In the realm of PC gaming, few figures shine as brightly as Harry Krueger, whose journey began in early adulthood with the adrenaline-pumping experience of Quake 3: Arena. Reflecting on his transformation, he shares, “I went from zero to hero, basically. I went from never having a PC ever in my life to setting up a LAN and getting Quake 3: Arena and Tiberian Sun and Red Alert.” This newfound passion ignited a series of competitive gatherings with friends in Greece, where the thrill of gaming became a shared adventure.
Krueger’s professional path led him to Housemarque, a Finnish game development studio, where he honed his skills as a programmer on titles like Outland and Resogun. His ascent continued as he took on the role of Game Director for Nex Machina in 2017 and the critically acclaimed Returnal in 2021, which garnered four BAFTAs in 2022, including the coveted Best Game award.
What is the highest number of hours you have in any given game, according to Steam?
Among his gaming repertoire, Tetris Effect stands out, boasting over 200 hours logged. Krueger’s admiration for Tetris dates back to his childhood, where he played it religiously on his original Game Boy. “It’s an interesting game because there are hundreds of Tetris versions and clones out there,” he notes. “But I think it’s a good example of a design that’s super simple and easy to execute, but it takes a lot of finesse to execute well.” He appreciates how Tetris Effect revitalizes a classic formula, elevating it to new heights while maintaining its core simplicity.
What game will you never, ever uninstall?
When it comes to games that hold a special place in his heart, Ikaruga emerges as a standout. “It’s one of my favourite and most influential games of all time,” he confesses. The game’s intricate bullet patterns, captivating music, and cohesive design resonate deeply with him. “There’s something really special about it for me. Even though I’m not actively replaying it constantly, there’s something comforting and soothing about just having it always installed,” he reflects, likening it to an old friend who reminds him of his roots.
What’s a piece of non-gaming software installed on your PC that you simply couldn’t live without?
In terms of essential software, Krueger swears by PureRef, an image collection and organizing tool that aids in his creative process. “I’m a very visual person, and I enjoy collecting image references, organizing spatially in groups,” he explains. This tool proves invaluable when developing new game pitches, allowing him to distill raw materials into structured concepts. “It’s like a distillation process that you have all these raw materials in one large vat, and then you slowly, iteratively distill it down to the bare essentials,” he elaborates.
How tidy is your desktop screen?
As for his desktop, Krueger describes it as “pretty tidy,” though not obsessively so. He organizes his workspace in a way that aligns with his workflow, with project-related files in one corner and music-related materials in another. “I do have those moments where I get a glimpse at my desktop and it bothers me a bit,” he admits, acknowledging that he occasionally clears up clutter when it becomes overwhelming. “I might have a few folders that are ‘Temp’ on the desktop that might have been temp for like a decade,” he chuckles, revealing a relatable aspect of his organized chaos.
