What's your callsign?
Djowatts
Let's get to know you – can you describe yourself in five words?
I'm a typical geek if I'm honest, in work and play. I am a software developer for a living, programming the server back-ends for mobile apps. Love a bit of football too, as well as the odd game of WarMachine (The table top miniatures game) and playing computer games obviously.
Tell us about your history in TAW.
My history in TAW is very brief. I came in as a recruit to the Warthunder spin up division, and as soon as I hit PFC, the staff at the time saw me as a perfect candidate for FS, which I took on. There was then a re-jigging of the staff, which saw me bumped up to XO about a month later. Fast forward another couple of weeks and we got a transfer in who made a perfect XO, so I was bumped up to CO from there.
What was your initial impression of TAW?
TAW was a bit daunting at first. One of the blokes I work with (Phenom, the NS2 DC) had been badgering me to join up with him, but I wasn't enamoured with that game, but when War Thunder started in Spin Up, I just had to get in. The structure and rules were a bit off-putting to begin with, but after a while, you see that they are there for a reason. I came to play games, and I have stayed for the people, there really are some fantastic people in TAW.
Tell us about your division, and what you do there.
I am currently in the Warthunder division as the CO of the EU Battalion. My job is to make sure things are running smoothly and everyone is happy. I take a big interest in how the rank and file are feeling, and love nothing more than to get up in the air in a simulator battle with them and shoot some planes out of the sky. The Warthunder EU battalion is a pretty sweet place, the recruitment level is good, and we have a nice solid group of guys that there is never a dull moment with. We tend to keep ourselves pretty tight knit with the NA side of things too, flying together when timezones allow.
What would you like someone considering joining TAW to know?
The main thing I would say is don't be put off by the initial formality of it. Everyone within TAW knows that Real life is more important than videogames, but the initial slap in the face with these rules, comms protocol and events system can be a bit daunting. The fun and the people are worth it.
Do you have any special hobbies or activities outside of TAW?
I'm a musician, playing the guitar and the saxophone, as well as learning to play piano and a little bit of drums. Music is a huge part of my life and it actually was a massive help in helping me overcome anger issues as a teenager.
If you could change one thing about TAW, what would it be?
I think I would change the length of the recruitment process. I have played with many a people who are interested in joining a clan or a gaming community, and they are put off by all of the hurdles they have to jump to gain entry to TAW. I think we may have missed out on some great additions because of this.
Tell us about some of the people you've met during your time in TAW.
I've met some cracking people while playing in TAW, from our slightly eccentric SUL MrHeadshot, to the very kind and lovely Garp from World of Tanks. I don't think I have met anyone that I would not gladly play with again!
What's your favourite thing about TAW?
As I have stated earlier on, I came for the gaming, and I stayed for the people! I have met some cracking people here, and I hope to meet some more cracking people as I go forward.
How does TAW affect your offline life?
Sometimes the mandatories are a little inconvenient, but other than that, there is no other real negative impact. As an officer however, the leadership abilities that I have to exercise here have helped me in a professional manner in my career.
What might our readers be surprised to know about you?
My family used to own the county of Dorset in the UK about 7 - 800 years ago.
What's your favourite retro videogame? Why?
I'm quite a big fan of space invaders, mainly because, in college, I replaced the space ships with my most hated lecturers face and shot them down instead.
If you could choose any TAW member to be stranded on a desert island with, who would it be and why?
Probably KalaniJ, he's in the navy so he could build me a boat!
Do you admire any celebrities? Why or why not?
I have recently gained a huge amount of admiration for Ashton Kutcher, as when he won an award or was handing out an award or something, he told a world full of teenagers that there is nothing sexier than being smart and working hard.
Who do you believe is going to be the most influential figure in gaming in the next three years?
I am :) I'm going to turn the Warthunder world upside down!
For their time, effort and dedication, this member will be awarded our In-The-Scope member tab for completing the interview.