skonen_blades

Well, yesterday was the deadline to tell the bosses whether or not we're moving to Toronto or staying here in Vancouver.

We've decided to stay here in Vancouver. That means that I'll be moving on from Rockstar which is kind of a big deal since I've been here for ten years. There are other games companies in Vancouver and if I can focus on getting a good demo reel together I should be able to get by. If I pour a lot of energy into my other creative pursuits then maybe I can also make one or two of those profitable as well. It's going to be a crazy ride.

However, it makes me feel like I'm finally going to live life in the wild, the way that life is meant to be lived. Throwing it all away and diving off of cliffs is the way I lived for a long time but I haven't in a while. I'm okay with taking leaps but every single time I'm terrified that I won't land on my feet. I'm shedding a big salary by doing this and that is super freaky but it's also liberating. The money has kept me complacent. Lashes work better with me than rewards. Plus I own everything I've ever wanted to own. My tastes are simple and provincial.

Sonja will still stay here and teach. Audrey will grow up in B.C. Realistically, I have about thirty summers left in me in a best-case scenario. I'd like to spend them here. Whatever happens, I think this is the right decision.

I have absolutely no rancor towards Rockstar in my heart. They've been very generous over the years and this decision has nothing to do with them. They make the same demands that most video game companies make in terms of hours and their bonuses were kind. I'm leaving on a good note right now and I'm leaving under my own steam by my own hand and choice. That feels good.

It's a vast and glorious future with (as Q says) treasures enough to satisfy appetites both subtle and gross. But it's not for the timid.

Wish me luck and I'll see you all soon.

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