Meet The Magnopians: Tony Kwok
Tony Kwok is the Principal/Lead Realtime Artist at Magnopus. He joined the studio a little over 4 years ago as a seasoned veteran from the games industry. Before joining Magnopus, Tony worked at Treyarch/Activision on various AAA franchises including the Spider-Man and Call of Duty games.
What do you do at Magnopus?
My official title is Principal Realtime Artist. Asset creation is my day-to-day job and I'm in the trenches getting my hands dirty. I'm either directly on a project or I'm acting more like a consultant on smaller projects. Depending on how the teams are structured, sometimes I’m the lead and sometimes I'm the only person on a project! It really varies and that's part of the fun.
What's been your favorite project to work on since being at Magnopus?
It has to be our cross-reality experience for Expo 2020 Dubai. It’s one of the longest projects I’ve worked on here and the most fun. I think I also had a realization whilst working on it that wow, we're doing something much bigger than making something entertaining. This is going to set the standard for what the metaverse, or connected spaces, will be. I think more or less everyone at Magnopus has been involved with the project in some capacity, and it was amazing to see all the disciplines collaborating to make something amazing.
What's your origin story?
I have a background in architecture. After getting my bachelor degree, I worked in the industry for about five years when 3D modeling was just getting off the ground. That was an element I really wanted to be a part of. I thought I wanted to work in movies because that's where the glitz and glamor were, but it turned out I was a lot more interested in working in games and fulfilling the dreams of my inner child. I was lucky enough to get my foot in the door at a really small game studio and later on moved onto working on some AAA franchises including the Call of Duty series for the next 18 years, and the rest is history!
What's the biggest lesson you've learned in your career?
Always challenge yourself. I know it's a bit generic, but it's true! Don't be afraid to do things that you've never tried before, and if you are scared to do so, great, because you have to be a little bit scared to be able to push yourself to the next level.
What is one app or piece of software or hardware that you just can't get through your day without?
Since I'm into asset creation, it has to be Maya. I've been using it ever since I got into the industry. I know there are so many different softwares out there today that artists are using, but when it boils down to the basics, I still need to be able to open my computer and do work in Maya. No matter how many shiny new toys are out there – it’s my go-to!
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what would your dream job be?
I actually have two. I would love to work on cars or be a chef. I know they are completely different but they do have something in common - they both involve working with your hands. I like working on something tangible and creating something, it’s very rewarding.
What's your signature dish?
I don't really have a signature dish, but what I enjoy cooking the most is Thai dishes. I love Thai food so I am always experimenting and learning different recipes.
What are you reading or listening to right now?
I just finished a book called Last Train to Cairo. It’s a journal of a couple during their month traveling in Egypt, bouncing around all the different cities and the trials and tribulations that go along with it!
