Getting To Know Your Developers (GTKYD) is a new feature we're doing here on GamingBits.com. Through a series of questions and answers, you'll get to know a bit more about who makes the games you are playing and what games inspire them. Check out our very first segment below, featuring Mike Bithell from Blitz Arcade.

Who are you and what do you do in the gaming industry?

Mike Bithell: I'm a game designer at Blitz Arcade. My role varies from project to project, but I’ve worked on everything from concept development, through to nitty gritty level editing and population.

What are you currently working on or just released?

MB: We just released Invincible Tiger, which is a stereoscopic 3D brawler for XBLA and PSN. This week I joined the Dead to Rights: Retribution team. The game's looking great and on course to a release next year.

How did you get into the games industry?

MB: I played games as a kid, a lot! I originally wanted to animate, so focused on drama, film and art in school. As I got older, I realised I was more interested in how games were played, and wanted to be a part of creating that experience. I studied for a degree in Game Design at the University of Wales, Newport, where I got to play with Flash and Unreal. One of my Flash games got me invited to one of Blitz’s open days for students, and the rest is history.

What is your favorite game you have every played on any console and why?

MB: I'm an embarrassingly massive Deus Ex fanboy. When I played it for the first time I was blown away by the freedom I had, and really felt I was creating the adventure of my choosing. Upon revisiting it later, I was enormously impressed by how the creators crafted that illusion of ‘go anywhere, do anything’. There are mechanics in that game that were years ahead of their time.

What are you currently playing?

Like everyone else on the planet, I’m currently playing the new Batman game. It’s a really solid example of what a licensed game can be if there’s a lot of love on the team. The game knows its scope, and works within that in a number of really creative ways. It’s also British developed, which makes it even better!

Which games are you looking forward to playing in the next year and why?

MB: Brutal Legend will get my hard earned pennies, just because of Tim Schafer's involvement. Other than that I’m really looking forward to Scribblenauts, cuteness and gameplay that rewards vocab. The Last Guardian also looks beautiful, but I’ve got a horrible feeling something tragic will happen to that creature.

What was the last game that you finished?
MB: Shadow Complex. A thoroughly enjoyable HD return to the genius of oldschool 2D exploration games. The quality and detail of the visuals sets a new bar for downloadable games. I love the way they incorporate leaderboards and player stats into the game too.

What is next for you?
We’re working on lots of cool things here at Blitz, I don’t want to spoil the surprise!

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Thanks to Mike and Blitz Arcade for making this interview possible!

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