[Editor's note: This is a new series from Loot Ninja where we'll all be bringing you the origins of our online gamer ID's. Check back as we delve deeper into what makes each of our online personas.]

When we game, we tend to hide behind a certain degree of anonymity.  With the advent of online multiplayer gaming, what’s in a name can often sum up everything we’re up against in another player.  PumpkinHeadRex, my gamer ID, is an odd handle for sure.  To understand the name, you have to understand the player.

Before I’m a gamer, before I’m a writer, I’m a horror filmmaker.  Some of you may recognize Pumpkinhead as a low budget horror flick from 1988.  Directed by Stan Winston and featuring his insane creature FX work, it starred professional badass Lance Henriksen, fresh off his duties in the legendary bloodsucker romp Near Dark.  The other half, the one represented by that long-haired, toothy fella up there, is Rawhead Rex.  Based on a lesser known work by Clive Barker, Barker’s disappointment in the finished product ultimately prompted his taking complete creative control of the now classic Hellraiser adaptation.  As for Rawhead Rex … it’s aged well, what can I say?  I think I’m won over by the sheer ballsiness of the urine baptism scene. Currently out of print, an official DVD (or even VHS) can run you a good chunk of change.  On the other hand, Pumpkinhead just got a new Collector’s Edition DVD last year.  Oh, and the name’s case sensitive, too.  On video, Rawhead Rex was always written out as RawHeadRex, hence PumpkinHeadRex.  Get it?

Now, does this mean I only play horror games?  No.  Not that I don’t like a good horror game, it’s just there are very few of them out there.  I am looking forward to the new Wolfenstein and Castlevania.  If either of them have good multiplayer, look for PumpkinHeadRex.