Recently I was given the opportunity to visit Oddworld Inhabitants Studios in California, USA. This is the third in a series on inside the Oddworld Studios.

Well, after all introductions, tours and demonstrations were done... it was time to leave the studios for the day. Would it be a good-bye to the Inhabitants... or was there more to come.

In what was unsurpassed Oddworld hospitality, I left the studios with the Alf's Rehab and Tea crew, my only knowledge was that we were going out to dinner that night. Little did I know that on the other side of the road was a limousine waiting to take us to our destination. "Wow... is that for us"... I said to Geri. I couldn't believe it! From having an Oddworld fan's dream come true to being treated like a VIP, it was certainly amazing. So off we headed for some fine Japanese food and a night of being able to ask questions and talk... well Oddworld. After dinner we went to this cool place called the Madonna Inn (Pink Palace)... which was decorated as far as one could see. Here we had... well... what else... a good 'ol cup of tea... just like Alf!

I was to find out that I was able to return the following day... which made for further excitement. And after a long phone call home to the family to tell them the news... I finally (tried) to get some sleep!

The next day I was to have lunch with some of the development crew, game designers, real-time modellers, programmers and office staff. Just being able to spend time with these people that create such an awesome game like Oddworld was a great experience. It kind of made you feel like you were in a developer's meeting or something. Well, not quite... but it was certainly awesome.

So what else happened on day two of my visit to the Oddworld Inhabitants studios? Not being as formal as the first day, I was able to walk around the studios and talk to the inhabitants, of course trying not to interrupt them too much, as we all know how busy everyone is there! I was in awe of Geri's merchandise collection... you know, the kind of things that only gaming press and people like that get. I was allowed to take photos... some of which you will see in the Inside Oddworld photo gallery (which will be the next instalment of this series). I really found everyone to be very friendly and didn't seem to mind taking a brief time out. One thing I can say about everyone at Oddworld (if you didn't know this already), is that they are a hard workers, who put 110% into their work.

Well, time flew and before I knew it the day was over. It was time for the monthly Oddworld birthday wishes... with cake (and yes, it was a nice healthy carrot cake!) and a birthday song (complete with false Australian accent, but one of the more light-hearted members of the staff). Oddworld's Office manager extended her welcome of me to the studio... and I returned the kind words to all of the inhabitants.

And... well I guess you could say that was almost it. Almost that is. The Real-Time department had their annual Christmas decorating party... to get everyone into the spirit of Christmas and to deck out the area with decorations. I was invited back to this (very rare) event. But to my surprise, who other than Lorne Lanning would show up!!! He asked me if everyone was treating me well. When Lorne found out that everyone had run out of beer... he himself went to get refills... none other than the Aussie beer... Fosters!

An impromptu extra demonstration of Munch's Oddysee by Chris, the Asst. Director who allowed me to see and play one of the water levels in the game. An incomplete level, I was able to guide Munch through a series of land mines as well as see how the wells worked in Munch's Oddysee.

Before getting ushered out the door and saying all of my goodbyes to everyone... yes, I never wanted to leave... I managed to meet Lorne one last time. We talked about Australia, as he had visited on a promotional tour for Abe's Exoddus.

So that was the end. I was in San Luis Obispo for two more days after that... but the Oddworld visit had ended. Believe me, it was hard to say goodbye. Every time I walked past the Studios, I seemed to deliberately stall for time! It was like I never wanted to leave... what Oddworld fan wouldn't! As this title says though... "all good things must come to an end". But for this Oddworld fan... the memories will always remain... and of course being named Fan of the Month for December! And words cannot describe the appreciation I extend to Oddworld Inhabitants for making this Oddworld Fan's dream come true. Thank you Oddworld Inhabitants... you rock!