In Dev to Dev S01 E09 host Alex Sulman sits downwith John “Bau” Bautista, a veteran combat designer whose path runs from arcade halls and QA grindhouses to leading teams on AAA franchises. Bau’s journey is about persistence, rule‑breaking, experimentation, and turning melee combat into storytelling through rhythm, space, and feel. Bau learned to “game the system” on Centipede, discoveringhow feedback, rhythm, and pattern mastery turn rules into a playground. Those noisy, social arcades shaped his belief that games are experiences you feel, not just stories you watch. A Monty Python quip during a Midway interview opened thedoor to QA, where meticulous repro steps and player empathy formed his design backbone. That QA foundation became the scaffolding for his to-date 26 year career across multiple AAA studios. From spacing and mind games to impact and reaction, Bautreats melee as a language. Through studio closures and even lost credits, he kept chasing clarity of feel and the “celebration moments” that tell players an action truly landed. Now as Lead Combat Designer, Bau draws lessons from every game - polished or messy. His advice: assume good intent, study widely, and focus on resonance between player intent and game response. Find the Podcast at: Patreon: DevToDevPodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Rq9lZoWphzXvxkrETrWg0 RSS: https://feeds.castos.com/r37p9 Instagram: @devto.devpodcast Bluesky: @devtodevpodcast.bsky.social‬ TikTok: @devtodevpodcast YouTube: @DevToDevPodcast Email: DevToDevPodcast@Gmail.com   Find Bau At:  ⁠

In this episode of Dev to Dev, host Alex Sulman sits down with Matt Brunhofer, a game developer whose unconventional path ran through theater, film, and even EMT work before finding its home in video games. Matt’s journey is about persistence, creativity, and the joy of helping others succeed behind the scenes.   Discovering the Art of Collaboration Growing up in Virginia, Matt’s love of storytelling began with filmmaking and theater. He chased the thrill of live performance—running lights, cables, and stage changes—and found his passion in the teamwork and energy of production rather than the spotlight. That drive to create experiences that move people would later define his life in games.   An Unexpected Breakthrough After studying creative writing at Full Sail University, Matt moved to Los Angeles to pursue screenwriting. A chance look at a job posting at Square Enix led to an unexpected new chapter. Hired as a QA tester on Dissidia Final Fantasy NT, he discovered a workplace full of passionate, creative people who truly loved what they did. “I realized,” he recalls, “this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”   Building Worlds at ZOS That spark carried him to ZeniMax Online Studios, where he worked on The Elder Scrolls Online and an unannounced MMO. Fascinated by how tools and systems support creativity, Matt transitioned into technical production, helping bridge the gap between developers and the technical teams building the foundation of their games. “Helping others do what they love—that’s what drives me,” he says.   Finding Purpose Behind the Curtain Matt’s story is one of rediscovering purpose. Whether balancing lights in a theater or balancing boss fights in ESO, his passion for storytelling and teamwork shines through. His journey reminds us that creative fulfillment often comes not from the spotlight, but from empowering others to create—and that the path to game development can be as unique as the games themselves.   Find the Podcast in both Video & Audio forms at: Patreon: DevToDevPodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Rq9lZoWphzXvxkrETrWg0 Instagram: @devto.devpodcast Bluesky: @devtodevpodcast.bsky.social‬ TikTok: @devtodevpodcast YouTube: @DevToDevPodcast Email: DevToDevPodcast@Gmail.com

In this episode of Dev to Dev – the podcast about everyday video game developers and why they do what they do every day – I talk with Orlando Jimenez. Orlando’s story is rooted in perseverance and curiosity. From his first encounter with Spider-Man on the Nintendo 64 to shaping combat systems on AAA games, he’s a developer who turned challenges into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones.   Growing up in the Bronx, Orlando’s love of games began as a personal escape and evolved into a calling. His fascination with what made games feel “right” led him to pursue a degree at Full Sail University, where he faced serious financial and academic challenges. But rather than give up, he pushed forward — retaking classes, refining his skills, working full time during the day whilst studying at night, before graduating with honors.   After building prototypes and reaching out directly to recruiters, Orlando landed an internship at ZeniMax Online Studios that grew into a role as an Associate Combat Designer. Through it all, he’s carried one belief: growth never stops.   Highlights: Early inspiration from Spider-Man on the Nintendo 64 Overcoming setbacks and returning to Full Sail University stronger than ever Landing a combat design role through persistence and self-driven learning Lessons learned about humility, curiosity, and collaboration The importance of fundamentals and empathy in great game design   Thank you for listening and I really hope you enjoyed this episode. Please subscribe in your Podcast App of choice to keep up-to-date with each new episode when it lands. And if you would like to keep the Podcast ad free please consider joining the Patreon. Think of it as a Virtual Tip Jar at a minimum, with the option to upgrade for additional benefits such as: Video Versions of each episode

