Game Dev With a Shot of Jameson

Devin Robaina - VFX Artist at Bungie

In this video, we talk about:

• How Video Games have always helped with his Tourette Syndrome

• Why Game Design seemed like a good place to start

• How an instructor helped him find a love for VFX

Devin’s projects include Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, Destiny 2: Year 5 Seasonal Content, Destiny 2: Lightfall, Destiny 2: Year 6 Seasonal Content

If you're interested in learning more about game development, be sure to subscribe to our channel and check out our other videos. We release new content every week!

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Chad Hoover - Producer at FENIX Digital Studios

In this video, we talk about:

• Why being an Indie Dev requires an extra hunger to keep goin

• How he’s spent his entire career living out of a suitcase

• Why it’s sometimes hard to understand your value

Chad’s projects includeGame Dev: The Board Game, Project Playtime, Smash City, Queen Sea Poker, and Kennedy Space Center VR.

If you're interested in learning more about game development, be sure to subscribe to our channel and check out our other videos. We release new content every week!

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Alejandro Garcia-Tunon - Director of Technology at Ghostpunch Games

In this video, we talk about:

• How his first ever check-in broke the build

• How he got a feature into a game after he was told NOT to make it

• Why God of War changed his life and reminded him of why he loves Game Development

Alejandro’s projects include Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Wii, Transformers: The Movie DS Autobots/Decepticons, Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock Wii, Guitar Hero: World Tour Wii, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 Xbox360/PS3, Band Hero Wii, Star Trek PS3 Dynamic Themes, Bioshock 2 SkyStorm iPhone/iPad, The Last Airbender iPhone, Borderlands: Claptrap's New Robot Revolution DLC, Spec Ops: The Line Multiplayer, Ratchet and Clank: Before the Nexus, Gears of War: Judgment, Borderlands: The Presequel, Project Create!, Tonandi, Outriders, Pro Era, Risk of Rain 2

If you're interested in learning more about game development, be sure to subscribe to our channel and check out our other videos. We release new content every week!

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

John Hartzell Returns! - Monetization Designer at Zenimax Online Studios

In this video, we talk about:

• How the timing has to be right to get that dream job

• How to balance live support of a title while working on the next iteration

• How weather conditions forced him to work from Disney World during a launch

John is currently working on an Unannounced Project and previously worked on Madden NFL, Madden Mobile, and Madden Overdrive!

If you're interested in learning more about game development, be sure to subscribe to our channel and check out our other videos. We release new content every week!

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Will Fitzgerald - Lead Designer at Paddle Creek Games

In this video, we talk about:

• What elements are necessary in a Survival Game

• How to stay current with Game Industry trends

• The benefits of playing the game you’re working on EVERY day

Will is currently on Fractured Veil and previously worked on Agents of Mayhem, Rogue Company, Madden Mobile, Madden NFL, and more!

If you're interested in learning more about game development, be sure to subscribe to our channel and check out our other videos. We release new content every week!

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Chad Hoover - Producer at FENIX Digital Studios

In this video, we talk about:

• How a professor told him he wouldn’t ever amount to anything

• How his White Jacket helped create a name for himself

• Great advice for getting your first job in the industry

Chad’s projects includeGame Dev: The Board Game, Project Playtime, Smash City, Queen Sea Poker, and Kennedy Space Center VR.

If you're interested in learning more about game development, be sure to subscribe to our channel and check out our other videos. We release new content every week!

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

John Hartzell - Monetization Designer at Zenimax Online Studios

In this video, we talk about:

• Why Tech Designers are so valuable and everyone wants to be their friend.

• How solving really unique problems is a big part of game dev

• The importance of understanding the needs of your stakeholders

John is currently working on an Unannounced Project and previously worked on Madden NFL, Madden Mobile, and Madden Overdrive!

If you're interested in learning more about game development, be sure to subscribe to our channel and check out our other videos. We release new content every week!

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Joshua Nieves - Associate Game Designer at Visual Concepts Austin

In this video, we talk about:

• How Joshua struggled in his first interview

• Tips for networking

• How to deal with rejection

Joshua is an Associate Game Designer at Visual Concepts Austin, where he works on the NBA 2K and WWE 2K series. He has a passion for game development and loves helping others achieve their dreams in the industry.

