Many in the community from back in the RCT3 days (and many who still play RCT3...), will recognize the name ImagineerJohn - a designer who brought many new rides and CSO to the game for a number of years.

His real name is John Burton, and he later went on to become the Senior Creative Lead of the Resort Theme Parks (RTP) division at Merlin Magic Making at Alton Towers Resort, Thorpe Park Resort, Gardaland, Heide Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Warwick Castle.

Frontier just released a new video A Memorable Ride Event @ Thorpe Park where John is featured...

https://youtu.be/inKN1wtiZZw?si=iOJaVtWi9bW0zeII

wow - very cool. I watched this already and no idea that was him. THX

Wagi, thanks for the heads-up (and video link) regarding 'one of our own'. A case of "Local boy makes good". I have several of ImagineerJohn's rides in my RCT3 folder. 👍

That's super cool to see, so happy that some veteran RCT3 players made it to their calling like that! 😊

14 hours ago, JB said:

Wagi, thanks for the heads-up (and video link) regarding 'one of our own'. A case of "Local boy makes good". I have several of ImagineerJohn's rides in my RCT3 folder. 👍

As do I (although I haven't played RCT3 for a couple years...).  John was kind enough to take some CS I had made for the original Disney America project in RCT3 and turned it in to an actual ride, as well as animating other pieces for us.  Have lost most contact with him as that was years ago, but followed his website while he went to college and have seen him pop up in videos for attractions at Merlin parks.  A very nice and talented man, and like you I think it's wonderful to see someone from the glory days of the community go on and be successful in the real world of theme parks. 

There's several others who over the years have gone on to work for Disney Imagineering and other similar companies that I know of, so those who play these games and dream of someday working in the business should know that those dreams can sometimes come true...