Stephen Kick’s gaming habits are as meticulous as the remasters Nightdive Studios produces. With over 8,500 hours logged in Dota 2—and a recent 5,000th victory—his obsession with the game extends beyond personal records. For Kick, it’s a family ritual, a leadership training ground, and a rare exception to his usual rule of uninstalling games he outgrows.
As the CEO behind revivals of Doom, Quake, and System Shock, Kick’s own gaming history mirrors the studio’s mission: preserving classics while embracing modern challenges. Yet his current focus isn’t on retro titles. It’s on a game that demands real-time strategy, teamwork, and quick thinking—Dota 2—where he’s spent more time than most professionals spend at their day jobs.
His journey into the game began unintentionally. While living with his in-laws during Nightdive’s early days, Kick entered a Valve-sponsored contest to design a Dota 2* character outfit. Though he didn’t win, the experience hooked him. It was such a fun learning experience, he recalls. What started as a side project for extra income became a daily ritual. Now, his family—wife, brother-in-law, even his son—joins him for evening matches, turning competitive play into a shared pastime.
Kick’s role in games isn’t passive. As a support player (position five), he thrives on coordination, healing, and directing teammates. I can usually direct the game in such a way that we’re all working together, he says. The satisfaction comes from orchestrating victories, not just achieving them. Yet even he admits to occasional toxicity—using psychological tactics to unsettle opponents, a skill honed from years of competitive sports. The key, he insists, is balance: cheeky banter over outright insults.
Why Dota 2 stands out
- Over 8,544 hours logged, with his 5,000th win marking a personal milestone.
- Family bonding: Evening sessions with his wife, brother-in-law, and son turn gaming into a shared experience.
- A leadership lab: The game’s complexity forces quick decision-making and teamwork, skills he applies to Nightdive’s projects.
- Uninstalled twice—but always reinstalled. I got too serious, he admits, noting how losses once affected his mood until he stepped away to reset.
But Dota 2 isn’t the only game with a permanent spot on his PC. Plants vs. Zombies remains installed, a nostalgic holdover from his son’s obsession. The strategy game taught his child (and him) about resource management—lessons that stuck. We’d sit around and play, helping him plan sunflower placements and economy, he says. Unlike Dota 2, this game offers a slower, more reflective pace, free from the pressure of real-time competition.
The games that define him
- Doom + Doom II: The oldest titles on his PC, evoking childhood memories of CRT monitors and unchecked immersion.
- Witchfire: A roguelike FPS that captivates him in bursts, though he admits to occasional frustration when progress stalls.
- System Shock (1994): A personal mission—Nightdive’s remake of this classic was a labor of love after Kick couldn’t find a copy of the original.
Beyond gaming, Kick’s desktop is a testament to order. Icons are neatly organized, though he occasionally consolidates clutter into folders. His workflow extends to non-gaming tools: Photoshop and a Cintiq monitor for digital art, a creative outlet that contrasts with his analytical gaming habits. Miniature painting and Halloween props keep his hands busy outside the studio, while a potential YouTube maker channel hints at future projects.
For Kick, gaming isn’t just entertainment. It’s a lens through which he views leadership, strategy, and even personal growth. The same focus that guides Nightdive’s remasters—precision, preservation, and innovation—applies to his playstyle. Whether coordinating a Dota 2* push or teaching his son about sunflower economy, the principles remain: teamwork, adaptability, and the occasional strategic smoke bomb.
One thing is certain: Kick’s gaming habits won’t be uninstalled anytime soon.
