Trading Card Spotlight - Richard “Pipes” Piper
Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Richard “Pipes” Piper, who is displayed on card number 4197, from the Superstars of 2022 Collection. Richard has been an avid gamer since the Atari 2600 was released. He always loved arcade games and he is finally creating his own home arcade in New Hampshire. He holds 2nd place on Carrier Airwing by Capcom on Mame. He previously worked for Naughty Dog on Last of Us 2 and Uncharted 4 and Lost Legacy. Prior to Naughty Dog he worked on the following Lego Games: Lego Star Wars Clone Wars and Lego City Undercover.
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
I remember playing Combat for the Atari 2600 way back when it was released. I was lucky as my brother was older than me, so he had a job and bought many titles for the Atari, then we moved on to home computers and next generation consoles. I will always have fond memories of purchasing arcade conversions on tape for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 and how we were so happy just to have the arcade game conversion on a home machine. I miss those days.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
I currently work in the games industry as a Lead Texture / Shader Artist, so I keep up with current titles and trends. I previously worked for Lego Games, Naughty Dog, creating the artwork for Last of Us 2 and Uncharted titles and I now work for Turtle Rock Studios of Back 4 Blood fame.
Some of the newer, bigger titles just have too many hours of game play in them for me to sit down and fully enjoy them as I have a full-time job. Also creating these games within a studio of very talented people I cannot play new games without looking at the artwork and comparing to my own work thus not paying attention to the game itself. It is a curse and a blessing. I do love when new games come out that have a retro feel, I can play those without critiquing the next generation artwork as much, as its more pixel based.
What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?
Nintendo Gameboy original release. In the UK, when I was in my early teens the magazines of the time started to report news of a portable gaming device that had interchangeable cartridges with a decent battery life. I could not imagine playing games on a bus or in school and I was desperate to buy one. I started to see reports of games like Super Mario Land and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the system and I was so excited. The release day came in the UK and I bought a machine with Tetris and proceeded to open it up on the crowded bus home. The people around me where so confused what the machine was and I felt like the future had arrived. I still have a Gameboy to this day and play it regularly.
Do you prefer PC or Console gaming and why?
I prefer console gaming, although I used to play a lot of PC games like Half Life and Day of Defeat Source. I just love console games as the Japanese game boxes from the Megadrive and Super Famicom had such amazing artwork and it really gives me a feeling of nostalgia and excitement when you look at those titles and play them.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
I love a variety of genres, but my favorites are Shoot Em Ups like R-Type and Carrier Airwing. I mentioned I am currently going for a kill screen in Donkey Kong so that title is taking up the majority of my time but I will play anything from the early 80s and 90s. Final Fight on the Super Famicom is another huge go to for me regularly.
If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why?
R-Type II arcade machine in the original cabinet. I used to play this game on my way home from school every day and it never gets old. It has taken me 30 years to complete it in 1 life, but I did it last year!
Which console company is your favorite and why? Nintendo, Sony, Sega, or Microsoft?
Nintendo, as my favorite console of all time is the Super Famicom, it had such cutting-edge titles when it was released and it defined my teenage years.
How does video game music influence games past and present?
I adore classic video game music and the people that remix older tunes. My favorite radio station is Slay Radio based in Sweden they have been broadcasting for years and they have some amazing remixes on their station.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?
Everyone, age no longer matters, if it ever did. I feel privileged to be working in the games industry and being a part of making products that entertain all ages.
Do you believe some video games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
Not at all, if someone is inclined to be motivated to cause violence, I don’t think video games will really fuel that fire further.
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
I like to play solo, with friends or online although friends standing around an arcade cabinet waiting for their turn is my all-time favorite way to play.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a video game trading card?
Not at all and I feel extremely blessed for Walter to give me the opportunity to be on a card, I will treasure it always.
When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?
I met Walter in the Funspot parking lot as I was walking in the building in April 2022. The owner of Funspot messaged me to say Billy and Walter were there and to come down and meet them. This was a very special day for me to meet the guys who pioneered competitive gaming and after seeing King of Kong and Chasing Ghosts I really wanted to meet them. Billy was very welcoming and even sat with me to play a game of Donkey Kong, which he has continued to coach me with tips so I can achieve my own kill screen, although I'm currently only at Level 11 but hey, that's halfway to level 22 I guess!
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Generous.
Which company makes the best games and why?
Turtle Rock Studios because I am biased, but seriously I am honored to work for TRS and I truly believe we make some of the greatest titles today.
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
Hand to eye coordination is what it has helped me to develop, and you learn so much from others in the retro gaming community.
Are video games good for relieving stress?
Yes, but it depends on what titles you are playing and if you are prone to anxiety. Fast paced shooters may increase adrenaline thus create anxiety in some people but in general I think it is a great way to relax and find escapism.
Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?
Not particularly and I don't really watch those kinds of movies anyway. I prefer documentaries like Chasing Ghosts!
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
Probably Mario, I love how Nintendo has crafted a character that has had some cool abilities through the years and those games with Mario as the lead never get boring.
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘video games’?
Arcades of the 80s and early 90s and that atmosphere that is so hard to recapture these days.
Of these five elements video games, which is the most important to you and why? Gameplay, Atmosphere, Music, Story, Art style
I have to say art as that's my role in the profession although game play is so important too. The artwork attracts a customer then game play and all the other elements keeps them engaged.
Do you find boss battles to be the best part of a video game?
No, they are a pain and if you are anxiety prone that's where you going to get it!
What is your favorite single player game and favorite multiplayer game?
My favorite single player game would be Donkey Kong Arcade 1981 and multiplayer game would be Day of Defeat Source, don't ask how many hours I've clocked up on that tile its embarrassing!
Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?
I play retro games every day and I am an avid retro game collector. I own many machines and titles and I currently have 9 arcade machines in my own games room which I plan to extend and try to accommodate 25 machines!
If you can design your own game, what would it be about and who would be the main character?
I am still trying to pitch this idea with Turtle Rock Studios, so I am keeping quiet lol!
Where do you see video gaming in the next 20 years?
Bigger titles, more realism and probably more virtual, as in virtual rooms you enter rather than having head wear attached.