Ad Personam: Todd Howard

by Bernhard 'Rendelius' Rems, 2003-03-14

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 Todd Howard, Executive Producer from Bethsoft.

Todd Howard: I'm Todd Howard, executive producer at Bethesda Softworks and I oversee the development of our Elder Scrolls titles. I've been at Bethesda since 1994 and have done other games also like Future Shock, SkyNET, Redguard, and NCAA Basketball.

RPGDot: Your favourite game, both electronical and board?

Todd Howard:Ultima 7 is my all time favorite video/computer game. It's the most realized fantasy world ever done given the time it came out. A masterpiece. Diplomacy is my favorite board game. Diplomacy can make bitter enemies out of best friends.

RPGDot: Your favourite movie and favourite actor & actress?

Todd Howard: "Raiders of the Lost Ark" has always been my favorite, as is Harrison Ford. I even named my dog Indiana. Though I think once "Return of the King" is done, the entire LOTR trilogy will be the greatest thing ever put to film.

RPGDot: Your favourite singer/band and record?

Todd Howard: I'm a Bruce Springsteen fanboy, and have a hard time deciding between "Darkness on the Edge of Town" and "The River".

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

Todd Howard: We're starting a game here at Bethesda that is my ultimate game, so I can't say what it is yet.

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?

Todd Howard: It's easy to say Sid Meier, Richard Garriott, and John Carmack, but if I had to pick a team, I'd pick the team we have at Bethesda. You have to have the right mix of people who have history together. That's how great games get made. Ken Rolston, our Lead Designer, is an absolute blast to work with. He's a one man amusement park.

RPGDot: What character from a game or role-playing setting best describes you?

Todd Howard: I like to think of myself as Conan, but have to admit that everyone calls me Frodo due to my bushy hair and immense stature [sic].

RPGDot: Your non-gaming hobbies?

Todd Howard: Love Notre Dame football, and football video games. I spend a great deal of time playing with my dog, Indy, and my newborn son, Luke.

RPGDot: Your favourite author and favourite book?

Todd Howard: I only read books with pictures of superheroes in them, so I'd have to go with "The Dark Knight Returns".

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

Todd Howard: I'd enjoy dinner with Jesus, Buddha, and Muhammad. Religious debate always makes for an exciting meal.

RPGDot: Thanks for your time!