Webinar/Podcast
February 28, 2024
Join us for an enlightening webinar in our Careers in Esports series featuring Jordan Runyan, Senior Production Engineer from Bungie
Join us for an exciting webinar featuring Jordan Runyan from Bungie, as we delve into his journey to becoming a senior production engineer. With experience on Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft, and as a cofounder of the University of Utah's esports program, Jordan will share insights on how production engineers drive organization and enhance performance in game development. Discover the growing demand for these roles and gain a fresh perspective on esports careers beyond players and coaches. Perfect for students and educators seeking to explore new opportunities in this expanding field.
Imagine starting your career playing games like Super Mario World and ending up at one of the most iconic game development studios in the world. That's exactly what happened to Jordan Runyan, whose transition from a passionate gamer to a Senior Production Engineer at Bungie offers practical insights for aspiring game developers and educators alike. Gaming isn't just a hobby; it's a gateway to numerous career opportunities. In this blog post, we'll explore Jordan's path and provide essential tips for breaking into the industry, highlighting the role of game development in education and sharing his valuable experiences.
Jordan’s journey into the world of video games began with a Super Nintendo. Games like Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, and Super Metroid sparked his interest. Growing up, he watched his uncles play Warcraft, Warcraft 2, and StarCraft on their home network. Inspired, Jordan sold popsicles and lemonade to save up the money to build his own computer, marking his first step into PC gaming.
Initially, Jordan pursued electrical engineering in college, driven by his knack for math and science. However, a friend introduced him to the University of Utah's Entertainment Arts and Engineering program. Intrigued, he switched his major and began to focus on game development, setting the stage for his future career.
Jordan's first major industry roles were with Blizzard Entertainment and Bungie. At Blizzard, he worked as a Test Analyst on World of Warcraft. His current role at Bungie involves acting as a "force multiplier," solving problems to keep teams productive.
Networking played a pivotal role in Jordan’s career and is essential for breaking into the game development industry. He stresses that "it's both what you know and who you know," highlighting that while technical knowledge is crucial, the relationships you build can open doors to opportunities and collaborations. Building a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and projects is equally important, as it serves as a tangible representation of your capabilities. Making meaningful connections and having a standout portfolio are crucial steps for aspiring game developers looking to make their mark in the industry.
Jordan emphasizes the importance of balancing both soft and hard skills in the workplace. While technical expertise is necessary for performing job-specific tasks, good communication and teamwork abilities can set you apart in interviews and within your team. He notes, "You can teach skills, but it’s harder to teach someone how to work well with others," suggesting that while technical skills can be acquired through training, interpersonal skills require more intrinsic development. Cultivating these soft skills can lead to more cohesive team dynamics and successful project outcomes.
A Senior Production Engineer at Bungie acts as a problem-solver and intermediary, playing a crucial role in the team’s workflow. This position involves helping teams stay unblocked and efficient by identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate. Jordan describes his role as being a "force multiplier," meaning he enhances the productivity of the entire team by ensuring smooth operations and effective communication across departments. This role requires adaptability, a deep understanding of technical processes, and the ability to mediate between diverse teams to achieve project goals efficiently.
Gaming isn't just entertaining; it hones essential skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are acquired through scenarios requiring strategic thinking and collaboration with others in multiplayer settings. Jordan believes that these skills are transferable to many areas, including game development, where creative problem-solving and effective team communication are paramount. Gamers often develop a keen ability to adapt to new challenges, think critically under pressure, and learn from failures, making these skills valuable in various professional environments.
Jordan advocates for schools to support students' passion for gaming by recognizing it as a legitimate means of developing critical skills. He argues that gaming offers countless opportunities for skill development and career paths in STEM fields, as it encompasses technology, engineering concepts, and creative storytelling. Schools can play a pivotal role by incorporating gaming into their curricula, providing resources for students to explore game design, and fostering an inclusive environment that encourages innovation and creativity. By doing so, schools can help prepare students for future careers while also nurturing their interests.
From game development and design to esports coaching and production, the gaming industry offers a wide range of career opportunities. The industry has grown to include many roles, now including positions in marketing, community management, and many more areas. Jordan's own career is a testament to the diverse paths available, as he has seen how skills acquired through gaming can lead to successful careers in various sectors of the gaming and esports industry. With the gaming industry continually evolving, the demand for skilled professionals who understand both game mechanics and the broader gaming community continues to rise.
Jordan Runyan's story is a compelling example of how a love for gaming can evolve into a rewarding career in game development. By focusing on networking, developing a strong portfolio, and balancing technical and soft skills, aspiring game developers can follow in his footsteps.
If you’re inspired by Jordan’s journey, consider exploring the world of game development further. Consider Mastery Coding's Game and App Development Pathway—a two-year, project-based curriculum designed for high schools. Here, students learn to build video games from scratch and develop a portfolio full of projects.
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