When you think of Curt Schilling, things like All-Star Games, World Series Championships and Cy Young awards all come to mind. In a world that is focused on aspirations of greatness, the future Hall of Famer has accomplished everything that epitomizes success for a professional athlete. However, many don’t realize that Schilling is a hardcore gamer as well.
Having played every MMO since the introduction of Ultima Online, he is unapologetic committed to gaming as a form of entertainment. Those who know him best are even familiar the family game nights when his wife and kids would take part in group raids, Everquest style. That is some pretty heavy nerd cred if you ask me.
Earlier this week Schilling announced his retirement from Major League Baseball, leaving many in the sports community scratching their head. It seems that he wants to spend more time with his family and work on the development of an MMO. In 2006 he decided to pursue his dream of making a game by founding 38 Studios.
Yesterday, Adam Sessler of G4TV, had the opportunity to sit down with Curt and discuss his views on gaming and what he is envisioning for the future of MMOs. His answers may actually surprise you…
So do you think he can make the jump from Major League legend to game developer?
At first I was skeptical, but after viewing the video above, it has become very apparent that Schilling knows exactly what he is doing. Not only does he seem professional, but he is well informed on the topic of gaming. This is no fly-by-night side project, and he looks to be in this for the long haul.
Who knows… this might be the birth of another face to champion gaming to the masses.
I have every faith in him as a baseball player, but as a game designer? I'll be watching this one.
yea. It's cool seeing him turnout to be such a big gamer. My only concern is what are they going to do different and better, than WOW, LOTR or any other mmo isn't currently doing. Not to mention the new STAR TREK mmo that is going to be coming out. It's a tough market to enter. Especially when WOW has really shown everyone how to do it right.
To answer your question if I think he will be able to make the jump from ball player to game developer: Yes.
From his baseball career, he has two things that will help his videogame company achieve success:
1.Celebrity status that will make people take note of what he’s doing.
2. The ability to foot the bills involved with development and hiring the right programmers, designers, consultants etc.
His passion for gaming serves as a strong motivator for establishing the company, but ultimately the two points above give him a good head start for success, much like Vin Diesel’s recent efforts at breaking into the gaming business.