Today we bring you Aleksander, who has been working on the UV Mapping Editor. You might also recognize his levels in Designer Tool on our YouTube channel!

Name and position
Aleksander Budzynski – Lead Sandbox Designer

Why did you want to work in the games industry and how did you get started?
Well, I started as 3D artist for a video game company called Metropolis software over 13 years ago back in Poland. All I wanted to do was work as an artist – back then, I didn’t really know much about the games industry even though I always loved playing computer games, starting with the Atari 65 XE and also my favorite computer ever – the Amiga. I was really lucky because I joined a very skilled and friendly team, and I had great leads that were there to teach and to help. What I learned there was what made me who I am today. The team was rather small so we had to do many different things, and we had to be really resourceful. That experience really helps me in my current job. At Crytek I have worked on couple of projects before joining the Sandbox team, and that gives me the ability to understand how the engine should work based on my own experiences.

What are you working on at the moment? What's first on your to-do list?
I am working on improving the usability of CRYENGINE. We want the engine to be easy to use yet remain powerful, and we’re always making improvements. There are always a lot of things that are being worked on, but I believe that in the next few months we will bring some really fresh ways for how developers will experience our engine. The powerful technology of the CRYENGINE was the reason why I applied to Crytek in the first place.

What music do you listen to at work?
If I’m not actually designing anything that requires serious concentration, then I like to listen to audiobooks and most recently Luxtorpeda, a Polish Christian rock band.

What tools are you using at the moment?
Well CRYENGINE naturally! But personally I’m fascinated with Blender 3D, Houdini 3D, Substance Painter and Designer among many others. Ah, and always, Total Commander

What types of games do you like, and what is your favorite game of all time?
I like games that have a great atmosphere and I really enjoy games where killing is not the sole main motivation for the game. Recently I’ve been playing Grow Home, although I can’t find the last 3 crystals and 1 seed, it’s really frustrating… . Also I can’t wait to get my hands on Witcher 3 when I have time!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Number one is my family, so plenty of family activities! Also, movies, playing cards games like macau with my wife and bit of traveling and cooking.

Where are you going on your next vacation?
Even though the weather was great this year, my wife wants us to seek out some palm trees in the sunshine – sadly, she doesn’t consider “Palm Garden” here in Frankfurt good enough!

Do you have any tips for people wanting to get started in the industry?
Do the stuff that you do as well as you can! And have fun doing it. If you clearly see that you are not so good at what you want to do, even after trying to learn from the best, than try something else instead. I’ve seen some people doing average work over many years and that brings a lot of frustration and uncertainty so be realistic about your abilities and find what you’re talented at. Be humble, especially when someone gives you tips in a good faith. Try to learn from everyone around you and don’t worry if that by asking too many questions somebody might get annoyed. Just move on to the next victim. Learn, learn, learn. Know your value and don’t let anyone discourage you. People are different and you can’t do anything about it. The game industry is cool and when you’re part of a team working on something great, all the hard work is worth it!

Any questions for Aleksander? Ask away.

Thanks for reading!