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Farewell from Shogun
Greetings riders,
In August of 2009 I began a journey with this game, Trials, that would change my life. 11 years later it’s taken me places I never imagined I’d be and has turned me into a veteran in an industry I never dreamed I would be a part of. Trials, RedLynx and all of you in the Trials community have been a huge part of this journey. For that you will always hold a special place in my heart so it pains me to say that come this fall, almost 10 years to the day of my first visit to Helsinki in 2010, I’ll be starting a new adventure that will take me away from Ubisoft, RedLynx and the Trials franchise.
I’ve got a lot of great memories from my time with you all and I’d like to share a few highlights but before I jump into a trip down memory lane I’d like to quickly touch upon what will happen with Trials after I leave. Largely things will carry on as they have. Keeba & MrDrPink will be holding it down on Trials community channels and BlueBadger will still be streaming Fridays on the RedlynxOfficial channel. You’ll even still be seeing me around in the community. Just because I stop working at Redlynx doesn’t mean I stop loving Trials. I’ll still be building tracks and streaming Trials in my free time as much as I can.
If you’d like to know more about what I’ll be doing in the future you can follow me on my various social media channels:
Twitter, Instagram, Twitch
This Friday we’ll be having a giant sized Trials Live, as this will be my last official appearance on the Friday stream. We’ll be doing a look back at my exploits in Trials games from Trials HD to the present. There will also be a ton of giveaways and more so I hope you all can come by and join in on the fun for my final Trials Live. Stream starts Friday, July 31st at 3pm Helsinki time (check the link for local time).
http://static2.cdn.ubi.com/pxm/Trial...LiveBanner.jpg
Now with all the business out of the way let’s take a look back. Prepare to watch a younger, slightly skinnier, much more hairy Shogun transition into the doughy grey bearded ComDev you know today, through a lot of good times and great memories with fans, friends and colleagues.
Glass Road - My First Trials Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcYjsR8KfDY
With Trials HD I was hooked right away because of the editor and I got involved in the community initially to share my creations and check out stuff created by others. Trials HD didn’t have a Track Central so I went about using my training as a graphic designer and video producer to promote my tracks on the forums and this is how I first got the attention of some guy named ANBA who it turned out founded the studio that created the game.
RedlynxTV Season 1 Episode 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOUKwu5E6sA
Before I moved to Finland to work at Redlynx Studio I produced a Trials web series with my buddy Nick (aka DaleTheAutomata) as a freelancer. For the final 2 episodes of the season Redlynx brought us out to Finland to film some segments at the studio. That trip was the first time I met the Trials HD devs face to face, the first time I saw an early build of Trials Evolution and the first time it was indicated that maybe there was a place for me with this ragtag group of gamers. You can check out a playlist of both seasons of RedlynxTV on the TrialsGames YouTube channel. Another highlight from season 1 is Episode 5 where we went to meet the voice actors behind Trials HD's screams.
RedlynxTV Season 2 Episode 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY3i14kvfmY
I already mentioned RLTV but I had to also call out this episode. This one is special to me because it’s the first time I met FatShady. We went on to work together on a number of projects over the years. I’ve probably seen this lovable Australian more times in the last 10 years than most of my friends and family back in the states. Impressive considering the vast distance that separates us. Side note: the bear head has still never been returned to ANBA and with my departure there is only 1 person left at the studio who knows where it is hidden. Will it ever be returned?
Trials World Championship 2013
http://static2.cdn.ubi.com/pxm/Trial...31_TWC2013.jpg
This was my first time getting to meet players in real life. I remember feeling nervous AF, completely out of my element trying to manage this group of people as we made our way around Paris but I had great help in BlueBadger and Taija and this event ended up being a blast. Hosting live events with players quickly became one of my favorite things about this job.
