Man, so many things I love about this story. Portal, Valve, Airtight Games (makers of Dark Void), and a female lead developer making headlines in the gaming industry. Kim Swift, best known for her work as co-creator of Portal, has officially left Valve for Airtight Games. Says Airtight president Jim Deal:
“We are thrilled to work with Kim. Her addition to the team represents a strategic move by Airtight Games into new and broader gaming markets.”
Kim’s new role at the studio is said to be “developing titles aimed at a more diverse audience” (read: they want to market to/make games for women). Says Kim,
“I’ve learned so much and had some amazing experiences at Valve,” Kim said. “But when I heard I had the opportunity to work on innovative titles with my friends over at Airtight, I couldn’t pass it up.”
Well, good for her. If Dark Void is successful and Airtight Games starts going places, she’ll be established there already while their profile (and profit margin) rises. Could be a great career move!
Wish me luck guys, I’m currently on a quest to get an interview with her. I’m hoping a few of our local connections and mutual friends will count for something. Instead of, you know, freaking her the fug out.
December 7, 2009 – Portal co-creator and Valve game designer Kim Swift has decided to pack her bags and head over to another Seattle-based studio, Airtight Games, the company announced.
“We are thrilled to work with Kim,” Jim Deal, President, Airtight Games, said. “Her addition to the team represents a strategic move by Airtight Games into new and broader gaming markets.”
Swift was hired directly out of college by Valve to create the critically acclaimed first-person puzzle game, Portal. As part of the game compilation title for consoles and PC released in 2007 called The Orange Box, Portal quickly became the most popular and beloved game on the collection.
“I’ve learned so much and had some amazing experiences at Valve,” Kim said. “But when I heard I had the opportunity to work on innovative titles with my friends over at Airtight, I couldn’t pass it up.”
Swift’s new role at the studio will be to focus on developing titles aimed at a more diverse audience.
Airtight Games is currently set to release Dark Void, its first title, next month.
