What's it's really like to work in Game industry
by Chip Pedersen | at MinneBar 10
"You get paid to play games all day?" Everyone thinks the video game industry is just fun and games. I'm here to tell you it's not. It complex software development and problem solving with a twist. Not only do you have to make a solid software program, on time, on budget. You also have to make sure its fun. Building games is hard enough. Building a game that is fun and makes money is even harder.
Discover all the different positions that have to come together to make a hit video game. Learn the differences of working at AAA publisher, a developer to a startup indie studio. The highs, the lows, the late nights, where we harvest unicorn tears and lots of caffeine. Did I mention caffeine? Over my 20 years in video games I have seen it all, and lived to talk about. Please come with questions, prepared to laugh and learn why we don't get paid to play games all day.
Chip Pedersen
With over 35 years in the tech industry, including 21 years in gaming, Chip Pedersen is a seasoned veteran and innovator in interactive entertainment. He has held senior leadership roles at Microsoft Game Studios, Activision/Blizzard, ZeroLight, and his own game studio. Chip played a pivotal role in the launch of the original Xbox and has contributed to the release of over 100 titles across nearly every gaming platform.
Chip’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: The game always comes first. Known for his hands on approach, he has gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure authenticity and immersion in his projects—from strapping on motion capture goalie gear for NHL Rivals to spending days in the desert mastering battle tactics for Soldier of Fortune: Payback and venturing into the wilderness to research fishing techniques for Bass Pro Shops: The Strike.
A true developer at heart, Chip doesn’t just create games—he lives and breathes them. His unique blend of expertise, creativity, and dedication makes him a compelling voice in the gaming industry and beyond.