CCI presents: Lion

Interview:

Hello Lion,
please present you first to the few, who don't know you.

I am Lion, and webmaster of the DEN Network of websites which includes CNCDEN and RADEN.

In the meantime you are a well-known personality - how do you evaluate your success and how did you become a webmaster of a C&C site?

If I'm a well-known personality, that's a good indication I've been around too long, hehe. The success of the DENS can be attributed to the overwhelming support I receive from fans of C&C games. Me becoming a webmaster of C&C came about mainly because I became hooked on the first game, C&C Dawn, and was looking for a hobby I would have fun with. Then after playing Red Alert I decided to develop my very first website called the Lion's DEN. The rest is history.

What do you think of the community?

The C&C Community is very strong and full of talented people. It continues to grow despite the lack of support from EA. But it's not up to EA to grow the community. It's entirely up to us fans. We are the ones that determine and steer its course.

What has changed in the last years?

The biggest change would be the closing of Westwood Studios. Sad day when that happened for many of us old-timers in the community.

CNCDEN is a source of informations for many other sites - how do you stand to foreign partner sites?

I am affiliated with several foreign C&C websites and welcome them with open arms. I consider all Command & Conquer websites no matter what their nationality a very valuable part of the community as a whole. They help greatly to complete the circle of World-Wide coverage of C&C games.

What do you especially think of the relationship from the German to the English Community?

The relationship is good, but the language is obviously somewhat of a barrier. I don't speak German, and I assume the majority of English peeps don't as well. It would be nice if all websites could be multi-language including CNCDEN and RADEN.

What has it with the cats on itself?

Cats are the coolest creatures on the Planet Earth! I love them because they are so independent just like me.

What do you think about Petroglyph?

Since they are made up primarily of ex-Westwood employees, I'm keeping a close eye on what they are currently developing. They have lots of talent on hand, and I look for good games to come out of this studio.

What do you think about EA's product politics?

Let's just say I miss Westwood Studios and leave it go at that.

What are your desires and ideas for C&C3?

Well...for one thing, I believe that EA is taking much too long in between games. Tiberian Sun was released way back in 1999. Here we are in 2004 and no sequel as yet. My desire is to see them make C&C3 the FINAL chapter as far as the Tiberian Universe goes. It's taking them far too long to tell the story. Time to close things out and then move onto Red Alert 3. My desire is to see C&C3 developed before I retire from the community. I've been at this thing for seven years, and someday I will be departing.

How did you have the idea with the green Lion hummvee?

A fan made it for me...wasn't my idea.

What do you think about the WorldBuilder?

Very good editor...I have no problems with it, and enjoy using it to make maps.

Do you think maps and mods are important? Do they help the community?

Maps and mods are just about the only thing that is keeping the community strong at the moment. So yes, I think they are detrimental to the well-being of the community as a whole.

What brings you more fun - mapping or testing maps?

I love to make maps, but I really enjoy looking at what others have done. So I'd say testing the maps is more fun.

Do you wish that the selfmade-maps should be more recognized?

Yes I do. Some of the fan made maps are better than the maps that came with the game.

What other projects do you have?

I don't have anything special going on at the moment. I take one day at a time.

What do you think about ACETON?

Anything that has to do with anti-cheat is great for the community, so I am all for it.

Does it give somethink you want to tell at the end?

I just want to say that it's been super great being involved with the C&C Community these past seven years. I have made many online friends and have had the privilege of working with some very talented people.

Ok, then thank you for the interview and, in the name of the entire team, I wish you still much success.