Ben Gelinas, a former journalist turned game developer, is set to release his latest project, “Times and Galaxy,” on June 21 for consoles and PC. Gelinas started his career in journalism, interning for various newspapers before landing a job as a crime reporter at the Edmonton Journal. However, after covering numerous traumatic events, he began to feel burnt out and missed the thrill of breaking news. When an opportunity arose to work for a video game studio to help turn fantasy lore into reference material, Gelinas took the risk and made the switch to game development.
His experience in journalism proved to be an asset in his new career, as he was able to bring a sense of realism and fresh perspectives to the games he worked on. Gelinas eventually left BioWare to move to Toronto with his wife, where he continued to explore new opportunities in indie game development. After doing contract work for various games, Gelinas made his way back to Edmonton, where he embarked on his first major project, “Times and Galaxy,” with the help of a team of creatives from across Canada.
“Times and Galaxy” is a comedy adventure game where players take on the role of Reporterbot, covering stories in a futuristic world filled with aliens and robots. The game features 2D characters in 3D environments, reminiscent of the Nintendo series “Paper Mario.” Players must interview witnesses, officials, and experts on scene to gather information and build a story. Gelinas aimed to give players a taste of the challenges journalists face when collecting information and writing a compelling story.
Gelinas reflects on his time as a journalist, noting that one of his favorite parts was trying to craft a story that was both accurate and engaging. He wanted to capture that essence in a video game format, adding a sci-fi twist with aliens and robots. The game showcases Gelinas’s quirky sense of humor and creative storytelling, with missions that range from intersolar cat shows to space ghost funerals. Gelinas emphasizes the importance of finding a team of creatives who are both unique and collaborative, as they breathe life into the game with their diverse perspectives and talents.
Despite leaving his journalism career behind, Gelinas admits to occasionally feeling like an impostor in the game development world. However, he is grateful for the opportunity to continue pursuing his passion for storytelling in a new medium. As “Times and Galaxy” prepares for its release, Gelinas looks back on his journey from journalism to game development, grateful for the experiences and connections he has made along the way. He hopes that his game will not only entertain players but also shed light on the challenges and rewards of working in a fast-paced and ever-changing industry.