If you're interested in learning more about game development, be sure to subscribe to our channel and check out our other videos. We release new content every week!

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today we’re joined again by Jeff Younger - Senior Game Designer at Bungie - to discuss his work on Madden Ultimate Team, balancing a live game for a variety of player types, and even some insight into his sneaker collection!

Jeff’s Credits:

• Destiny 2

• Madden NFL

• Madden Mobile

• NBA Live

• NBA Live Mobile

• FIFA

• FIFA Mobile

• NCAA Football

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today we’re joined again by Cameron Raab - 3D Hard Surfaces Artist at Bungie - to continue our discussion about his career! We talk about how work / life balance is necessary and unique to each person, why asking about the culture of a company is great during an interview, and how to decide when it’s time to apply for a new job.

Credits:

• Saints Row (2022)

• Agents of Mayhem

• Lacuna Passage

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today we’re joined again by Reed Mosby - Sr. Test Engineer on Halo Infinite - to discuss how he went from a huge Halo fan, to working his way through the industry, and finally getting his chance to work on Halo Infinite!

Reed’s Credits:

• Halo Infinite

• Bionicle: Masks of Power

• Destiny 2

• Fortnite

• Magic Mouse

• Scraps

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today we’re joined by Cameron Raab - 3D Hard Surfaces Artist at Bungie - to discuss his career as an Artist in Game Development. We talk about how he applied to 132 companies before his first job, How the first six months of work from home was a struggle, and how Imposter Syndrome keeps you honest. 

Credits:

• Saints Row (2022)

• Agents of Mayhem

• Lacuna Passage

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today we’re joined by Bev and Francisco Cruz - Co-Founders of Cruz ‘N Creations - to discuss starting an Indie game studio. We cover how splitting time between work and a side gig can be taxing, how motivation can impact the ability to move forward quickly, and how collaboration works best when team members trust each other.

Cruz ‘N Creations links:

Today we’re joined again by Reed Mosby - Senior Test Engineer - to continue our chat about his Game Dev career. We discuss how to handle an employment contract coming to an end, How your skills can keep you employed while looking for other game work, and lots of talk about our dogs!

Credits include:

• Halo Infinite - Senior Test Engineer
• Fortnite - QA Tester
• Destiny 2 - QA Generalist
• Bionicle: Masks of Power - Level Designer
• Magic Mouse - Level Designer
• Scraps - Level Designer

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today we’re joined by Reed Mosby - Senior Test Engineer on Halo Infinite - to talk about his gaming education and how it led him into his Game Dev career. Reed was a former student of mine at Full Sail University and it was a blast to talk over that time with him!

Credits include:

• Halo Infinite - Senior Test Engineer
• Fortnite - QA Tester
• Destiny 2 - QA Generalist
• Bionicle: Masks of Power - Level Designer
• Magic Mouse - Level Designer
• Scraps - Level Designer

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today we continue our discussion about Francisco’s career as an Environment Artist and how he then moved into Tech Art and what that role means. Also, how his desire to build something on his own led him to work that allows side projects.

Credits include:

• Various Projects @ Unity Technologies
• System Shock 3
• Redfall
• Wolfenstein II
• Prey
• Paladins
• Destiny
• Socom 4
• SEcore (Military Sim)

Francisco’s Socials & Portfolio:

Today, Jameson discusses his predictions for the 2022 The Game Awards across all categories. Let’s see how close we came!

Jameson’s Credits include:

• Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath
• Godfather: The Game
• The Simpsons Game
• Godfather 2
• Red Faction: Armageddon
• Saints Row IV
• Agents of Mayhem
• Halo Outpost Discovery
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (In Development)

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today we’re joined by Brian Stabile - Co-Owner / Project Lead @ Astro Crow Games - to talk about the recent release of Throwback! Jai-Alai Heroes.

We discuss how it’s important to stick to your vision and avoid distractions, why dominant strategies can’t exist in an Arcade game and the launch of the arcade machine to the public!  

