Patrick Hickey Jr. grew up surrounded by video games. It was always a part of his life. After years of letting it be a part of his life he decided to try and make gaming his career, but not in the way you would think. Patrick wanted to tell the untold stories of the video games we love and maybe some that we…don’t. We sat down with Patrick to talk about his career, his love of gaming, and balancing all of this with being a father.
Duel Screens – Patrick, thank you for taking the time to chat with us a little bit here. You’re the author of one of the coolest books we’ve read – ‘The Minds Behind The Games’. Tell us a little bit about what that book is for those who have not heard of it.
Patrick Hickey Jr – The Minds Behind the Games is what I like to call an “Interview Anthology.” While the theme itself is to take a closer look at the design process of all the games featured, each Chapter is able to stand by itself. The hope is, however, that by the end of it all, you have a bigger appreciation for the games featured and the people that made them
Duel Screens – So before we get into the books themselves, I want to learn a little bit about you. Writing is not your full time job. You are actually a college professor, correct?
Hickey Jr – Yes, writing is not my full-time job, but it would have been. I was actually offered a full-time editing position at NBC in 2014 but decided to continue my work as a College Journalism Professor, in order to better support my family and have the time to do projects like these. NBC was an amazing run, but I’m extremely happy with what I’m doing now.
I am currently the Assistant Director of the Journalism Program at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, NY. I’ve been there for 13 years and have also taught/instructed at John Jay and Brooklyn College. I am also the Chairman of the CUNY Journalism Discipline Council, a group that helps maintain standards and parity for all Journalism students in the CUNY system.
Duel Screens – I would have loved to have you as a professor!
So you are a proud papa of a gorgeous little girl. Very hands on, as anybody who follows you on social media would know. How do you balance work, writing, and being a dad and husband?
Hickey Jr – It’s hard. Every day, it’s the hardest thing. I get a lot of work done before teaching and on the bus. I always end up writing when she’s napping and sleeping. Whenever she wants me, to hang out with, hug, and play- everything else stops.
Duel Screens – Where there ever times where you needed to choose one over the other? How did you make that decision?
Hickey Jr – Never a decision. Wife and daughter always come first.
Duel Screens – Has that ever come to bite you? Ever lose opportunities because of your dedication to family over work?
Hickey Jr – Oh yeah. I left NBC for that very reason. [I] Didn’t go to Summer Slam 2014 for Examiner for that reason. Family always comes first. If things come up, they always have my back. It’s my job as a husband and father to protect and take care of my family. Sometimes that means making sacrifices.
Duel Screens – So you have a very supportive wife and family…were people always so supportive?
Hickey Jr – My wife and family have always been supportive. Although they aren’t hardcore gamers and don’t necessarily get it, they try. And that’s what really matters.
Duel Screens – The book is chock full of incredibly deep dives into the creative process in making these amazing (and sometimes not so amazing) video games. What process is there for selecting games to chase down? Is there a method to the madness?
Hickey Jr – It comes down to a few different factors. Firstly- did the game have any type of buzz? Secondly, who worked on it? Thirdly- did it set any trends or is it a timepiece? If all three of those get checked off, I’m usually down.
Duel Screens – So the book comes out and has been doing fairly well. I see it in major book stores, all over amazon, in college libraries across the US, and I even saw one sell for over $100 overseas. I imagine this has lead to this becoming a series. You recently announced ‘The Minds Behind The Adventure Games’. Tell us why you went that route instead of just making a vol 2? Why specific genre?
Hickey Jr – I was originally supposed to do a massive sequel with 43 games, but my publisher, McFarland and Company slowed me down super quick. They took a list at the Games featured and told me I had at least three more books in the works. They wanted me to Brand the series and continue it in a way where it would connect with all different gamers. I liked the sound of that.
Duel Screens – So I imagine other genres are incoming?
Hickey Jr – Absolutely. I’m essentially finished with The Minds Behind Sports Games. The Minds Behind Shooter Games is about a third of the way finished as well.
Duel Screens – Where can people purchase The Minds Behind The Games and when can we expect Adventure?
Hickey Jr – Wherever fine books are sold online. The next book is already available for pre-order as well.
Duel Screens – Patrick it is always fun talking to you. You are an inspiration for sure. Thank you for your time and good luck.
Hickey Jr – Likewise. I respect the work you guys do. You have an ally for life.
You can find pre-orders for Patrick’s second book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, McFarland Books, and Patrick’s Website.
You can listen to our episode of Nintendo Duel Screens with Patrick here. Follow Patrick on Twitter.
