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Thread: Hanging Up the Hat - Goodbye from Kintaii

  1. #1

    Funcom employee Hanging Up the Hat - Goodbye from Kintaii

    (hey, that rhymed! i am *awesome*)

    It's really easy when writing this to get flowery and poetic; to start busting out purple prose about my feelings on the matter, or about my history with AO and all of that good stuff. The truth is, though, that for as hard as this can be to write, burying it in one of my standard wall-of-text posts would just come across as less genuine than I'd like. You guys deserve more than that, and in my final address to the AO community I want to provide more than that.
    (edit: reading over what i wrote i guess i ended up with a wall 'o text anyway ;P at the very least i promise it's all from the heart)

    So yes, with all of that said this is my final address - Everyone here is well aware of the recent changes that have been taking place at Funcom and, unfortunately, this means that my own time at the company has drawn to a close. For the last eight years I have played, volunteered for, and worked with Anarchy Online - I have made friends close enough to be called family, had opportunities for personal growth and development I never would have had otherwise, been able to explore the world and travel from my roots in Mississippi to Norway to Canada and back again. It's funny to sit there and think that an online roleplaying game can cause so many amazing things to happen to an individual, but there you have it. All those parents who told their kids that playing video games wouldn't get them anywhere in life? Suck it. I'm living proof.
    (edit: just for the record my mom and dad are awesome and always supported me, so props to awesome parents too - love you guys )

    I started working for Anarchy Online five years ago, wide-eyed and no clue what the hell I was doing. Now, at the end, I've gained a slight (very slight ;P) clue... but I still find myself wide-eyed every single day when I step foot into this office. We've talked a lot about the level of talent that the Anarchy Online team has been blessed with over the years, but it's no lie and no hyperbole - I have had the pleasure of working the last five years with individuals who truly *shine* with their brilliance. Talented, energetic, intelligent, driven and capable, the entire lot of them - Creators and artists and writers and coders who are all more than anyone would ever guess, and together were greater than the sum of any of their parts. I have been challenged, I have learned, I have gone through fire and pain and rollbacks - I have seen tragedy and comedy, often in the same game update, and through it all I have been accompanied by some of the best and brightest to ever set foot in the gaming industry. From Craig to Colin to Tony, Sjur, Helene, Yngvild, Fia, OJ, Nina, Anton, Henry, Kjetil, Patrik, Dave, Rob, Osman, Bjorn, Remco, Enno, Jeremy, Daniel, Michael, Jennifer, The Wills, Glen, Alan, Jon, Morten, Dan, Rakel, Laurie, Alexander, Michelle and all the rest that god knows I'm probably forgetting right now - I have never, not once, been happier every single day to get out of bed and stumble into work. All of those individuals (and many more unsung heroes that most of you, sadly, have ever heard of) made that effort of putting one foot in front of the other worthwhile. My thanks to all those who have been my mentors, friends and family over the last five years - No matter where I go or what any of us do, none of you will ever be forgotten. =)

    The same goes for all of YOU as well. The community, the players, the people that I worked *for*. Sure, Funcom always signed my paycheck, but money's just money - I can get cash from any number of jobs. I came from where you're sitting; staring at that same forums screen, staring at that same game window - One day I woke up and said to myself "I want to do that". And so I did. And in doing "that" I always hoped that I could give back to the community of players that keep love and devotion for this old bird alive - That I could do right by them. I won't say I've always hit the mark in every bit of content I've made and released, but overall I feel happy with the work I've accomplished in AO over the last five years; hopefully, when you fight one of my bosses or read some of my dialog, it puts a smile on your face. If so, then I've done what I came here to accomplish, and I can leave without any regrets.

