Description

Ben Thomas is an independent game developer building distinct strategic games that bring people together.

History

Bio

I was born in Ridgewood, NJ and grew up in Atlanta, GA. I have fond memories going to the pool during the hot summer days then staying up all night playing N64 and later Halo 2. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life, but I knew I liked math so I studied mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech. I now reside in the Bay Area and outside my day job I like dreaming up fun game projects to learn skills for and work on. I love hanging out with friends, hiking, non-fiction books, and NBA twitter. I am passionate about urban planning, social justice, and oatmeal.

Colony Collapse Disorder + Space Canoe (2016)

The first games I ever made. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is a procedurally generated adventure game where you play as an Oakland bee scouring a flower field. You must maintain honey reserves, navigate randomized encounters, and most importantly produce Queen Bees. Space Canoe is an arcade game where you paddle through space and dodge asteroids.

Nectar of the Gods (2020)

My first commercial game. It was difficult to start making. It took me years to kinda work through the imposter syndrome and anxiety that comes with it. But I got through it! I was inspired by the “rock paper scissors” tactics and mental reflexes of fast paced strategy games like starcraft and speed chess. I started making Nectar of the Gods on nights and weekends while working as a software engineer in 2019. I commited to full time development in mid 2020. What resulted was an unquenchable multiplayer real-time strategy game where bugs clash over the sweet nectar of sugary beverages.

Projects

• Colony Collapse Disorder
• Nectar of the Gods
• Space Canoe