Brian's Credits include:
🎮 Throwback! Jai-Alai Heroes (Arcade)
🎮 Word Doctor (iOS/Android)
🎮 The Last Ace of Space (iOS/Android)
🎮 Three Dead Zed (XBOX360, PC)  

Today we’re joined by Francisco Cruz III - Senior Tech Artist @ Unity Technologies - talk about his career as a Tech Artist in Game Development!

We discuss how you need to get that first job no matter where it is, that awesome moment when someone you’ve been a mentor to eventually surpasses you, and how you have to learn when to say no.

Credits include:

• Various Projects @ Unity Technologies
• System Shock 3
• Redfall
• Wolfenstein II
• Prey
• Paladins
• Destiny
• Socom 4
• SEcore (Military Sim)

Francisco’s Socials:

Today we’re joined again by Brian Stabile - Co-Owner/Project Lead at Astro Crow Games - to continue our discussion about his career in Indie Game Development!

We discuss how his first job in the industry was serious games, how his first layoff was a motivation for forming his own company, and why it’s so difficult to show off unfinished work.

Credits include:

• Throwback! Jai-Alai Heroes (Arcade)
• Word Doctor (iOS/Android)
• The Last Ace of Space (iOS/Android)
• Three Dead Zed (XBOX360, PC)

We go deep on Indie Development talk! We discuss the differences between Indie and AAA, why sometimes doing your job well just means no one complains, and even some talk about visiting Japan!

Credits include:

• Throwback! Jai-Alai Heroes (Arcade)
• Word Doctor (iOS/Android)
• The Last Ace of Space (iOS/Android)
• Three Dead Zed (XBOX360, PC)

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Ryan Paradis Returns! - Design Director for Destiny Expansions at Bungie

We discuss why you should apply for positions you almost have the full skill set for, the importance of mentorship, and a career move that he wasn’t thrilled with, but turned out great in the end.

Credits include:

• Red Dead Redemption (2010)
• Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare (2010)
• Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
• Destiny (2014)
• Destiny: The Taken King (2015)
• Destiny - Live Game Destiny: Rise of Iron (2016)
• Destiny 2 (2017)
• Destiny 2 - Live Game Destiny 2: The Witch Queen (2022)
• Destiny 2: The Final Shape (current)

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Nivedita Rajasekaran - Production Partner Manager, Xbox Game Creators Partnership | Microsoft

We discuss how opening yourself up while networking can allow for better connections, the importance of cultivating mentorship during your career, and why playing lots of games is important for a game developer.

Credits include:

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection
• Nickelodeon All Star Brawl
• Nerf Legends
• Hell Let Loose
• World of Warships
• World Of Tanks

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Will Fitzgerald Returns! - AMA on Game Design and Game Development

We discuss feedback delivery methods, how game balance is a thankless job, and how to set the tone of an interview.

Credits include:

• Rogue Company
• Agents of Mayhem
• World of Tanks
• Madden Mobile
• Madden NFL

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Michael Johnstone Returns! – Sr. Games Producer at Blizzard Entertainment (At the time of this recording)

We discuss how much things change during game development, the biggest cost in game development, and how QA is a great place to get your start.

Credits include:

• World of Warcraft
• WWE 2K22
• Magic Leap One
• NBA Live Mobile
• NCAA Football
• Madden NFL

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today I’m joined by Michael Johnstone – Sr. Games Producer at Blizzard Entertainment

We discuss how to improve diversity in the games industry, how some studio cultures can have interesting rules, and why you can’t give up if you’re trying to get into game development.

His credits include:

• World of Warcraft
• WWE 2K22
• Magic Leap One
• NBA Live Mobile
• NCAA Football
• Madden NFL

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today I’m joined by Ted DiNola - Developer Relations Engineer at Meta! He’s returning to continue our discussion about Game Dev, Production, and ADHD.

We discuss how Meta’s work environment lets him feel like he can truly be himself, some thoughts about the Metaverse, and how ADHD impacts finishing games but is a Conference super power!

