My primary interest is simulation games. Bonus points for multiplayer (MMO), hardcore survival, high risk to reward, and combat mechanics that utilize physics simulations. Massive bonus points for virtual ecologies, changing seasons (that affect the world in a significant way) and player run economies. I find that almost all of my favorite games have custom engines and heavy simulation elements.

I also collect games that take place within the mythology of the American Old West setting. The intersection of the myths of the American Old West and the myth of the Apocalypse is something that fascinates me.

Favorite/most inspiring games of all time:

1. Ultima Online (early era from '97-2001 or so) - First mainstream MMO that combined nearly total player freedom with an attempt at a virtual ecology, skill based combat, somewhat player driven economy, physicalized housing, and more. My experience in this game is really what sets the standard by which I judge all other games.

2. UnReal World: Holds several Guinness World Records including longest active development in gaming history (began development in early 90's, is still being updated to this day). Somewhat virtualized ecology, hardcore survival roguelike with changing seasons and in depth survival mechanics. Takes place in Iron Age Finland, developed primarily by Sami aka Ugri Archer, who I respect not only as a developer but as an archer being an archer/bowyer myself.

3. DayZ: While there are many types of servers for DayZ, I love the ones that make survival very difficult. If survival is a challenge, your life becomes more valuable, and if your life becomes more valuable, then interactions have more meaning. I don't think there's any other games that can make my heart pound just from seeing another player or hearing a gunshot. The vast space between interactions also lends to the significance of those interactions. Probably the best simulation in terms of feeling like i'm actually in the wilderness in many ways, particularly earlier on.

4. To be continued...