Following on from our birthday announcement on Thursday and interviews with members of the 1001-Up.com team, it’s now Craig’s turn to be interrogated under the spotlight. The joker of the pack, he’s always doing something to make us laugh and we definitely wouldn’t have as much fun without him.
The funny one of the group and the only one of the founders with a real job – that is, one not in the IT industry. He provides wingman services to Phil when they’re out on the town and, while Craig wouldn’t look good in spandex, he likes wrestling and action games.
Here are his answers to our questions…
Describe yourself in five words.
“Childish x5.”
What do you do in ‘real life’?
“I work in the construction industry and my skills include plastering, window-fitting and painting. But I wouldn’t describe myself as a typical construction worker – I hate football and not every other word that comes out of my mouth is c**t, s**t or f**k.”
What do you do in your spare time?
“In between working, playing video games and writing for 1001-Up.com it doesn’t leave a lot of time for much else. But I wouldn’t have it any other way as I love playing video games and writing for 1001-Up.com (that’s a bit of luck).”
Where did you grow up and what were you like as a kid?
“I grew up just outside London in the less than glamorous town of Barking. Although there was a lot of bad people around and all to easy to fall in with a bad crowd, I was actually quite a well-behaved kid who wanted to do well in school so I could get out of there and live somewhere quiet (thankfully that happened).”
How did you get into gaming?
“It’s all down to Nintendo as my first console was the NES with the dual Super Mario and Duck Hunt cartridge. After that I never looked back.”
What’s your favourite video game and why?
“It has to be Mass Effect. For me it’s the perfect game as it has one of the best stories I’ve ever played through, amazing gameplay and characters you can’t help get emotionally attached to.”
Craig has been in love with Commander Shephard since meeting her for the first time last year.
How did you get into blogging?
“It’s all down to Kim, Phil and the 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die book. The rest is history.”
Do you think it has changed you in any way?
“It has made me much more open to going out and meeting as many new people and fellow bloggers as possible. I’m glad I have because I’ve met some pretty unforgettable people and if it wasn’t for being one of the founders of 1001-Up.com, I would have never have got the chance to do this.”
Which of your articles are you most proud of?
“I try to make every article I write something I’m proud of but I would have to say I’m extra proud of my ‘when video game characters retire’ series. This is where I take a much-loved character and write a story about what they might get up to when they’re no longer in the spotlight.”
What has been your favourite moment in your blogging career so far?
“Hands-down it had to be going to last year’s Eurogamer expo and doing interviews with the makers of amazing games such as Eden Star, Ethan: Meteor Hunter and Teslagrad. They were friendly and accommodating people who I felt at ease with straight away.”
What are you most looking forward to over the coming year?
“Going to Rezzed and Eurogamer and doing many more interviews with great developers. I’d also love to get to know more bloggers as the ones we’ve met already have been have turned out to be amazing people.”
Describe each member of the 1001-Up.com team… and you don’t have to be nice. Really.
“Ben: One of the most talented writers I’ve ever seen on WordPress. His opinions are spot-on and you can tell he’s passionate about the games industry; he’s also triple-amazing because he juggles work, family and blogging life all at the same time and only a special type of person can do that.
“Kim: Without her being ‘The Boss’ I truly believe this site wouldn’t be what it is today. She has been there all the way through working extremely hard and pushing the team out of our comfort zones so we can grow 1001-Up.com into something special.
“Kevin: This great writer is fantastic because he is hardcore in to his adventure games – and anyone who knows 1001-Up.com can see we love a good adventure game. Also, he was my Borderlands 2 mentor during our online party last month and saved me from many sticky situations.
“Phil: 1001-Up.com would look completely different if it wasn’t for him. He’s a technical genius and works hard to maintain the site, and his talent for making up songs is truly something to behold. He’s the most eligible bachelor in London right now because he’s mega awesome.”
Craig is looking forward to doing some more interviews this year.
Tomorrow it’s the turn of the next original member of the 1001-Up.com team: Kim! Hope you’re standing to attention and ready to meet your deadlines…
