Ad Personam: Robert Sirotek, Sir-Tech
Sia 'Garrett' Manzari, 2004-02-15

Ad Personam is dedicated to the people behind the games: programmers, artists, musicians, directors, producers and many other professions involved in creating the stuff that fills our harddisks, lets us sleep less and eat more junk food. In each Ad Personam, we want to introduce one of these fine folks to you - and this time it is Robert Sirotek, CEO and founder of Sir-Tech.

Robert Sirotek: I graduated from University with a degree in Management, majors in marketing, computer science, and a minor in finance and technical communications. Since 1976, it was my goal to work with computers. At that time, big mainframes were the thing. Then came along the PC, and right away I knew where I was heading. That led me to become one of three co-founders of Sirtech Software back in 1980. My main responsibilities at the publishing company included creating national marketing plans and oversight of its execution, oversight of all sales, development of world-wide distribution channels, licensing of new programs from budding authors, as well as general responsibilities connected with operating a company. We continued publishing products until 1997 when the firm ceased operating. By then it was too hard to be a publisher with sales of less than 100 million dollars and have any credibility from trade accounts. However, one of our other companies strictly developed software, so from time-to-time, when projects were finishing, it was my job to negotiate licenses for these products with publishers. I still continue to do this for the developer today.

Also I worked as a member of the Board of Directors for a large NASDAQ traded firm, current serve on the advisory council of another software start-up, and have made numerous investments in other promising technology firms. Currently I am enjoying time with my family, though now that I am well rested, soon I will need to become more active as a team player with another firm.

RPGDot: Your favourite game, both electronical and board?

Robert Sirotek: Was into Asheron's Call when it released, but have since gone on to Red Faction, and Never Winter Nights. Somehow I never find enough time to complete a game, and, though I enjoy playing games, I have more a passion for working in the game industry. To me this is the biggest game I can play. Don't play board games too often, but my wife corals me in for a night of Wise or Otherwise from time-to-time. That board game is always good for a big laugh.

RPGDot: Your favourite movie and favourite actor & actress?

Robert Sirotek: Just love the Terminator movies. I'm drooling for T3 coming this summer. Second in line is X-Men. Favorite actors (can't name just one) are James Woods, Edward Norton, Sir Sean Connery, and Sir Anthony Hopkins. Favorite actress is Meg Ryan.

RPGDot: Your favourite singer/band and record?

Robert Sirotek: Madonna, U2, and piano concertos.

RPGDot: If you could do any game, regardless of money and developing time, what would it be?

Robert Sirotek: Hey now, that might divulge my next big project ; )…

RPGDot: If you'd be able to choose anyone from within the game industry to work on your dream project, who'd you put in your team?

Robert Sirotek: I'd have to shoot you if I told you, because I'm already working with these guys, and we are not ready to announce anything yet

RPGDot: Your non-gaming hobbies?

Robert Sirotek: Ski, motor sports.

RPGDot: What historical person would you like to meet and why?

Robert Sirotek: Jacques Cousteau. Imagine what he has seen no man has ever seen. For a fictional character (if this was possible), intending not to sound too hokey, Captain Kirk. Would love to experience space.