Hey all, I’m Jeff Mianowski, one of the two character artists here at Runic currently working on Torchlight. I’ve been with Runic for about…2.5ish months now (give or take) and it’s been a lot of fun jumping into the art style, checking out the game, and working with a small group of really cool, motivated people. It’s definitely been a different experience from the last studio I worked at, which at one point was up to 250+ people O.o! Let’s just say it’s been a great change of pace.

We’re in the final stretch here and that means there are all kinds of odds and ends to tie up, which is a lot of fun for me at least, to see things getting checked off that list. I’ve recently been busy creating some the last remaining NPCs and character armor sets for the game. Personally, I kind of like having multiple tasks on my plate. It gives me the chance to take a break from what I’ve been doing, work on something else, then come back fresh to finish up and plow through the next task. Each of my assignment include, modeling, texturing, rigging and export of the characters so there’s always some aspect I can take a break from if I’m getting a little sluggish.

I’m looking forward to PAX, it should be a lot of fun to see people’s reactions, there’s soooo much more to see than the last time people played at E3. Come out and see us if you can!

The forms are in, the $80 bar stools are rented! PAX 2009 approaches, and we will be there, for the first time ever – with Torchlight.

Today we submitted our requests for basic things like computer monitors, electrical outlets, tables, chairs, and oh yes – bar stools – for our booth. Number 872, don’t forget it! Brock Jones worked up a proposed layout of our 10×20 booth…with a twist! As if the booth existed in the game. See our fantasy Torchlight booth, below. Now if only we could convince him to be the booth babe.

It was on this day, one year ago that Runic Games was founded by Travis, Max, Erich, and Peter.

That day was a leap of faith, as the hopes and prayers of many were answered – and by many, I mean, those of us on unemployment or working part time jobs in the interim. We dove in with start-up funds from our own pockets and an idea for a game – and here we are, one year later, forging ahead on Torchlight, working with Perfect World, about to show the fruits of our labors at PAX. We couldn’t be more happy, proud, and blessed. Thanks to everyone who supported us every step of the way – and here’s to many more years!