This interview was done amidst the mayhem and mass skullduggery of GenCon Indy. I managed to pin down Line Developer Herb “Habeas2” Beas for about an hour of “water cooler shop talk.” The following questions lend a bit of insight into the man who holds the reins of our favorite game system.
My questions presented him with an opportunity to let us all know just what he does for Classic Battletech.
Interviewer: Herb, what is your role in the development of Classic Battletech?
Herb: I am the Line Developer, Continuity Checker, Everything… That should show you just how much I do.
Interviewer: Since the rebranding, i.e. the release of the new books, have you noticed an increase in the interest of players both old and new in the game?
Herb: Yes. There has been a general increase in the popularity of the game. We’re getting both old players returning and new players coming in. It’s exciting.
Interviewer: What changes, if any have been made in the process of creating the product?
Herb: The process has been streamlined, and the creative process loosened up enough to allow for more fresh ideas to get through.
Interviewer: If someone wanted to break into the gaming industry, specifically into Battletech, what advice could you give him or her?
Herb: Become known, work hard, and keep at it. Also, one must understand that the Universe belongs to everyone. It isn’t something that exclusively belongs to anyone. We all add our own slices to the pie.
Interviewer: As a developer of a major gaming system, what do you enjoy the most?
Herb: Building the stories and the fun.
Interviewer: Do you play the game?
Herb: Absolutely! Every chance I get, though that isn’t nearly as often as I would like.
Interviewer: I suppose that was a silly question. Now for another one, What is your favorite unit, and why?
Herb: Battlemechs are my favorite. I mean nothing really beats the lumbering firepower of a walking tank, does it?
Interviewer: Good point. I’m sure many people have already assumed the answer to this question, but what is your favorite faction?
Herb: [Chuckles] Quite honestly, the Hell’s Horses. I know most people think that the Word of Blake is, but they’re just my current pet project. I’ve always been a fan of the Horses.
Interviewer: Of everything in the Battletech Universe that you’ve helped to create, what are you the most proud of?
Herb: The Jihad. It’s the most dynamic project we’ve ever done. It’s a story that is being told as it progresses rather than being an after action report. It’s unique.
Interviewer: You can definitely say that. Now given that I’ve pestered you for so long, I have just one more question for you. Is there anything you would like to say to the fans, both old and new?
Herb: Quite simply. Thank you. Without you there would be no Battletech. The fans stood with us through the fall of FASA and all the pitfalls of Fanpro. Thank you for your continued faith in this game that we all love.
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A great Big “Thank You” to Herb for taking time out of his busy schedule to sit and talk shop with me.