Player 6
Nuno Lopes
Q1
What’s a childhood memory or early gaming experience that stayed with you?
I was born in 1974, which meant I was just the right age when home computing started to boom in the early 1980s. One of the most unforgettable moments of my childhood was the day my parents brought home a Sinclair ZX Spectrum. I still remember the excitement as we unpacked it, the rubber keys and that rainbow stripe. But what truly burned itself into my memory was the sound: the screech and hiss of a game loading from cassette tape.
The first game that hooked me was “Manic Miner”. I was completely mesmerized by its colourful levels and challenging jumps. Every room felt like a puzzle from another world. I didn’t just play; I imagined. That small black box with its 8-bit graphics transported me into worlds filled with danger, strategy, and imagination. I remember sitting cross-legged for hours in front of a tiny TV, my fingers fumbling over the rubber keys, while my mind soared.
More than just play, it was a spark, a first encounter with digital logic, creativity, and immersion. That early experience didn’t just stay with me because it was fun, it stayed because it sparked a lifelong fascination with technology. It was the first step on a path that led me to pursue a PhD in Computer Science and dedicate my career to exploring the potential of digital innovation.
Q2
What’s something you played recently—alone or with others—that really stuck with you or taught you something?
Recently, I spent time revisiting Tears of the Kingdom. Not just for the gameplay, but for what it reminded me: exploration is never truly finished. It brought me back to the curiosity I felt as a kid in the ’80s, navigating pixelated platforms on my ZX Spectrum. Now, decades later, I’m solving physics-based puzzles, building machines, and manipulating space in a game that lets creativity thrive. It struck me how that same sense of play fuels the way we approach complex proposals by testing ideas, iterating, and learning from failure.
Q3
What’s a moment in gaming that made you feel truly accomplished—like something you’d brag about in a job interview? Think boss battles, platinum trophies, or anything that shows your resilience and excellence.
Beating Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice felt like conquering a personal Everest. The difficulty, the precision it demands, it’s not just about reflexes, it’s about adaptation and mental toughness. There were moments I wanted to give up, but I didn’t. That persistence mirrors the kind of resilience I bring to writing competitive proposals under pressure, or leading teams through ambiguity.
Q4
A game that offers deep immersion, challenge, or relaxation—perfect for solo play and personal growth.
Sid Meier’s Civilization IV. For those quiet evenings when you want to dive deep into strategy, reflection, and world-building, this classic delivers. It’s not just a game, it’s a meditation on leadership, consequence, and growth. Every decision echoes through history. It’s immersive, demanding, and oddly therapeutic, perfect for solo play that challenges both intellect and patience.
Q5
FIFA Football, no question. Whether you’re playing side-by-side or online, it’s the perfect storm of competition, camaraderie, and occasional chaos. Matches swing on a single misjudged pass or miraculous last-minute goal, making it a rollercoaster for any group. It’s also a fantastic way to observe team dynamics, who passes, who hogs the ball, who shouts at the ref. Equal parts skill and unpredictability, FIFA turns any gathering into a stadium of laughter, friendly banter, and just the right dose of rivalry.
Q6
Which character best reflects your role in a team project at PNO? The silent strategist, the chaos coordinator, the morale booster?
I’d be Gordon Freeman, a bit quiet, analytical, navigating high-stakes scenarios with a calm head and tactical planning. Not flashy but always moving things forward behind the scenes. I’m the one quietly connecting dots, resolving blockers, and ensuring no one gets stuck in a corner of the project map.
Q7
Imagine you’re sent to the ultimate beach office. What one game would you bring to keep yourself entertained, sane, and possibly productive?
With Wi-Fi and Teams, I’d bring Civilization VI. It has enough depth to last forever, mirrors project strategy, and scratches that historical “what if?” itch. Plus, it gives you the illusion of control while everything goes sideways, an experience not unfamiliar when managing EU calls.
Q8
From teamwork and adaptability to decision-making under pressure or creative problem-solving—what gaming lessons show up in your day-to-day?
From early pixelated quests to modern XR, games have taught me to approach challenges with patience, curiosity, and iteration. I’ve learned that strategy isn’t about perfect plans, it’s about resilient execution. I’ve learned to balance risk, adapt to evolving scenarios, and bring out the best in the team, whether I’m grinding levels or crafting Horizon Europe proposals.