for the latter came from the news that Sony had acquired the rights to flOw, a very interesting and original game by thatgamecompany, and would not allow it to be distributed except through the PS3's Playstation Network. The name did not come from the project, "maru", but rather from the meaning of the word in Japanese. It means circle, and it is my belief that game design needs to come full circle, back from the big corporations into the hands of independent programmers and designers once more.

As some may have gathered from my pseudonym, I am very much into Hindu mythology, but I have a much broader range of interests than simply games and mythos. I also study physics, sociology, law and history as hobbies.

As for my personal information, I regret to say that I cannot give out my real name. I am a 19 year old girl (sorry to throw off those of you who know the origins of my pseudonym) who lives in the United States. In my spare time I read and write books, listen to and compose music and watch movies. I am not published, I am sorry to say, and my musical composition skills lack: I apologize for diappointing anyone who might have been interested in my work. My favorite books are currently Tad Williams' Otherland series, though I feel this will probably change when I get Mark Z. Danielewski's book House of Leaves. My favorite band is Acumen Nation, with anything Devin Townsend has ever done as a close second. This should not be taken to mean that I am a metalhead: I also enjoy various J-pop artists, british house music, dubstep and experimental artists such as Nurse With Wound. My favorite movies are the Ju-On series, although the US remakes are not so bad themselves. My favorite games run the gamut from Rez to Silent Hill to Drakengard. I am not a fan of anime, and any attempt to discuss it with me will result in a lot of swearing.

That is all.

--:A/H:
studio maru