    I also know that as I head out Anarchy Online is left in good hands. Those remaining behind to carry on the work don't have a task I would call "easy" or "envious" ahead of them, but as I said before - The AO team has always been comprised of some of the best and brightest in the field, and if anyone can do it? It's these guys. When I go on I know that Anarchy Online will be carried forward by people I genuinely trust to make the right decisions and steer the game I love in the right direction. I may be heading out but the team that is left behind is quality, and they definitely deserve your respect and kind thoughts - I can't wait to see what they manage to accomplish after I'm gone, and I think you guys will be more than happy with their talents as well. The future is bright for AO, and though part of me hates not being here on the ground to see it happen "first hand" I know that what's to come will be well worth the effort and the wait; even if I'll be experiencing it as "just another player" I look forward to seeing the fruits of their labours. There's definitely good stuff on the horizon, with an incredibly talented and capable team to take us there - Should be fun times. =)

    Five years is a long time to do anything, particularly for a guy like me. For as much love as I have for Anarchy Online, Funcom and all of my fellow co-workers, I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't excited by the opportunity to do something new and different. As a matter of fact, I already have a couple of potential "new and different" things lined up that I am *incredibly* thrilled to be looking at (and a few things that fall under the "old and samey" header that can pay the bills ) - You guys can keep watch over my Twitter and Facebook accounts to learn more about what's happening in the life of Kintaii and where I'm headed next. Soon as I know my Next Big Thing, you guys will too - Would love to see some of you again, later down the line. =D

    And now, with all of that said, I'll draw this to a close. My official last day is the 21st of September (next Friday) - In the mean time I'll still be hanging around helping out with moderation and whatnot, so don't expect this to be my last *post* before then. Just letting you guys know what's up.

    Before I go, though, there's one last thing to do.

    One final action I have to take.

    One last hat to give away.

    My own.

    As The Fates will be taking off with me (they're thinking about going for a long vacation down in the Bahamas - they've heard its nice there this time of year), there will sadly most likely be a lack of hats in the near future. Though I had thought about taking mine with me when I left, I figured it best to pass it along to one of you.

    So how do you get your hands on my hat? The rules are simple.


    • Leave a post in this thread that amuses me somehow.
    • Do not break the forum rules or face my wrath.


    That's it. Your method of "amusement" can be a joke, poem, a screenshot, a hand-painted life-sized scale model of a leet; whatever you and your imagination dreams up. The contest closes Thursday, Sept. 20th, 2012. Whoever amuses me the most will, on Friday the 21st, have my hat placed onto their forum avatar. Please make sure that if you enter this "contest" (and I use the term loosely) that you're already using the avatar you want the hat on by that Friday - You probably won't get another shot at it.


    And with their innovative method of saying goodbye, Lordcabro wins the contest! Please enjoy your new purple hat - It may be a little big from fitting on my inflated head, but it should serve you well and keep you warm.

    And you have it! That was me, wrapping it up. Again, my thanks to everyone I have met along the way - Players, community leaders, co-workers and the like. The last five years have been... a long, strange trip, and one I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.

    Fight the good fight. We'll see you around. =)

    Edit: PS - You guys are gonna want to show up for this. One last time unto the breach, and this one should be a doozy. =D
    Last edited by Kintaii; Sep 21st, 2012 at 19:04:00.
    Brad L. McAtee / Kintaii
    Former Senior AO Designer & Jack of All Trades
    (2007 - 2012)
    ~~ Twitter :: Facebook :: Norse Noir ~~

  2. #2
    I'm going to miss having you as a boss. Luckily, I'm keeping my friend.
    Coordinator Anarrina
    Public Forums Moderation Team Lead
    Community Relations Department

    Advisors of Rubi-Ka

    Forum Social Guidelines // Social Events with ARK // Rubi-Ka Marriage Registry // ARK Tours // Join ARK!

    A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one. -- GRRM

  3. #3

    Funcom employee

    It's going to be quiet around the office with you, Kintaii

    It was a joy working with you, we will all miss you.
    Do keep in touch!
    My posts are my own and do not reflect the views of my current nor former employers/clients

    Remco "Vhab" van Oosterhout
    Former Anarchy Online Game Programmer


    Live Chat Support | E-mail Support | Forum Rules | AODevs | Vha.Chat

  4. #4
    3rd...cya bro
    SOON™coming back...
    Neosh 220/20 Shade | Neokirurg 220/21 Doc crit setup | Neoc 216/18 Crat
    Shades are really invisible (from FC point of view)
    Patterns/symbs SALE ----- Refined imps SALE

  5. #5
    You were cool, and answered my dumb PMs. Sad you're leaving, but wish ye the best, dood.
    -Tanisthonus. 212MP. Unity of the Rose. Atlantean.

