Meet the Team: Nick Rotolo

MAY 21, 2021

What's your role on the Third Pie Studios (TPS) team and what all does this entail?

I'm the 3D Character Animator and 3D Character Rigger. This entails handcrafting the animations for the game to make sure the world of Cataria is alive. My job is to make each animation both artistic and functional to best suit the needs of the game. I also make the character rigs so the characters can be animated in the first place!

What interested you in game development? 

I have been playing video games with my older brothers and my closest friends since I was probably 4-years-old. I would be lying if I said games and storytelling in media were not a huge part of my life, it's only natural I ended up wanting to make my own and do them one better.

Food + girlfriend + brother's wedding = a good time

What are your favorite video games, and why? 

My favorite types of games are narrative based RPGS but I don't shy away from others. I've spent too many hours in the past making yet another Skyrim character. My personal close to heart favorite is the Persona series. I suppose I am attracted to becoming immersed in another universe, especially if there's a story to be enraptured by. Animation is another way of immersing myself in a character. It's like being an actor, but more comfy, and you can eat snacks while you do it.

What about Ages of Cataria are you most excited about?

Ages of Cataria is a project that I've become very attached to. Obviously, I'm excited to see my own work in the game, but if I'm honest...the whole game is visually stunning. I look forward to playing around in the environments that have been so delicately crafted. We have some great artists on this team that I take great pleasure in working with.

Beyond TPS, where can we find you?

You can find me primarily on LinkedIn. I check it often and I'm always looking to make new connections with people in the industry and beyond!