Hey SnowRunners!
Today, we're excited to welcome PuppyMaster, who has even brought his own puppers with him. Enjoy the interview!
How did you get into gaming?
My first console was an Atari 2600. Back then the concept of a “Home Personal Computer” was still the fever dream of mad men, such as me. My first “PC” was a KayPro 2X. I know I dated myself a bit with those references but basically, gaming has been a part of my life for as long as I can recall. I even did the pen & paper gaming for many years. Only true OGs remember THAC0.
Could you tell us a little bit about your background?
I was raised in a small rural town in Maine, population near 1,000, which made it quite the burgeoning metropolis compared to many of the neighbouring towns, lol. Dad ran a small OTR trucking company and bought me my first rig at the age of 10, an old Freightliner cabover. Said “if you’re gonna be doing trailer maintenance for me, you need to be able to jockey them around. And I’m not interested in having you bang up my rig.” Breezed through high school in 2 years and rolled straight into the Army at 18. I’ve done a lot of different types of work in my lifetime. Held a myriad of professional licenses such as master electrician/plumber, Class A CDL operator etc etc etc. I could do this all day, really… I’ve stayed busy.
But about 5 years ago, my back, hip, knee and the emphysema got to be a little much for me to work 14+ hours/day anymore. I decided to hang up my turnout gear from the Fire Departments, park my wrecker and call it a day. I still turn some wrenches and do auto salvage, but I refer to myself as “Semi-Retired.” Did I mention that I have 11 dogs? Because that’s kind of important. And before anyone asks: 7 Puggles (Pug/Beagle), 2 Buggs (Pug/Boston Terrier), a Pug, and an old, blind Pekingese. In fact, one of my dogs has even made an appearance in SnowRunner. Snuffles!!!
What got you into modding?
I played MudRunner on console and loved it, but I honestly had no idea about the mods until my friend bought it for me on PC. And at that time, SnowRunner was already on pre-order. After my first vanilla playthrough, I decided I’d get in touch with some MR modders that did commission builds and see if they’d build a truck for me for SnowRunner. After much back and forth, I ultimately decided I was going to just dive in headfirst and build my own truck. And I harassed Poghrim endlessly while I worked my way through my first build. So, anyone who enjoys my builds, make sure to throw a “Thank You” in a few other directions. In the early days, we (Rng3r, Yansors, Poghrim, DeathCoreBoy etc.) were all working together to get mods into the game, and I would be remiss to not give a nod to those that held my hand in the early days.
Where do you start with your mods? What’s your process and what triggers the idea?
When I first got into modding, I kinda went (what my friends would call it) Puppy Big Splash on a few of the 3D Model sites, so my project vault is DEEP. Plus, I can now build my own stuff from scratch, so... Honestly, picking the build I want to do next is one of the hardest parts for me. A lot of times, someone will say something or share a pic on Discord and it will light the spark. Some sparks like Ol' Red become immediate passion projects and shove all current projects onto the shelf for the moment. But after I choose my victim, the first thing I do with a pre-built model is optimization. On some models, this process is quick and straightforward. And then there are the other ones...
After optimizing, I start tuning the model for SnowRunner. A majority of pre-built models have no chassis as they are mostly to look pretty in renders, so building the chassis/suspension is usually the first hurdle. After primary modeling is done, I do my texturing. Again, sometimes this process is quick and straightforward. And then there are the ones where I'm manually adjusting my UV maps... (Which is most of them because I've found I actually enjoy it. Poghrim would probably call me a sadist, LOL!) Then it's time to throw some bones! I rig the model for animation, write my initial coding to get it to spawn in game, then take it for a ride! Then it's tweaking time and that's when I REALLY miss my buddy LoB1325 that I started the journey with. He was an XML mad man and a hard worker. He has retired from modding. For now. Next, I throw up a hidden beta so I can have a small group of people do private testing to get it just right and make sure there aren't any game breaking issues like Havoknados happening. Then it's out to the real testers: The public.
Have you modded for any other games?
I have but it has been many years. I built/operated a Star Wars themed server for the game Neverwinter Nights circa 2004-ish. I even managed to get copyright approval from LucasArts to use licensed characters.
What's your favourite SnowRunner mod?
I’m always amused to see the other modders’ answers to this question. As for vehicles mods, I can’t even begin to possibly choose. Not really. I mean, there was a full-scale AT-AT walker at one point. How do you begin to pick? I will single out a map or two though. Highway Haulin’ by Remoh667 obviously is a favourite of mine. I mean… Look at the trucks I build… It was obvious lol. And the RC Backyard Racetrack is amazing and nostalgic. Takes me straight back to the Micro Machines racing game on NES.
If someone could only download one of your mods, which would you suggest?
Unfortunately, due to system limitations some of my mods ARE the only ones that people can use (I’m still fairly new to 3D modelling so I am still learning optimization practices). I guess the answer would depend on what they want to get from that one mod. A unique experience unlike any other? Then I’d recommend Ol’ Red. A wildly versatile “Medium Duty” truck? Probably the original Wrecker (which is currently almost finished with a ground up rebuild.) Or maybe you just want to go point A to B and just drive over everything in your way without breaking much of a sweat... In that instance, I would recommend the 5002M.
What would be your dream change or addition to SnowRunner?
Persistent deformable terrain. I have a whole folder full of awesome construction equipment models that are ultimately shelved due to frivolity. Oh, and while we’re on that topic… Proper track support would be wonderful.
What’s your favorite thing about SnowRunner?
It’s a beautiful game. The trucks are beautiful, the scenery is excellent. And it’s a fun game on top of all that. And it has co-op for you and your buddies if you are the social type.
What advice would you give to people who would like to get into modding?
Join the iX Discord. Seriously though. Over in the iX Modding Hub we have a family of some of the hardest working and best modders in the game. Everyone there is willing to help when they are able. And we have a set of guidelines we expect our extended family to follow, to ensure that everyone is keeping things on the up-and-up and providing high quality, free content to all users. AND we have cookies.
Working on any exciting mod at the moment?
Every mod is exciting 😉. I seriously have more projects going than I could count. I am excited about my revamp of my first mod, the iX Wrecker. Feels good to return to an early project with a new arsenal of knowledge and creating a much better version. Other than that, I’ll just drop some teaser photos from some of my favourites and call it good.
What’s your all-time favourite real life vehicle? What about SnowRunner vehicle?
1982 DMC-12, without question. I almost bought a used one many years ago and have always regretted passing on it. Maybe I should rig/texture one of the models of that car that I have and put it in SnowRunner and then it can be my favorite in both places… As for my favourite base game vehicle, I have to go with the Navistar. Dad drove a Navistar Eagle for many years and it has sentiment. I did almost my whole first playthrough in that truck.
Wildcard Question: What’s your favourite season and why?
Got to go with winter. The air is crisp and dry, and it makes it much easier for me to breathe. Plus, I can dress in layers and if I get too warm, I can take some off. That’s why cold weather is better for me. I can only take off so many layers in warm weather…
Fully agree! Plus you can hear hats and hats are great.
Check out and play PuppyMaster's mods on mod.io.
If you have questions you'd like to see added to these interviews, feel free to suggest them and we may add them! 🙂