I made and coded Dead Reckoning on my own. But a game this text-heavy doesn't get sharp by itself. An artist and three writers gave their time to read drafts, critique them, polish the prose, and shape the narrative, and to weigh in on the art and design. Kelly went further than feedback: the achievement art is his, and it's the feather in the game's cap. So before the next ship launches, the spotlight goes on them.

Kelly Aaron Taylor

Kelly's the artist. He's been a furniture builder, an auto mechanic, a lead singer, a truck driver, a fine artist, and a graphic designer: pixel work is just the current chapter. His own line on it: "to make art in as many forms as possible, for as many people as possible, for as long as I can keep doing it." He gave art and design feedback throughout, and he made the achievement icons. More of his work is at kellytaylorartist.com.

Mark Poe (writes as John Oakman)

Mark is the author of Operation Isekai Liberation (OIL), a satire about U.S. nation-building in a generic fantasy kingdom, among other lighthearted works. Day job: hazmat tech at a university. Before that, CBRN defense in the Marines.

Nico

A computer science grad who bounced through tech roles and landed, somehow, in sales for chip-design software, until his team was cut last August. He's spent the time since reading, writing, and working out what he wants to do next. His line, which stuck with me: "I don't think I'll have the skill to make a living off art anytime soon. That shouldn't stop me from creating."

Michael (Efflixi)

Gen X, the first in his family to finish college, ten years in programming before he walked away from it. Now he keeps the servers, the network, and everything attached to a wall outlet running for a 75-person company. Off the clock he collects retro PCs and all their assorted parts, plays PC games, and is currently setting up three retro machines for permanent use.

To Kelly, Mark, Nico, and Michael: none of this was your job. Thanks for spending your time on it anyway.

Garan Lorn