This Monday the universe came ever-so-slightly closer to true balance. Not because researchers at CERN finally succeeded in trapping antimatter for the first time in history — although I can’t help but ponder the potential Z-scenarios that might result from that. No, Monday will be remembered at the Lab as the day that Emily Diehl put on her lab coat (literally) and joined us at Undead Labs, walking in with her funky headphones, a notebook computer, and a box of human body parts.
Everything a gal needs to pitch in on creating the zombie apocalypse.
You see, Emily is a zombie fan. No, you don’t understand. She lives and breathes this stuff in a way that is both impressive and a bit disturbing. I think she’s on a first-name basis with George and Max. She’s an expert at designing and creating zombie costumes with appropriate effects makeup; an expertise gained through frequency of use at Zombie Walks, Thriller dances, and zombie conventions — and sometimes just for the hell of it. The Lab is full of hardcore zombie fans, but we’re all a little bit in awe of Emily.
Zombie credentials. Check. But what’s her role on the Undead Labs development team? Here’s a hint: at the recent first annual ZomBcon zombie convention in Seattle, some of the con staff were referring to her as “John Connor” by the end of the first day, in acknowledgement of the fact that when a con-crisis popped up (“that stack of books never showed up for this afternoon’s book signing!”), Emily would just be there, walkie talkie in hand, helping the staff find a solution.
And she wasn’t technically working the con.
[Note: Emily says I’m exaggerating, that she was glad to help out, but the show staff had things well in hand. I’ll just acknowledge her point and claim editorial license on this one…]
Emily will be joining us as a producer, with two areas of focus. First, she’ll be responsible for direction of everything we do that is public, such as our website; coordination with fansites such as MMOZED.com (thanks for the early support Lennon V.C. and crew!); future forums; cons, shows, and events; and anything that helps build a strong line of communication between players and the development team. Second, Emily will be supporting the designers by ensuring that they are always aware of player feedback, both during development and after the game is live, as well as providing constant feedback on the game by being our in-house expert on how well we are achieving the vision of truly simulating the zombie apocalypse.
In short, you’ll see and hear a lot from Emily over the coming months and years, and we think you’ll enjoy getting to know her.
Welcome aboard Emily!
Jeff
[Make sure to read Emily’s welcome to the community if you want to get to know a true horror fan…]