D.I.C.E. newbie Rand Miller

LAS VEGAS--Later in the day on Thursday, I caught up Rand Miller, one of the legends of game design (currently focused on the imminent release of Myst Online: Uru Live, playable on GameTap). I noticed Rand slipping in and out of almost every session and wanted to know what he thought of the presentations. I was shocked to hear this was his first D.I.C.E., and even more shocked to realize that meant Rand had never been asked to present at the event--a significant opportunity for the D.I.C.E. producers to tap as they think about the 2008 speaker lineup (...hint, hint).

I've always enjoyed speaking with Rand. Being based in Spokane, he's far enough away from the various epicenters of game design (the Austins and San Franciscos and Seattles) that his references and metaphors are broader, less predictable than your average game developer. A conversation with Rand reveals ideas and creative approaches to games that are individual and unique. 

--Curt Feldman