Milestones

Sometimes I meet famous people in the game industry or get featured in the gaming press, and yes, I'm proud of that. You would be proud too! So let's be proud together and indulge in some self-glorification.

February 2024, one of the 34 most powerful influencers in the global language industry
Guess what? I've officially made it to the cool kids' table of the language world! MultiLingual magazine named me one of the 34 most powerful influencers in the global language industry this year. Shocking, I know – especially for a guy who spends more time chatting with computers and dissecting languages than attending glam parties.

This isn't your typical "influencer" gig. It's not about selling flashy gadgets or flaunting exotic vacations. It's about nerding out over languages, breaking down barriers with technology, and occasionally making translation seem like the coolest job on the planet (because, let's face it, it really is).

Over the past few years, I've dived into everything from translating addictive games to building CATOTITUDE, a CAT tool that's like the Tesla of translation tools. And let's not forget those long hours teaching Japanese, ensuring my students can say more than just "sushi" and "anime."

Being named alongside legends and fresh faces alike is a huge honor. It's a nod to all the late nights, endless cups of coffee, and the belief that languages are about connecting people, not just putting words on a page.

So, here's to being a "powerful influencer" – a title I'll proudly wear as I continue to question the establishment, share too many opinions, and maybe, just maybe, make a difference in this vast, multilingual world.

Cheers to the mischief, the accents, and, of course, to every one of you who's been part of this wild ride. Let's keep translating, innovating, and stirring the pot – because what's life without a little fun?

February 2019, 7-year reunion with EA
I visited my good friends and esteemed business partners at Electronic Arts in Cologne. We talked about games, drank beer, and yes, my son and his German gamer girlfriend were in heaven, loaded with merchandising. I had a blast too.

October 2018, feature in the biggest Dutch newspaper
An article about the flawed Dutch system for certified translators was picked up by De Telegraaf, the biggest newspaper in the Netherlands. My 15 minutes of fame! You can read the full article here (in Dutch).

October 2013, visit to SEGA Europe
While attending the yearly IAPTI conference in London, I took the opportunity to visit my friends at SEGA Europe. They showed me their super-secret office, which features a console museum, a gaming corner, and a ping pong table. My kids had a blast with Sonic, as you can see.

October 2013, presentation in London
The IAPTI asked me to give a presentation on the Project from Hell. Though the audience was small, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Apparently, they enjoyed the rollercoaster ride through fiery volcanoes and pools of blood!

May 2011, Algemeen Dagblad: Playing against the best
One of the resulting articles, featured in the national Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.

December 2008, gamesTM: A matter of bespoke work
Note: There's an incorrect quote near the end of the article. I never said Beyond Good and Evil was badly localized. I mentioned some hardcore gamers returned the game because they couldn't choose the original English language.