Community Workshops
I’ve organized 3 community workshops here at Redlynx Studio as well as a trip to the Trials Rising launch party for some of our Trials Elite players. Getting to pull back the curtain and giving our players a glimpse of how these games are made has been such a fun and rewarding experience each and every time. Bonus, I’ve made some great friends in the process. I’ll miss these a lot.
http://static2.cdn.ubi.com/pxm/Trial..._Elite2017.jpg
http://static2.cdn.ubi.com/pxm/Trial..._Elite2018.jpg
http://static2.cdn.ubi.com/pxm/Trial...aunchParty.jpg
E3
As a gamer I always wanted to go to E3 but never imagined I would. Now I’ve been to 4 and have taken away totally different experiences than I would have expected. I dreamed of previewing amazing games and taking home awesome swag. What I got are great memories of amazing times with friends and colleagues. From sharing my first E3 with a skeleton crew of myself, BlueBadger and ShiftySamurai to the 2018 reveal of Rising when we had over 20 members of the dev team at the event, these will be some of my most treasured memories from my time with Trials. Not to mention Ubisoft’s incredible Star Player program that has allowed me to meet even more players from Trials and other amazing gaming communities.
http://static2.cdn.ubi.com/pxm/Trial...31_E3_2014.jpg
*I couldn’t find any digital photos from this year, I think they are on my old busted laptop, but I do still have this photo hanging on my fridge at home. The OG Trials crew from the Uplay Lounge photobooth.
http://static2.cdn.ubi.com/pxm/Trial...31_E3_2016.jpg
http://static2.cdn.ubi.com/pxm/Trial...31_E3_2018.jpg
http://static2.cdn.ubi.com/pxm/Trial...31_E3_2019.jpg
There’s so much more I’d love to share but this could go on for ages so we’ll cut it here. If you’re interested in more of the behind the scenes of my last 10 years in the gaming industry feel free to stop by my streams or send me a message on Twitter. I’m always happy to spin a tale or two.
Now is the time where I get a little choked up because this may be the last time I say this to you all. Until we meet again, I’ll see you on the leaderboards.
http://static2.cdn.ubi.com/pxm/Trial..._signature.png
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Thank you for everything you’ve done for the community and the game of Trials. You will truly be missed by everyone. Take care of yourself and good luck in the future 🤙🏻
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Nice one purpleoozi couldn't have said that better :)
Just Shogun buddy hope you have fun wherever your new journey takes you I'm sure you'll still be around :)
It's been a good run (2009 sounds about right) known you for a long while Cannible - keep us updated I'm sure there's plenty of good people on here that would like to know how things are going.
P.S. enjoyed all the really great tracks you've made over the years and help you used to give me back on TrialsHD.net :)
You are appreciated
Cheers Friend !
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Oh my god.
What a surprise !
Thanks for everything. :'-(
Is your next jounrey a secret ? ^^
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These are sad news but I'm thankful for all you've done for the franchise and the community. Lots of luck in your next adventure Shogun!
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What ever you’re doing I know you’ll be great at it. Seriously wish you all the best mate and it won’t be the same without you.
I’m so grateful our paths have crossed so many times now. So many good times. Thanks for making me feel so welcome in a foreign country and being such a good mate. Your help and advice allowed me to have the opportunities I’ve had so thanks for everything man!!! <3
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Man...this made me way more emotional than I thought it would. Another legend lost in the community. Really hope you find the muster in you to keep playing Trials man. Wishing you the absolute best with your new child and all your upcoming endeavors...
I remember playing your tracks over a decade ago, and instantly becoming a fan. You brought so much life and inspiration to HD that shall never be forgotten...Not to mention all of the free tutorials you've made for noobs like me, trying to explore the editor...
You the man Shogun! 🤟
-Red
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Will remember all the great times bro. I'll be there for that last stream... From the days back on trialsHD.net. To now. Its been a long journey and... dayum!... :( I thank you for everything you did for me and you know what you did. I appreciate everything. Being a friend was enough but you did more. You supported me. Blue too. I'm sorry to see you leave Redlynx. I hope to see you prosper in your next position. Absolute legend!!
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Glass road looks cool! :)
Best of luck Shogun, thankyou.
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Hey Shogun,
wish you all the best for the future!
Since i started Trials in 2012, you have always been the face of Trials for me. I think your nice, frankly and charismatic way added a lot to the popularity of Trials within the community and also towards public relations.
Always loved the passion you had for Trials, especially in the streams, when you tried out competition tracks or Picks, those reactions were priceless at times. :D
Take care,
Patrick