I am a highly respected Games industry Development Executive with 20 + Years of making games from the nuts and bolts of programming, technical direction, project management, production, business development, running a whole multi-project studio and more recently working on the publisher side as Executive Producer and seeing the best, and worst, ways to make games.
I am based in the North West of the UK, but I can travel throughout the world to help.
Overview
- Popular and highly respected Games industry Development Executive with 20 + Years experience
- Key Positions Held – Executive Producer (SCEE), Studio Head, Development Director, Technical Director
- Lifetime Games - shipped over 30 games (not SKUs)
- Recent Games – Heavy Rain PS3, Buzz! Quiz series
- Multi-platform (PS3, X360, PSP, XLA, PSN, PlayStation Move) internal and external production experience delivering and improving profitability of key franchises
- Fully rounded skillset covering Scrum & Agile Project Management, Budgeting, Programming, Sales, Marketing, Recruitment, Team Management and Strategic Planning
Personal Statement
I have been professionally developing games since 1987, starting out programming on the Atari 2600 and holding a range of positions over my career including Technical Director, Studio Head and my most recent role of Executive Producer, External Development at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.In my role as Executive Producer at Sony Computer Entertainment I managed a team of 8 producers across all levels of experience. Most notably improving the profitability of the Buzz franchise, delivering the highly acclaimed AAA new IP “Heavy Rain” and producing numerous other future projects.
Professional Manifesto
1. Provide a bridge between the outside world and the company
I aim to connect people who need connecting with authority and clarity. I always represent the company, the project and its people in a collaborative, positive and open manner.2. Deliver Unique Creativity
My extensive knowledge of computer video games, trust imparted by the people I work with and my work ethic blend together to produce unique ideas that no-one else will envisage.3. Manage situations and organisations of great flexibility
I can provide complete solutions for problems, clearly seeing simple paths through the complex fog of development and provide direction for the project and people. I have relevant experience of leading people & managing organisations through times of great change and pressure to reach our goal.4. Interact fluidly with customers
I aim to work pro-actively and closely with customers to ensure that they are well informed and their feedback is considered. I have direct experience of working with real-world brands.5. Inspire Staff
I keep the team moving in the right direction, nudging, pushing and course correcting to maximise everyone’s potential and ship the game. I provide a good example to staff, sharing knowledge with them and learning from them. I treat our collaboration with respect and trust.6. Provide Deep Domain Knowledge
I have a great deal of knowledge and expertise in making computer games including commercial, people and, of course, production. My knowledge is always up-to-date and I constantly acquire new understanding with every book, technology, web-site, person I interact with and, of course, games I make and play.Personal Stance
1. Be open, honest and transparent in all actions and communication. I say it like it is, good & bad and strive to provide solutions. There is no hidden agenda and I always share everything.2. Be conscientious, working in computer games is much more than just paying the bills for me. I love not only making and playing computer games but also connecting with people at all levels.
3. Bring emotionally stability to a wide variety of situations. Engage with people and lead them through times of chaos and stress with clarity and authority. I have experienced most situations, which enables me to communicate from a genuine position of understanding.
4. Be flexible about the role, I typically do whatever it takes, within reason, to make the project successful. I have a broad range of experience that enables me to understand and act across a variety of roles.
5. Be reasonably priced. Unlike a stereotypical freelancer, I don’t aim to make an excessive amount of cash. I aim to add value in all my interactions and I am pragmatic about roles I undertake. I also derive value from the connections and knowledge acquired through our relationship.
Start Our Conversation
If this sparks your interest, don’t hesitate to contact me for further information or to discuss opportunities.For recommendations on my work, relationships and more detail on my experience visit my LinkedIn profile here:
