Bob Settles

Bob Settles is a level designer who worked on the Level designs, and story for, Myth II: Soulblighter. Credited for the voice of the Baron, Chimera. Thanked in the Chimera manual and got a "Draft Dodger" mention in the, Halo: Combat Evolved Credits.

Back in the media storm that came after the Columbine Massacre Bob Settles caused a bit of controversy in the gaming world. It was heavily quoted that the two "Trench Coat Mafia" members who took part in the slaying were heavy users of video games in particular, DOOM.

The makers of DOOM refused to comment on the effects of its game and so the media were left scrambling to find someone else to talk to. When Newsweek contacted Bungie for someone to interview that wasn't in the PR dept they gave them, Bob Settles:

The article called, Loitering on the Dark Side by Steven Levy, in the May 3 1999 edition of "Newsweek" magazine; concluded that various elements of "...a culture of violence" influenced the Columbine High killers to kill their fellow students.

The article reads that video games like, "the shoot-and-splatter" games share part of the blame.

"Doom's creators aren't talking, but Bob Settles, who works on similar games for Bungee (sic) software (which makes the popular Myth II game), disputes the notion that these games influence people to do mayhem".

According to the article, Bob said "Mostly people who play our games get a little relief--it allows them to let out anger." Further, "I'm less worried about Myth II in the hands of a troubled teenager than the danger of having a gun in the household."

This sparked outrage in the gaming community as it implied that all gamers are potential freak jobs whoes only outlet is violent video games.

Bob claims that his quote was shortened and a bit out of context but still stands by the general message.

Design

 * Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends (2006), Microsoft Game Studios
 * Dungeon Siege II (2005), Microsoft Game Studios
 * Myth II: Soulblighter (1998), Bungie Studios
 * Shanghai: Dynasty (1997), Activision, Inc.

Writers

 * Myth II: Soulblighter (1998), Bungie Studios

Production

 * Men of Valor (2004), Vivendi Universal Games, Inc.

Other

 * Halo: Combat Evolved (2001), Microsoft Game Studios