He describes himself as 'The Grinder', he plays Sensi Soccer against The Verve, he reckons he's the finest piece of merchandise Gremlin have produced. All talk? Future Gamer chats to Gremlin's Martin Bramall...

Gremlin have been bought by Infogrames? What difference will it make?
It'll make us part of a huge, successful organisation which is very forward-looking, ambitious and ready to take on all comers in theinteractive entertainment industry. Pretty similar to what we were last week - only bigger.

What's going to be Gremlin's best game this year?
One of three: Blade - for its physics and technology which when married to such a strong storyline will ensure it becomes a videogaming legend. RallyMasters - for the sheer scale and depth of what the team are trying to do coupled with a really strong (BAFTA nominated) team, great licence and incredibly impressive graphics. Soulbringer for its compelling plot, full 3D environment and being a real RPG which has the potential to open up the genre to loads more people.

You're launching Wild Metal Country at Babbington House in Somerset, which is apparently a media celebrity haunt. Who goes there?
Blur, Pulp, Tara Fitzgerald, Charlie Higson, Paul Whitehouse, Portishead, Kate Winslet, Steve Cougan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Keith Harris, Paul Squires, Norman Collier, Patrick Mower & Suzanne Danielle (they're married), Suzanne Dando, Evan Dando, Roy Evans... and Tony Hadley.

What's the best piece of promotional merchandise Gremlin have produced? Why?
Me - for obvious reasons.

What's this about you and rock combo The Verve?
They score drugs for me (funny thing is they never seem to work). We're just old school/college friends - don't see them that often anymore really which is a shame - top lads one and all. Richard and Simon used to be big Kick Off and Sensi Soccer fans actually, back in the Amiga days. They didn't get much joy out of 'The Grinder' though, takes a long concerted effort to beat me, and they just never had the ambition, never seemed to want it enough, still their loss eh?