Stack the Job Deck, Canada, Iron Galaxy, PSX Conference, Recruiter Horror Stories, Dot-com Bubble, LT, and Wisdom From Perspective with Adam Boyes of Iron Galaxy Studios

Game Dev Advice: The Game Developer's Podcast

I welcome Adam Boyes, game industry veteran and Co-CEO of Iron Galaxy Studios. We start by discussing COVID-19 and thoughts on staying mentally healthy along with his current position. Adam then shares his passion for games and journey for getting in through QA. Learn how Canada’s grown their game industry through tax incentives, plus Adam’s perspective and advice on building a career.

We then discuss him leaving the industry for entrepreneurial pursuits, moving overseas, coming back to Vancouver for Next Level Games, then going to Midway Games. Learn about his inspiration from an EVE Online event to create the PlayStation Experience, plus working on Blitz: The League.

Adam shares about working with linebacker Lawrence Taylor, what he’s excited about, and the value of games for kids. Learn how mobile games have grown the industry and his inspiration for the infamous Red Shirt Gang. Learn what he’s playing right now and tips to help your odds for getting in the industry.

We then wrap up with recruiter horror stories, how to connect with Adam, and parting thoughts about how to treat others - be present and pleasant.

Bio:

As Co-CEO of Iron Galaxy Studios, Adam Boyes is responsible for the Company’s finances, strategic development, partnerships and alliances. Most recently, Boyes was Vice President of Third Party Relations & Developer Technology Group at Sony Interactive Entertainment America where he oversaw Publisher & Developer Relations, Portfolio Strategy, Financial Strategy, Partner Alliance, Technical Account Management, Developer Technology Group and the 3rd Party Production team - driving them to record revenue and profitability numbers consistently year over year. Previously, Boyes was Executive Producer and Director of Product Development at Midway Games and Capcom respectively.

Timeline:

[02:05] Discussion about COVID-19’s impact

[04:10] Hear how Adam got started in the industry

[07:15] Learn the tax advantages for Canadian game dev

[08:15] Thoughts on getting started in the industry then leaving

[15:25] Hear about going to Next Level Games then Midway Games

[20:40] Learn about EVE Online inspiring PSX conference

[25:00] Hear about working on Blitz: The League and Lawrence Taylor

[32:00] Discussion about new games, tech, and the value of play

[40:15] Shares a favorite industry inspired story, the Red Shirt Gang

[46:30] Learn about some of his favorite games right now

[48:20] Hear tips for getting a first job and stacking the deck in your favor

[52:45] Cold solicitors and recruiter horror stories

[55:00] Learn how to find him online and final thoughts on how to treat people

Show Links To Check Out:

EA Vancouver

Dot-com Bubble

Next Level Games

PlayStation Experience

Blitz: The League

Lawrence Taylor

Sahara

Level Ex

Castaways Chicago

Grackle HQ

Connect With:

Adam on Twitter https://twitter.com/amboyes

Iron Galaxy on Twitter https://twitter.com/IronGalaxy

Game Dev Advice:

*New: Game Dev Advice Patreon

*Game Dev Advice Twitter

*Game Dev Advice email

*Game Dev Advice website

*Level Ex website - we’re hiring

*Game Dev Advice Hotline: [phone], give a call!

*Subscribe and go to the website full show notes with links

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