  6. #6
    roses are red,
    violets are blue
    you stole my hat,
    so can i have yours?


    i'll miss you guy. hope you're having fun wherever you go next.

    also, facebook's been suggesting me to friend you for a couple weeks now
    Last edited by Lazy; Sep 11th, 2012 at 22:08:19.

  7. #7
    I have a hat, I quite like it... so I'll let someone else get yours

    We'll miss you, but good luck and don't be a stranger
    "Do not try and catch the hamster... that's impossible. Instead only try to realize the truth... There is no hamster, only a deadbeat rollerat..."

    [Social] Means: I don't think we removed any bosses because of bad pathing...there wouldnt be any left if we did :P

    AO Character Skill Emulator and Character Parser and AO Implant Layout Helper

  8. #8
    Goodbye Kintaii, all the best in the future! AO shall miss you!
    Bainzyy - Level 220/30 Shade
    PvP-ing - RP-ing - PvMing

  9. #9
    Last edited by nubbs; Sep 11th, 2012 at 22:40:30.
    Tir Muffin Co-op : Free muffin lovin' for all teh clanners

  10. #10
    wow...take care Sir!

  11. #11
    Oh no not KIntai

    i have love your Wall´s but this wall i dislike

    biut i wish you all The best for your next Project

  12. #12
    don't be a stranger and good luck man
    Qret 220 Bureaucrat
    Musstang 103 Enforcer
    Pherto 106 Fixer

    proud Unit Member of
    Storm

  13. #13
    Tbh I saw this coming after Mean's "left". Any chance you'll be returning ingame as a player now?

    Witty comment/poem/joke coming Soon™
    Last edited by Gaveup; Sep 11th, 2012 at 22:24:57.
    Gaveup 220/30/80 Smg

  14. #14
    Farewell Kintaii!

    Thanks for all the amazing work you've done.

  15. #15
    Now who am I could to bother constantly!

    You'll be missed, doubt any of the players know just how much you gave to the events team.

  16. #16
    Sry to see you go Bro.

  17. #17
    Take care and I hope all works well for the future.
    220/30 Ranged Advy, Neut 'n proud of it. Moxet
    220/25 NT Moxilla
    220/29 Moxdacrat
    150/14 Doc
    200/18 MP
    various other bits n bobs

  18. #18
    Was a great run dude Good times were had!

    Come back to Denmark for a re-visit! We can repeat the success of the last couple times we trashed a city and you can sleep on my couch this time
    Thor Mastablasta Hammersmith - Level 220, AI 30, LE 70 Clan Atrox Nano Technician - Setup
    The Red Brotherhood

    I'm a Nano-Technician, don't ever expect me to fight unbuffed, alone or fair.

    Means: about f'ing time :P
    Satenia: heresy <3
    Znore: Mastablasta <3
    Kinkstaah: I have agro from many mobs ;(
    Madarab: we are aoe class, we are supose to use pistols
    Marxgorm: the NT toolset does not fit into my raiding tactics

  19. #19
    I hereby dub this thread The Wailing Wall Of Text! May Lady Eris bless it and wee all over anyone who flames on it! (And She will, you know. You can't tell a Goddess how to behave. Fnord.) We will miss you, Bestower of Hats. We will miss you almost as much as you will miss playing AO in Godmode. BTW: there's still falling-from-big-heights-means-death switched on here on RK4 and rezzing seems to take simply *ages*...
    I'm a Froob Neutral Trade Skilling Nanomage Engineer- by definition I hide round corners and let the bot do the fighting.

  20. #20
    sad news, im sorry your leaving. good luck

    ...can i has your stuff, since your leaving and all....

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