Ned Lerner

Edward Lerner, or Ned Lerner, is a video game designer and technology project leader in the video game industry.

Career

In 1983 he founded Lerner Research (a 3D simulation development company)^[1] which was responsible for Chuck Yeager's Advanced Flight Trainer, Deep Space (first ever full 3D game), Ultima Underworld, F-22 Interceptor (3D Genesis title), and also created the first 3D system licensed by Electronic Arts.

He later co-founded Blue Sky Productions (later Looking Glass Studios), filling the roles of Chairman of the Board, Chief Operating Officer, and VP Product Development. During this time, he led the development of more 3D simulation and entertainment software, such as Flight Unlimited, System Shock, Links Pro, John Madden Football '93, and Ultima Underworld 2.

In 1997, he co-founded Multitude, an Internet gaming multi-player startup that created FireTeam, the first real-time internet team game with full voice conferencing.^[2][3][4] The full voice feature of FireTeam was a popular feature, so eventually the functionality was spun off into a standalone voice product called FireTalk.

In June 1997 he was the subject of the cover story of Red Herring magazine (covering the creation of FireTeam). ^[5]

Ned later went on to work at Venture FireFighters, and Electronic Arts (as Chief Technology Officer).

Ned currently works for Sony Computer Entertainment America, Director of Tools & Technology. In this role he is involved in the development of games for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Portable.

Impact

He writes a blog called "NedGam.es", which covers a variety of topics, including game design, economics, and software development.^[6]

Ned is listed on the credits for 48 games (so far).^[7]

He has filed 19 U.S. patents^[8] and won over 40 industry awards.^[9]

References