When I was 18 years old, I began making a tabletop RPG called Mechanical Dream. It was a brand-new universe, not set on Earth or Earth-like, with no common fantasy tropes like elves or orcs. Instead, I created new species, flora, and even new physics for this fictional world. The planet was a 30,000-mile disk-shaped entity lit by an orb called the Pendulum. To ensure consistency and coherence in this universe, I delved deep into scientific research, reading hundreds of books on biology, astrophysics, and more. This project became my passion, and at 21, I founded a company to publish it, releasing four books including a bestiary and a novel. Mechanical Dream was my baby, and the experience taught me valuable lessons in design, creative direction, collaboration, and publishing.
The journey with Mechanical Dream led me to the video game industry, where I applied the skills and knowledge gained from creating my RPG. In 2006, I co-founded a development studio and worked on games preinstalled on Nokia phones. With the advent of the iPhone, our game Chrome Wars was featured on Apple’s front page for four weeks. Subsequently, I joined Hibernum as Game Director on Magic: The Gathering – Puzzle Quest, a dream come true for a Magic fan like myself. Transitioning to Nvizzio in 2019, I became Creative Director for Monopoly Tycoon, further honing my skills in adapting well-known IPs for modern audiences.
Through these experiences, I realized that while technology in gaming evolves rapidly, the core essence of game-making remains unchanged because human desires and emotions are constant. People seek to be inspired, immersed, and engaged in games that offer depth and narrative richness. This insight has guided my work at Room 8 Group, where we collaborate with developers and publishers worldwide to bring their visions to life.
In the ever-changing landscape of the gaming industry, it is essential to remember that people crave originality and innovation. Games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Disco Elysium, and Fall Guys have achieved immense success by daring to be different and offering unique experiences to players. Indie games are thriving in an era of big-budget flops, showcasing the power of creativity and invention in driving the industry forward.
While tracking industry trends and market demands is crucial, it is equally important for publishers to empower creatives to take risks and pursue their artistic visions. By fostering an environment that values originality and passion, the gaming industry can continue to evolve and thrive. As we navigate challenges and uncertainties, it is vital to remember that at the heart of gaming, people seek to be excited, moved, and engaged on a profound level. War may never change, but the desire for new, innovative experiences remains constant in the world of gaming.