Employee Spotlight: Meet Penny Chock, the Gaming Engineer with dynamic passions inside and outside work.
In the bustling world of video game development, there are countless individuals working behind the scenes to bring our favorite titles to life. Today, we shine the spotlight on Penny Chock, an Associate Lead Engineer at Treyarch, the studio renowned for the Call of Duty: Black Ops series. Let's take a deeper look into Penny's journey, passions, and what makes her a valuable member of the gaming community.
A Journey from Honolulu to Los Angeles: Penny Chock hails from the beautiful city of Honolulu, Hawaii. After graduating from Gonzaga University with a degree in Computer Science, she packed her bags and ventured to the gaming hub of Los Angeles. Interestingly, gaming wasn't on her radar until she spent time with friends who worked in Quality Assurance at major gaming companies. That's when she discovered her passion for games and applied to Treyarch, where she has been contributing her talents for nearly 16 years now.
A 95% UI Specialist with a Taste for Variety: Over her impressive tenure at Treyarch, Penny has primarily focused on the UI team. However, her passion for exploration and learning led to a stint in the audio engineering department as well. Her first major title was "Call of Duty: World at War," and since then, she has been a vital part of every Black Ops title released to date. Penny's dedication and expertise have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the games we've come to love.
Beyond the Gaming World: Outside of her demanding role as an engineer, Penny has cultivated an array of diverse hobbies. From riding motorcycles to indulging in knitting and crochet (particularly amigurumi), she embraces life's pleasures with enthusiasm. Her love for sports, especially hockey and golf, adds an athletic flair to her interests. When she isn't saving the world as a gaming engineer, Penny enjoys spending time watching TV shows, listening to music, engaging in board games, and nurturing her impressive collection of plants. From monstera to blueberry plants, fig trees to avocado trees, Penny's green thumb extends to a variety of flora that enriches her living space.
Sharing Joy with Friends and Furry Companions: As an LA local, Penny makes the most of her time by exploring the city's diverse food scene and attending various events with friends. An annual pass holder for Disneyland and Universal Studios, she never misses a chance to embrace her inner child and create cherished memories with her companions. Plus, Penny has a delightful canine friend named Kaylee, who undoubtedly adds joy and companionship to her life.
Values that Illuminate the Workplace: Compassion and respect are at the core of Penny's values. She seeks to surround herself with like-minded individuals who genuinely care about others, the environment, and making a positive impact. For Penny, it's crucial that people take pride in their work and show genuine concern for their surroundings and fellow colleagues.
The Importance of Company Culture: Penny emphasizes the significance of company culture, acknowledging that colleagues often spend years together and build meaningful relationships. A strong company culture fosters a sense of belonging, where people support, understand, and learn from one another. For Penny, it goes beyond the daily job and transforms the workplace into a community where individuals grow both personally and professionally.
The Serendipity that Brought Her Here: Reflecting on her journey, Penny shares that she stumbled into the world of game development primarily to support herself financially. However, she quickly realized that the vibrant gaming community resonated with her interests, and her colleagues' shared passion turned her workplace into a haven for fellow nerds. Penny considers herself fortunate to have landed in this dynamic industry.
Goals for the Future: As for her aspirations, Penny humbly hopes to continue growing both personally and professionally at Treyarch. She remains eager to acquire new skills and knowledge while working alongside her incredible colleagues. Producing their best work as a team brings her immense joy, and she looks forward to contributing to exciting new projects in the gaming realm.
Fun Fact: Penny shares that she lacks a pinky knuckle on her left hand, making her all the more intriguing.
In conclusion, Penny Chock is more than just an Associate Lead Engineer; she embodies a vibrant spirit that embraces life both inside and outside the gaming industry. Her passion for games, compassion for others, and dedication to her craft make her an invaluable asset to the gaming community. Here's to Penny's continued success and inspiring journey in the ever-evolving world of gaming!