The Company Christmas Party
Sony
Online Entertainment, San Diego, December 2001
The company flew out the entire St. Louis team
to the annual Christmas party in San Diego, California. Almost everyone (and
their significant others) attended the bash. It was held at Dave & Buster’s…which
is one of the truly great places in the universe. A restaurant, bar, and
gigantic video arcade all in the same place. Where else would a game company go
for a party?
Yes…I felt obliged to dress up since I was a
Producer. Black tie was optional…so I chose green instead.
This is Don Neufeld and his bride, Lorrie.
They hail from Canada, but we don’t hold that against them. Don is our acting
Lead Programmer and a damn smart guy…especially since he’s such a young punk
wetnose. ;)
The trendy chap on the left is Jason Wade, a
3d modeler on the team. The ice cream social, Jerry Garcia wannabe on the right
is Jonathan Gizscsak (gesundheit), a programmer on the team. Jonathan’s finace
is behind him. I honestly forget her name. Doh.
Mike Chubb, a talented artist, great guy, and
highly polished bald head, is on the left. Jonathan provides a negative image
(in all respects) for Mike by standing next to him.
Part of the gang all poses together. Me on the
left, in back. Trammel (T-Ray) Isaac, our Art Director is next to me. Nate
Campbell, very creative concept artist is squinting next to him, and Arash
Kessemei, animator is next to Nate. In the front row, one of our texture
artists, Fisa Castellanos is in red, Trammel’s paramour is next to Fisa, then
Mike Chubb again, and Mike’s date for the night is on the far right.
There was dancing. But I avoided it
successfully.
There were also major prize giveaways.
Unfortunately, I also successfully avoided winning anything.
And yes, there was beer. And wine. And mixed
drinks. Luckily, they didn’t affect anyone in the slightest. Nope. Not a bit.
Totally sober.