Daniel Joseph Paladin (born September 14, 1979[1]), also known as Synj, is an American video game artist, designer, and co-founder of the video game company The Behemoth.
Dan Paladin | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Paladin at the 2007 Game Developers Conference | |
| Born | September 14, 1979 Ohio, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Synj |
| Occupation(s) | Video game art designer, developer |
| Years active | 2001—present |
| Employer | The Behemoth |
| Known for | |
| Website | Synj.net |
He began collaborating with Newgrounds creator Tom Fulp and in the early 2000's designed several Flash-based browser games: Sack Smash 2001, Chainsaw the Children, Dad n' Me, and, most notably, Alien Hominid.[2] In 2002, he, Fulp, John Baez, and Brandon LaCava founded the video game company The Behemoth. Paladin designed the critically acclaimed remake of Alien Hominid, as well as the hack-and-slash game Castle Crashers, with his 2D style becoming signature for these games.[3][4]
Aside from working for The Behemoth, Paladin has also worked for Gratuitous Games and Presto Studios. He also composed the polka-style closing credits tune for the Cyanide & Happiness animated shorts.[5]
Personal life edit
Paladin lives in San Diego, California, where The Behemoth is located. He was an active member of Newgrounds.[6]
Games edit
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Alien Hominid |
| 2008 | Castle Crashers |
| 2013 | BattleBlock Theater |
| 2018 | Pit People |
| 2023 | Alien Hominid Invasion |
Awards edit
Castle Crashers, a game Paladin is credited as the art director of, won two awards in Independent Games Festival 2007: "Excellence In Visual Art" and "Audience Award".[7][8]
References edit
- ^ "The Behemoth - Facebook". Facebook.
- ^ "Dan Paladin". synj.net. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Taunting The Behemoth: Tom Fulp and Dan Paladin Cry Out". www.gamasutra.com. 12 December 2008.
- ^ "The Behemoth's Game 5 is Alien Hominid Invasion". 31 January 2020.
- ^ "I Like Your Hat".
- ^ "DanPaladin". Newgrounds. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "2007 IGF Main Competition Finalists Announced". Independent Games Festival (IGF). 9 December 2006.
- ^ "IGF Winners Announced!". Independent Games Festival (IGF). 8 March 2007.