Erik Wolpaw’s Gaming Journey: From Haunted Mansions to Slay the Spire
Meet Erik Wolpaw, the man behind some of your favorite games, including the iconic Portal series. His adventure with gaming kicked off in high school on a TRS-80, where he was captivated by a Scott Adams adventure game, probably one about a haunted mansion. “Those graphics were primitive,” he recalls, “but at that moment, I was hooked. All I wanted was my own computer.”
Wolpaw’s passion for gaming eventually led him into journalism. He started writing for various outlets, including co-founding the beloved site Old Man Murray alongside Chet Faliszek. By 2004, he joined the ranks at Valve, contributing to titles like Half-Life 2 and Team Fortress 2, before crafting the unforgettable narratives of Portal and its sequel.
When we caught up with him, Erik was deep into Slay the Spire 2, playing it solo and with his son in a co-op mode he absolutely loves. “It’s a blast! Sure, it’s not perfectly balanced yet—two players might have a tougher time, but it’s always a fun challenge,” he says. They were already tackling Ascension 10, embracing the thrill of new content and the classic Slay the Spire gameplay.
But what about his gaming preferences? “I’m really into games that challenge my brain but don’t overwhelm me,” he explains. “Slay the Spire hits that sweet spot. You get to make interesting decisions regularly, and even if it’s tough, there’s always that feeling of hope and excitement with each run.”
Prior to diving into Slay the Spire 2, Wolpaw was busy conquering Nioh 3, though he admits he didn’t finish it before the sequel snatched his attention. He loves the Dark Souls series too, claiming Nioh as his second favorite in that genre. “It’s a thrilling blend of samurai action and loot grinding,” he describes, reflecting on the sense of adventure that keeps him engaged.
Curious about his gaming history, we asked Erik about the oldest game on his PC. He mentioned his nostalgic love for Myth 2, a game he tried to revive on modern systems but faced technical hurdles. “I keep it installed, hoping to get it running someday. It was such a classic!” he reminisces.
When it comes to gaming hours, Slay the Spire tops the list for Erik with an impressive 1,500 hours logged. “That doesn’t even count the mobile version I play on my phone!” he laughs. Dark Souls 3 comes in at a surprising second with 571 hours, a number he’s skeptical about, while Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen rounds out the top three with 450 hours of dungeon-crawling fun.
So, which game will he never uninstall? “Without a doubt, it’s Slay the Spire. But I also cherish Burnout Paradise. I play it at least once a year. There’s something special about racing through that open world and the adrenaline rush it gives you—it’s a classic!”
Wolpaw’s gaming life reflects not just his creative journey but a genuine love for the craft. Whether he’s strategizing in card battles or tearing it up on the streets of Paradise, Erik Wolpaw continues to embrace the joy of gaming, one epic session at a time.