Video game designer Richard Lemarchand’s games include the Uncharted series; currently, he is a visiting associate professor at the USC Interactive Media Division. Before participating in a panel on the role of gaming in education, he talked in the Zócalo green room about sweating and roller skating, and why you can’t pay too much for a haircut or play an overrated video game.
What weapon would you choose in a zombie apocalypse?
Roller skates. Hopefully the roads will still be intact enough that I can just zoom away from the zombies. Is that sidestepping the question? Are roller skates really a weapon?
What’s your spirit of choice?
I’m trying to think of a clever answer that’s not just a literal, true answer, which would probably be single malt scotch. But maybe my clever answer would be mana, the magical, spiritual energy that fuels spells in role-playing games.
What’s your least favorite thing about Twitter?
I don’t know that I have a least favorite thing about Twitter. That I don’t have more time to spend on it. I love Twitter. I get all my news from Twitter, and I keep up with my friends on Twitter, and I make serendipitous discoveries about arts and the life of the mind on Twitter.
When did you last break a sweat?
Walking up the hill to get to MOCA actually. I came here on public transport like every good Angeleno should as they navigate our beautiful city. I don’t come through downtown very much—I see it as I get off the bus, then I ride my bike south to USC. To go through the skyscrapers in the evening is always kind of magical.
How would you describe yourself in five words or less?
Peripatetic, lanky, busy, curious, and thirsty. Busy Curious Thirsty is the title of an album by Spring Heel Jack, and whenever I’m asked to describe myself in three words I use that phrase.
In your opinion, what’s the most overrated video game?
No video games are overrated!
What’s the most underrated video game?
There are many underrated video games. One that I was discussing today is Where Is My Heart? by Bernie Schulenburg.
What’s your favorite movie snack?
I like those tiny ice creams covered in chocolate.
How much is too much to pay for a haircut?
I don’t think you can pay too much for a really good haircut. Maybe a thousand dollars would be pushing it a bit.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
I’ll go with the one that was on the tip of my tongue: “Where Is My Mind” by the Pixies.
What inspires you?
It’s a broad question; I’ll just free associate. Difficult questions. Honesty and directness. Sensitivity and compassion. And independent experimental artistic video games.