Credits include:

• Blade & Sorcery: Nomad
• Zenith
• YouTube VR
• Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners
• Vox Machinae
• Virtual Virtual Reality 2
• Population: One
• Vacation Simulator
• Pistol Whip
• Garden of the Sea
• Pixel Ripped: 1995
• Eleven Table Tennis
• Electronauts

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today I’m joined by Mark Kilborn - Sr. Lead Audio Designer at Certain Affinity! He’s returning to continue our discussion about sound design in game development.

We discuss why sound design often ends up at the end of a game project, the difference between an audio engineer and software engineer, and how companies are often looking at your instincts for an entry level role.

Credits include:

• Tony Hawk's Project 8
• Bionicle Heroes
• Borderlands
• Forza Motorsport 3
• Singularity
• Call of Duty: Black Ops
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Remastered
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
• Call of Duty: WWII
• Unannounced Project

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today I’m joined by Mark Kilborn - Sr. Lead Audio Designer at Certain Affinity

We discuss why he went the teacher’s pet route in college, how a string of contract jobs eventually landed him with his first full time gig, and why the sound in the original Metal Gear is his favorite.

His credits include:

• Tony Hawk's Project 8
• Bionicle Heroes
• Borderlands
• Forza Motorsport 3
• Singularity
• Call of Duty: Black Ops
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Remastered
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
• Call of Duty: WWII
• Unannounced Project

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Wes joins me to discuss how he got started in Game Development, the Summer Camp project and how it became Friday the 13th: The Game, and how to stay true to a horror franchise during development!

His credits include:

• Texas Chain Saw Massacre (In Development)
• Friday the 13th: The Game
• Breach & Clear
• Breach & Clear: Deadline
• Layers of Fear 2

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the Twitch link below!

Today I’m joined by Shiva Deonarine – Project Lead at Offworld Industries

We discuss the importance of addressing burnout, how to keep a finger on the pulse of the industry, and why game remakes are so popular.

His credits include:

• Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 3
• Transformers Fall of Cybertron
• Transformers Prime
• Gears of War GOTY
• Gears of War 4
• Unannounced Project

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Jason L Blair – Writing in Game Development

Jason is back to talk about his career in writing across various mediums, including Tabletop and Video Games. We discuss why story is important, how games take from other mediums, and the importance of Empathy.

His credits include:

• Little Fears
• Prey (2006)
• Conduit 2
• Saints Row IV
• Agents of Mayhem

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today I’m joined by Ted DiNola – Developer Relations Engineer at Meta

We discuss when he got a Handshake job offer over drinks, Advice for getting your first job in the industry, and A LOT about ADHD and Game Development.

His credits include:

• Blade & Sorcery: Nomad
• Zenith
• YouTube VR
• Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners
• Vox Machinae
• Virtual Virtual Reality 2
• Population: One
• Vacation Simulator
• Pistol Whip
• Garden of the Sea
• Pixel Ripped: 1995
• Eleven Table Tennis
• Electronauts

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today I’m joined by J. Mauricio Hoffman – President / Creative Director at Monkey Brain Studios

We discuss the green card process he dealt with to work in game dev in the United States, what the first month in the industry is like, and how playing games with your teammates forms a special kind of bond.

His credits include:

• Oddworld New’N’Tasty
• Oddworld Munch’s Oddysee
• Darkwatch
• World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade
• World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King
• World of Warcraft: Cataclysm
• Sky Defenders
• Roblox
• Draconus-Rex
• Gnomes and Goblins

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today I’m joined by Bret Wright – Executive Producer at The Toolshed LLC

We discuss how his current location includes absurd internet costs, why failing fast is incredibly valuable, and how he got a game job referral from a former landlord!

His credits include:

• The Guardians of Peace
• God of Axion
• Sky Wars: Archon Rises
• Fractured Veil
• Plunder
• Cubic’s LCS Immersive Simulated Virtual Environment

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today I'm joined by Caris Frazier-Baker - Senior Technical Artist at Unity

We discuss how her current career didn’t exist when she was in high school, why it’s important to fail fast and follow the fun, and she shows us her business card up the sleeve trick!

Her credits include:

• Jai-Alai Heroes
• Throwback!
• Walter P Moore’s VR Toolset

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today I'm joined again by Peet Cooper - Co-Founder and Creative Director at Creature Cauldron.

