Head Count: Derek Beck

Derek Beck is one of Human Head’s newest programmers. Originally from North Prairie, Wisconsin, Derek grew up playing games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and the Halo series. He knew he wanted to be a developer by the time he was 13 and started programming in high school. Derek graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with degrees in Computer Science and Media Arts & Game Development before working at a number of independent studios around Wisconsin. Currently, Derek is working on our free-to-play MMO, Survived By. His favorite part about Human Head so far is the casual work environment. When he isn’t playing or developing games, you can find Derek collecting vinyl records or brewing coffee.

Advice for Aspiring Programmers:

“Be persistent and stay involved as much as possible.”

Three Games that Everyone Should Play:

1. Metroid Prime
2. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
3. Earthbound