In 2005, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake tore through our country, leaving devastation in its wake. The apartment building in front of mine collapsed, rendering me homeless and leaving me with a severe back injury. In that moment of absolute destruction, few would have imagined that this catastrophic event would become the unexpected catalyst for an extraordinary professional journey in game development.
We were a young team of developers, struggling to find our footing in a landscape that seemed as unstable as the ground beneath us. Acquiring development kits for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PSP felt like an impossible challenge. Resources were limited, experience minimal, but our determination knew no bounds. Outsourcing became our lifeline, transforming our limitations into our greatest strength through collaborative learning with international teams.
Our boss emerged as our beacon of hope during those tumultuous times. While aftershocks continued to traumatize us—averaging 6.5 on the Richter scale—he kept our team focused and motivated. My back injury could have ended my career, but he saw potential where others might have seen only limitation. Unable to do hands on work, he redefined me as a producer, guiding our team’s creative vision and ensuring we stayed true to our project’s core mission.
Tomb Raider: Legend became more than just a game. It was our declaration to the world that talent knows no geographical boundaries. This launched a 25-year career that would see collaboration with global brands like Nike,The Coca-Cola Company, and working with organizations including the United Nations. My work in animation won many awards – too many to list here but the experience was amazing.
Today, my professional journey has catalyzed over 500 million game sales, producing 30,000 hours of content, and mobilizing approximately $25 million in investments for emerging technology ventures —a testament to the innovation born from game development expertise.
The landscape of game development in emerging markets has transformed dramatically. What was once a dream is now a reality for thousands of developers. But I’ll always remember those early days—when a devastating earthquake and an incredible team turned a seemingly impossible situation into an extraordinary opportunity.
I leverage decades of experience to help studios achieve success. My expertise spans strategic ecosystem evaluation, cross-functional team optimization, product development, and high-stakes deal negotiation, ensuring studio transformation.
To anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, remember this: your greatest professional moments might be hidden within your most difficult experiences. The ground may shift beneath you, but with the right team, leadership, and unwavering spirit, you can turn devastation into something extraordinary.
How an Earthquake Launched my Game Development Career
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