Waukster Online

The Level-up Yosi Break Sessions are interviews with Level-up employees. We call it Yosi Break sessions because a lot of people here usually go down to smoke so that they can unwind and relax. We’ve done several installment already, and we’ve even interviewed LU Chief Operating Officer, Sheila Paul. For today, we will be talking with arguably one of the most famous and charismatic employees of Level-up, Wudie Morales, also known as “GM ATMA”. Wudie is the Community Manager of Fly for Fun, one of the hottest games being offered by Level-up. Read on to know more about Atma.

Atma hanging out with Level-up Darling Iya

Wudie is one of the major factors why FlyFF is so successful. He will never hesitate to meet and talk with players and he makes it a point to immerse himself in the culture of the gamers. Wudie is actually an avid gamer, even almost going professional when he competed in the World Cyber Games as a Counterstrike player. He’s one hell of a guy, and I’m sure a lot of you will agree with me when I say that he is one of the biggest assets of Level-up Games. Oh yeah, he was one of the employees of the year for 2006.

Wauks: Finally! I get to interview GM Atma! It’s amazing how long it took for me just to corner you. Anyway, where did you get the name “Atma”? Tell us something about yourself.

Atma: Hmm. Well, it came out when I started working at Netgames for Khan Online. I was planning to use my Khan GM name (Anafiel) at the forums but I remembered that uso nga pala ang “cool anime names” sa mga message boards so I thought of a name that’ll sound nice. Ayun, I decided to use my favorite character in FFIII, Atma. Here’s a picture I stole from Aeon17x (LOL).

Wauks: Nya! I used to play FF a lot. Anyway, can you tell us something about the man-behind-the-gm? How long have you been working for the gaming industry?

Atma: Nothing special. I always listen to my mp3 player whenever I have time. I love gaming, fps, online, console (some), rts, you name it. I’ve been working as a GM for almost 3 years. Half of it is for Flyff.

Wauks: How does it feel being GM Atma? Andami mo fans XD

Atma: Haha, honestly, medyo weird. Kasi everytime na may event, feeling ko, lahat ng attendees ay kakilala ko so I always try my best to accommodate each one of them. Hehe. And about the “Fans” thing, I dunno about that. But if there’s any, well… galing! I appreciate your support!

Atma signing autographs at POGS

Wauks: Dude with all of your fans do you think may chance ka manalo if sumali ka sa Pinoy Big Brother or Philippine Idol?

Atma: LOL. WALA. But I have this idea which can take me to the final four. Here’s my battle plan (if ever you become one of the housemates, try this too, it might work):

1. Be very social. You’re going to need this to bond with the other housemates.

2. Stay in the background. Try not to get involved in issues and controversies around the house. It might screw up the plan and can result to early nomination and possible eviction. People will not vote for you since you don’t have that “star” position yet.

3. Nice guys finish last. As much as possible, befriend all the housemates. Doing this will keep you at bay.

4. Since your character is the “passive” type, you must also have a moment in one of the episodes. Create your “emo” moment every other week so the viewers can remember your face and name. An interesting topic would be.. mmm.. “I miss my parents” or “I don’t want to be with you guys [housemates] forever”. Or something better than that. Lol. I know you get my point. This will boost up your viewer sympathy rating.

5. Like any other reality TV shows, there’s the ever-present LOVETEAMS. Do your best to hook up yourself with a partner. Of course you should pick someone that can go all the way… to the final 4. Well that is if you’re charming enough. xD

6. If you get nominated, use all your power to save your arse from eviction! In my case, a 5x exp bonus on all servers if I don’t get voted out. Rack up the text votes!

Wauks: … Hindi mo naman sineryoso ng sobra yung tanong ko pare? Hay XD Anyway, next question. What separates flyffers from other MMORPG gamers?

Atma: Just an observation, if you check out the guild and forums, most of them aren’t really talking about the game. They love Flyff but they prefer discussing something else while playing. It’s like Woodstock. People go there for the festival and experience, not for the bands that are lined up to perform. I never saw that kind of “aura” in other games. Sa Flyff lang. I’m really amazed how Flyff peeps work in-game/offline.

Wauks: When I was still Brand Manager, one of our projects was the FlyFF Rolling EB. How many EBs have your organized?

Atma: Parang andami na talaga! - Since last year? Siguro mga 20+. I think konti pa nga lang yun e for a massive game like Flyff. But this year, mas madadagdagan pa s’ya. =_= We’re planning to have 3 EB’s per month for 2007. Beat that! Every weekend pa! …there you have it, my entire social life for the year!

The New FlyFF Team - Atma, Sherevar, Kumiko (Izot and Shiro not in Pic)

Wauks: Is there a mrs. Atma?

Atma: Oy people might get confused with your question. Some might interpret it as a player that I give uber gosu items and tank using a GM character.. lol. Neh but if you’re referring to a “girl friend in real life”, yes I have. She doesn’t like it when I give out personal stuffs about us eh. So…

Wauks: Thanks for joining me today Wuds. Keep up the good work man, I’m sure you’ll continue to soar. Any message for the FlyFF community?

Atma: A big thanks to everyone and shout out to all enigmatic forces that led you to Flyff. I hope that you still continue playing the game after reading this blog. Love and light!

Check out Atma dressed as a rocket at the LU WTF Moment section.