In a recent edition of Disk Cleanup, we explore the digital realms of Bryce Clark, the game director behind the popular title Poppy Playtime. With a rich history in gaming that began with DOS games, Clark fondly recalls his childhood favorite, the 1994 fantasy RTS Dominus. The game, however, was notorious for its technical difficulties, leading to many hours of troubleshooting by his father as they sought assistance from tech support. “Why is this video game not working for my son?” was a question that echoed through their household during those formative years.
With two decades of experience in the gaming industry, Clark has lent his talents to renowned studios such as 343 Industries and Blizzard. In 2023, he took on the role of lead technical artist at Mob Entertainment, eventually stepping into the position of Game Director for Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5, which launched in February.
A Glimpse into Clark’s Gaming Preferences
Clark’s current gaming interests reflect a diverse palette. He describes Aethus, a solo developer project centered on base building, crafting, and mining, as having a captivating narrative akin to Subnautica. The game invites players to explore intricate caverns while managing an oxygen system, adding layers of depth to the experience. Recently, he also delved into Strange Antiquities, the sequel to Strange Horticulture, which he describes as a delightful blend of narrative, discovery, and puzzles.
On the more niche side, Clark is exploring Prosperous Universe, a real-time economic MMO where players operate interstellar corporations. The game requires players to manage production lines and navigate a complex web of politics and economics, all in real-time. “I treat it like an incremental game, fitting it into the gaps of my life,” he shares.
Recent Gaming Experiences
When asked about his latest gaming adventure, Clark mentions a charming title called Librarian: Tidy Up the Arcane Library. In this game, players are tasked with organizing a chaotic library filled with 3,000 scattered books, a process that evokes a soothing sense of order akin to PowerWash Simulator. “It’s fascinating to represent a gigantic problem and develop a strategy to tackle it,” he notes.
Among his current favorites, Clark is also enjoying Forza Horizon 6, a racing game that has captivated even those who aren’t typically car enthusiasts. “It’s just been a phenomenal entry to the series,” he admits, showcasing his appreciation for the game’s engaging mechanics.
Gaming Nostalgia and Preferences
As for the oldest game installed on his PC, Clark mentions No Man’s Sky and The Hunter: Call of The Wild, both of which have remained on his system since their releases in 2016 and 2017, respectively. He finds that his interest in games often wanes once he feels he has fully grasped their offerings. “I’m trying to get better at actually finishing games,” he confesses.
Clark’s gaming habits are impressive, with over 23,000 hours logged on Steam over 18 years. His top titles include Rocket League, which he has played for 745 hours, and Ark: Survival Evolved at 651 hours. He humorously reflects on the learning curve of Rocket League, noting that the first 500 hours are about mastering the basics, while the next 500 focus on strategic gameplay.
Comfort Games and Essential Software
When it comes to games he would never uninstall, Clark finds solace in The Hunter: Call of the Wild and Subnautica. Both titles offer a unique blend of calm exploration and tension, providing him with a comforting escape from life’s challenges. “They bring me peace and joy,” he explains, highlighting the immersive environments and engaging gameplay.
Outside of gaming, Clark relies heavily on Snagit and WinDirStat. Snagit serves as his go-to tool for enhanced screenshots and video recording, while WinDirStat helps him manage disk space efficiently, a crucial aspect for someone juggling numerous games and art tools.
Desktop Organization
Reflecting on his desktop organization, Clark notes a significant shift in his habits. Once a collector of desktop shortcuts, he now prefers a minimalist approach, utilizing the taskbar for daily applications and the search bar for everything else. “These days, I have almost nothing on my desktop,” he remarks, illustrating his evolution towards a more streamlined digital workspace.
