studio_synth

Getting to Know Lead Designer, Francisco Tous II

By Deana Galbraith

Today we will be featuring a written interview with Francisco Tous II, the Lead Designer working on "Celestial Symphony." He is currently in his senior year at the University of Central Florida studying Digital Media: Game Design. Francisco also worked on a map for Company of Heroes 2, which has been a top rated map since 2013. Check out the map on steam.

What are some projects you’ve worked on so far?

I made a map for Company of Heroes 2 with a friend, neither of us had really made anything for a game before but we decided to give it a shot and we managed to make a map that the community loves to play. Then I was involved in a project for casual game design where I made a match 3 game, it was probably one of my favorite projects as it was a complete game made from scratch. It might have been simple but it was a game my team and I could say we made.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a research project that utilizes a midi piano as a controller. The idea of using a piano to manipulate planets in sandbox style game is very unique and helps me understand that sometimes you can’t rely on conventions to create a game and that creativity is key. I just finished redesigning core mechanics for the game after finally coming up with a system that is simple yet effective.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I think the best part of my work is trying to come up with the structure of a game. Figuring out core mechanics and overall achieving an understanding of how the game is going to play out. It’s a task that is frustrating as you try to figure out all the kinks in the systems yet rewarding when it all comes together and you can step back and smile as you watch it all come together.

What are some of the challenges you’ve come across so far?

The biggest challenge would have to be implementation of the piano and tying it to game play. Due to the fact it’s a completely different style of control set up, a lot of conventions simply don’t apply. That means that there was quite a bit of time doing what I feel was essentially reinventing the wheel. It also made understanding how core mechanics would work a bit more difficult but in the end it was a good way to break from conventions and really think about how to tackle the issue.

What are you most excited for?

At this point I am probably most excited to see how this game turns out. It is the most unique thing I’ve ever worked on and I would be lying if I didn’t say that this was at the top of my list.

What are your career goals?

My current plan after graduation is to find a job within the Orlando area, preferably in the simulation area so I can get the experience needed for other jobs. The idea is to use it as a stepping stone for now. I am also hoping that I can work on some side projects with those I’ve made connections with.

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