Working on Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Artist Turned Designer, Serious Games to Triple A, NASA, Learning to Lead, Player Reaction Videos, Communication Skills, and the Designer’s Journey with Roxanne Splitt of Insomniac Games

In this episode, I spoke with Roxanne Splitt, Associate Design Director at Insomniac Games. Hear their experiences and insights from working on various game projects, including collaborations with NASA and acclaimed games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Roxanne reflects on the educational and emotionally significant aspects of working on the NASA project, learning from experts and tackling challenges related to space and human physiology. Hear discussion about the significance of an amazing Metacritic score, sales data, and the impact of receiving recognition for working on successful game projects.

We then get into the importance of emotional connection in game development, with them sharing excitement around the impact of player reactions from gamers and streamers. Hear as we stress the significance of developers' intentions to create games that evoke positive responses and resonate with players on a deep level. Listen to thoughts on changes happening in the game industry, live service games, player engagement, and the challenges of predicting elements that will resonate with both players and developers.

Wrapping up we get into personal experiences and insights gained from navigating the game industry, offering advice on maintaining a long-term perspective in one's career. Roxanne shares the transformative impact of parenthood on their perspective, while JP reflects on lessons learned through experience and shifting perspectives. In conclusion, we share some personal anecdotes and professional reflections, and the need to focus on the long term perspective of your game development journey.

Bio:

Roxanne Splitt is a Game Designer at Insomniac Games with over 14 years of professional experience. They got their start working in Serious Games, leading teams to tackle critical, real-world challenges for a wide variety of audiences spanning from doctors to postal employees, and even astronauts. After over a decade working in games for learning they made the switch to AAA, joining Insomniac in 2021 and contributing to Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 as a Combat Designer. They are currently an Associate Design Director working on the upcoming Marvel’s Wolverine.

Show Links:

* Halo 2 Documentary - YouTube

* Billy Basso’s Animal Well check it out! - website

* IGDA - website

* Level Ex’s work with NASA - ZDNET website

* Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on Metacritic - website

* Helldivers 2 - website

* Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - Wikipedia

* Everything is temporary - Reddit thread

Connect With Links:

* Roxanne Splitt - LinkedIn

Game Dev Advice Links: 

* YouTube Channel - check out this episode with 100% more video

* Patreon - 1:1 career coaching through the Gain Wisdom membership

* website - show notes, links, stuff

* info@gamedevadvice.com - reach out!

* Game Dev Advice hotline: (224) 484-7733

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