At Digital Tech Explorer, we are fascinated by the intersection of legacy software and modern hardware. In our latest spotlight, we sit down with the pioneers of the industry to see how they manage their digital environments and what tech keeps them inspired. Today, I, TechTalesLeo, have the pleasure of exploring the digital habits of a true curator of gaming history.
As with many first-generation PC gamers, Stephen Kick was introduced to the hobby through id Software’s foundational masterpiece, Wolfenstein 3D. “I went over to a friend’s house and they had their home computer, the big bulky white CRT,” says the co-founder of remaster specialists Nightdive Studios. “I just remember being blown away by those ‘realistic’ sound effects and amazing 3D ultra-realistic graphics… it was an awakening of sorts.”
Today, Kick has become one of the most diligent curators of PC gaming’s early years. Nightdive is renowned for refreshing and reviving countless classics like Doom, Quake, and System Shock 2. In 2023, the studio also produced a remake of the original System Shock, which received near-universal critical acclaim after a long and difficult development. Their mission aligns closely with ours here at Digital Tech Explorer: bridging the gap between complex legacy technology and modern usability.
Nightdive’s most recent project was Blood: Refreshed Supply, a second overhaul of Monolith Productions’ debut shooter that came bundled with two of its best mods. “That was an extremely fun collaboration that we want to continue on with our future releases,” Kick explains. “If you’ve got a mod that you’ve put a lot of your work into for a classic game that hasn’t been remastered yet, come talk to us.”
I sat down with Stephen to discuss his current gaming habits, his digital workspace, and the software he can’t live without.
What game are you currently playing?
It’s a game I’ve been playing for probably over a decade at this point: Dota 2. Before Nightdive officially started, I was living at my in-laws’ house while doing 3D modeling contract work. I saw that Valve was having a competition for Dota 2, where you could design a set for a character to be offered as an in-game reward. I thought, “Maybe if I win, I can make some extra money.”
I didn’t win, but it was such a fun learning experience that it got me into the game. Now, it’s become a family activity. My wife, my brother-in-law, and I all hop in at the end of the day. It’s a way for us to connect.
I traditionally play a support role—position five. I like to heal, disable, and provide vision. My favorite thing to do when playing with strangers is acting as the Captain. I’m on the mic directing the team on when to smoke, when to gank, and when to push the high ground. It’s incredibly satisfying to wrangle a team together and lead them to victory.
What was the previous game you played, and is it still installed?
I’ve been playing Witchfire. I became obsessed with roguelikes when Hades came out—that loop of dying, coming back, and trying new power combinations really enamored me. Witchfire takes that mechanic and puts it into a first-person shooter with a dark fantasy setting. The visuals and art style are fantastic. It’s in early access, so I’ll play for a few days, wait for a rebalance or update, and then jump back in.
What is the oldest game (by release date) currently installed on your PC?
It has to be Doom + Doom II. We worked on the remaster with Bethesda, and it’s always on my drive. It’s like a time machine. You play it, and suddenly you’re back in front of a beige CRT, and all your adult responsibilities just wash away.
What is the highest number of hours you have in any given game?
Clocking in at 8,544 hours, it’s Dota 2. I recently hit my 5,000th win. In my daily life, once my son goes to bed, my wife and I play a couple of games before sleep. It requires so much focus that there’s no room for intrusive thoughts or work stress. In a single-player narrative game, I sometimes feel I should be doing something “productive,” but the intensity of Dota keeps me completely present.
What game will you never, ever uninstall?
Beyond Dota, it’s Plants vs Zombies. My son went through a big obsession with it, and we used it to teach him basic strategy—how to build an economy with sunflowers and where to place defenses. It’s a permanent fixture on my computer.
What’s a piece of non-gaming software installed on your PC that you simply couldn’t live without?
Probably Photoshop. I create a lot of artwork for fun. My second monitor is a Cintiq, which helps me focus while listening to an audiobook. I’ve developed a specific art style—symmetrical tribal designs with bold lines and bright colors. Sketching and coloring is incredibly relaxing for me. Outside of Nightdive, my current ambition is to start a YouTube maker channel focused on prop building and Halloween decorations.
How tidy is your desktop screen?
It’s tidy, but it gets hectic. I keep my game icons and software on the left, and current work-in-progress files on the right so I don’t have to navigate deep folders. Eventually, I hit a breaking point where I spend an hour filing everything away where it belongs, and then I’ll never look at those files again.
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