Rich Amtower is best known for being a text localization specialist for Nintendo, but has also lent his expertise to Square-Enix in a few Final Fantasy titles.
E3 2003: Rich Amtower and Paul Gale
I first met Rich at E3 2002 and him, alongside other good friend Nate Bihldorff, introduced me to the world of text localization. I knew of video game journalism (as that was my background), story writing in games, and translating, but localization was something very new and very cool. The first time we spoke, Rich was asking me how I liked the humor of certain games, including Animal Crossing, and when I said that it had some of the funniest lines I had read in a game, he cracked a big smile and said, “thanks”.
E3 2005: Rich Amtower and Paul Gale
Rich has been a part of many Nintendo games, ensuring that the meaning behind the story, certain lines, and overall flow of dialog upholds its original intent but at the same time fits the audience demographic. Always a fun and helpful person to talk to, Amtower has been there for me up till present day. One time I was the one happy return the favor for him, when he appeared on X-Play. I remember shooting him an e-mail and when he thought it was cool that he got a spot on TV but felt bad that he didn’t get G4, I recorded the episode and sent it on tape. (A small appreciation for all the time he spends talking to me at E3).
E3 2006: Rich Amtower and Paul Gale
Rich is also one of those people that works a company booth and will always go out of his way to say hi to you. Even when totally drained from being on his feet for two days, getting little sleep, etc., while at a lunch meeting in the back of Nintendo’s booth, he’ll step out for 10 minutes and catch up.
E3 2009: Rich Amtower, Nate Bihldorff, and Paul Gale
I have to give big props to the man for continuing to put forth such good work at Nintendo and for looking out for me as well. One of the things he’s given me advice on is my writing over the years, encouraging me to stick to it…as well as always liking my video game pumpkin carvings and voice acting bits. Rich said that when Big N needs my skills, he’ll put in a good word for me. Anytime. 🙂
E3 2010: Rich Amtower and Paul Gale
I’ve known Rich for so long now that I can tell that with his positive attitude and ability to just hang in there a little longer (E3 can be tough on people), he’ll no doubt have lots of future success. Too bad Mr. Amtower won’t be at E3 this year, but we’ll catch up again not too long from now. Rich, thank you for being a really good friend for nearly a decade and for continuing to make us laugh through your words. I wish you the best and even though it’s bittersweet that you won’t be attending E3, at least you can finally catch some sleep!