His time as Lead Environment Artist on League of Legends, how he’s attempting to stop using email, and we both rank the Final Fantasy series in order of our favorites.

His credits include:

• League of Legends
• Diablo 3
• World of Warcraft
• Hearthstone
• Legends of Runeterra
• Battle Fishing Masters

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today I’m joined by Bret Wright – Executive Producer at The Toolshed LLC

We discuss his start in set building and construction leading into project management in games, how to show your work as a Producer or Project Manager, and the importance of getting that first job in the industry.

His credits include:

• The Guardians of Peace
• God of Axion
• Sky Wars: Archon Rises
• Fractured Veil
• Plunder
• Cubic’s LCS Immersive Simulated Virtual Environment

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night from 7-9pm EST using the link below!

Today I’m joined by Eric Dallaire – Principal Game Designer at Age of Learning

We discuss his work in Educational Games, why security is important when making games for kids, and some advice for getting your first job in the industry.

His credits include:

• Word Trace
• Adventure Academy
• Zoo World 2
• The Simpsons Game
• Godfather 2
• Star Trek Away Team

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night at 7pm Eastern using the link below!

Today I’m joined by Dallas Lillie – Incubation Engineer @ ProbablyMonsters

We discuss some issue’s he’s already experienced in his career, how changing jobs can be a great way to get promoted, and then he had some fun questions for me to answer!

His credits include:

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
• Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
• Unannounced Title

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night at 7pm Eastern using the link below!

Today I’m joined by Marc Hernández – Principal Programmer at Disruptive Games

We discuss his work with AI and network code, how to advocate for yourself properly, and advice for getting your first job in the industry.

His credits include:

• Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee
• Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath
• Ratchet & Clank: Deadlocked
• Resistance
• Ratchet & Clank: Future
• Wildstar
• [Unannounced Lucas Arts FPS]
• War Commander: Rogue Assault
• Frostpoint
• Diablo II: Resurrected
• [Unannounced IP]

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night at 7pm Eastern using the link below!

Today I’m joined by Peet Cooper - Co-Founder and Creative Director at Creature Cauldron

We discuss how work ethic is a huge key to success, what an industry Art Test is like, and what he would do differently if he joined the industry today.

His credits include:

• League of Legends
• Diablo 3
• World of Warcraft
• Call of Duty 4
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
• Ruined King
• Galactic Mining Corps
• Hearthstone
• Legends of Runeterra
• Geist
• Cat Burglar
• Spirit Hunters
• Battle Fishing Masters

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night at 7pm Eastern using the link below!

Today I’m joined by David Johnson – CEO and Creative Director at Undertone FX.

We discuss how a "no solicit" clause made it hard to keep work friends from a former company, more about his time at Infinity Ward, and the forming of his own Visual Effects Company

His credits include:

• Call of Duty: WWII
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
• Halo 3
• Shadowrun (XBOX)
• Tomb Raider: Revelation
• Many More!

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night at 7pm Eastern using the link below!

Today I’m joined by Dallas Lillie – Incubation Engineer @ ProbablyMonsters

We discuss his game dev education, getting those first interviews, and how your first job really opens the rest of the industry up for you.

His credits include:

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
• Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night at 7pm Eastern using the link below!

Today I’m doing an Ask Me Anything!

I give an overview of my career and projects I’ve worked on, discuss how understanding love languages can help with making connections with co-workers, and answer view questions about lots of Game Development topics.

My credits include:

• Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath
• Godfather: The Game
• The Simpsons Game
• Godfather 2
• Red Faction: Armageddon
• Saints Row 4
• Agents of Mayhem
• Halo: Outpost Discovery
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (In Development)

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night at 7pm Eastern using the link below!

Today I’m joined by Renee Wooten – Producer at Kingsisle Entertainment

We discuss Trans issues from a Game Developer perspective, working on an already established game with an engine that’s no longer supported, and avoiding telling people WHAT to do and instead giving parameters and freedom to be excellent in their work.

His credits include:

• Wizard 101
• Pirate 101

Be sure to join us LIVE every Wednesday night at 7pm Eastern using the link below!