MarkUp 1/Eo: The Evolution

Eo is one of the very famous Game Maker groups, the group started as “H Unit” and later evolved into its current forum.

Below is one of my past interviews with Hyun, the “creator” or “founder” of the group. The interview took place slightly after the announcement of the “Launch of Eo” what seems like a decade ago.

I really apologize to Hyun for taking so long to publish this article, but life got in the way for a while.

The Interview
When did you start using Game Maker? “A rather long time ago, around late 1999. However, I didn't start to use it 'properly' until I came across 3.3 in 2001.”

What was your first game in GM? “A poor Space Invaders clone, using the standard sprites that came with Game Maker back in the days of 3.3.”

What are you most proud of for doing before starting H Unit or Eo? “In terms of games, creating my first two games for public release. They weren't very popular, but I was proud at the fact I could program two games in the space of a week, to a polished off standard.”

How did you the idea of H Unit first occur to you, and who are the first few members in the unit? “The Unit first started off as a gimmick, a clan as if it were. However that was rather lacking - so it died rather quickly.”

“A few months later, I felt something was needed to be done about the quality of the games made with Game Maker. Reminiscent of the demoscene days of the Amiga, I had decided to create a group where we can exclusively push the boundaries of GM, and discuss such ideas and expertise in an environment free from the clutter usually associated with the GMC - hence the invitation only basis of the group. To push such boundaries, I felt it was necessary to find people who were talented with Game Maker and with Game Design in general. And from then on - we haven't looked back.”

“Shadestorm was the first member of the group officially, and is one of the pioneers behind the ideals of the community.”

What criticism did you receive before H Unit officially became a Unit? “None, as far as I can recall.”

'''Why did you really change H Unit to Eo? You could make a whole makeover on H Unit without changing the whole name after all.''' “We felt it was time to take the community in new directions, find a name that was more representative of the group as a whole. It was also done, to leave behind a name that has got some unnecessary bad press off people. The major reason though, was for a fresh new start.”

What are key changes in Eo? “H Unit only used to exclusively cover freeware games. Eo has now expanded to cover shareware games, applications and non Eo games (i.e. the Game Maker Radar.) We've also had a shift in our methodology in working.”

'''Internally in Eo, between the members of the unit, have there been any changes? If so, what are the most significant changes in there?''' “There haven't been any changes in the community itself. Some members have unfortunately decided to leave the group due to personal reasons beyond their control.”

'''Is it true that Mr. Chubigans only joined the H Unit website after you began developing Eo, is that correct? If so, why didn't he join before?''' “No, he was already a part of H Unit. The site was no longer updated when joined; therefore his name was not on the site (H Unit site, ed.).”

What is the reaction of those people who did hate H Unit before, did anything change? “They still hate us, for some rather silly reasons ;)”

'''Until now, how do you feel about the (unconstructive) criticism on the unit? Has it stopped after Eo was officially launched?''' “You just deal with it. Some people are not going to like you - it's a fact. The best thing to do was just plough on with what we had to do.”

Do you have any future plans for Eo that you can tell us? “Our current aims are to increase the portfolio of games at the site, and also to increase publicity for shareware ventures in the future.”

Please go ahead and write any other remarks or comments that you had but didn't have the chance to discuss. “Thanks for the interview! I hope it sheds some light on the origins and workings of the Eo community!”