In the next episode of Dev to Dev – the podcast about everyday video game developers and why they do what they do every day – I sit down with Leamon Tuttle to explore how his path from philosophy student and artist led him to take on the position of “Loremaster” – a role rarely filled and easily mis-understood. Leamon’s career in games is a masterclass in embracing the unexpected. A Maryland native who grew up surrounded by couch co-op classics like GoldenEye and Zelda, he followed his passions for Philosophy and Art before ultimately finding his place in game development. Leamon initially pursued his dream of making games via an animation school, only to realize that the highly technical side of 3D modeling wasn’t for him. But that artistic training, combined with his academic background in philosophy, gave him a unique way of thinking about stories and ideas. When a QA opening at ZeniMax appeared, he took it as a chance to learn more about how games are made and potentially find his way into Concept Art. Inside ZeniMax, Leamon’s gift for writing quickly became apparent. He began reviewing quests, collaborating with narrative designers, and learning how great stories are built from player interaction. Eventually, he joined the writing team and became a principal writer on major Elder Scrolls Online expansions before stepping into the role of Loremaster. For Leamon, lore isn’t about limits – it’s about structure and opportunity. He describes how working within an established IP provides creative direction rather than restriction, and how his role often balances protecting canon with supporting gameplay innovation. He also reflects on games’ power to build communities, connect friends across decades, and tell stories that can make players think deeply about the world around them. Leamon’s story is a testament to creative adaptability. From traditional artist to worldbuilder, his journey proves that every step – even the unexpected ones – can lead to meaningful storytelling. His time as Loremaster highlights the importance of blending narrative depth with interactivity, and the joy of crafting worlds that feel truly alive. Thank you for listening and I really hope you enjoyed this episode. Please subscribe in your Podcast App of choice to keep up-to-date with each new episode when it lands. And if you would like to keep the Podcast ad free please consider joining the Patreon. Think of it as a Virtual Tip Jar at a minimum, with the option to upgrade for additional benefits such as: Video Versions of each episode Occasional additional Shows Direct access to me and the show ⁠

In this episode of Dev to Dev – the podcast about everyday video game developers and why they do what they do every day – I sit down with accessibility designer Nick Heindl to explore his journey from a small town in Wisconsin to shaping inclusive design in AAA development. Nick’s story is one of persistence and empathy, rooted in both personal struggle and a love for games that often sat outside the mainstream. From teaching himself multiplication through Number Munchers on the Apple II to obsessing over quirky N64 titles like Conker’s Bad Fur Day and Harvest Moon 64, Nick’s influences set him on a unique creative path. After studying computer science and linguistics, Nick began to see the possibility of game development as a career. An internship at Amazon confirmed that big tech wasn’t the right fit, while Raven Software revealed that meaningful opportunities could exist closer to home than he had ever imagined. From Raven to PUBG, and eventually to ZeniMax Online Studios, Nick’s journey reflects a constant drive to connect technical engineering skills with creative design. Along the way, Call of Duty Online introduced him to an entirely different cultural lens on games—an experience that reinforced his appreciation for diverse perspectives. Most of all, Nick’s story is about empathy. Having experienced firsthand what it felt like to be othered in school, he carried that awareness into his work, championing accessibility long before it was an industry-wide conversation. At ZeniMax, that passion became a full-time role—bringing his journey full circle. Nick’s reflections highlight how game development isn’t just about code or design, but about people. His story is a reminder that games can and should be for everyone. Thank you for listening and I really hope you enjoyed this episode. Please subscribe in your Podcast App of choice to keep up-to-date with each new episode when it lands. And if you would like to keep the Podcast ad free please consider joining the Patreon. Think of it as a Virtual Tip Jar at a minimum, with the option to upgrade for additional benefits such as: Video Versions of each episode Occasional additional Shows Direct access to me and the show ⁠Patreon.com/DevToDevPodcast⁠ Also please reach out if y...

In this episode of Dev to Dev – the podcast about everyday video game developers and why they do what they do every day – I sit down with Paul Dziadzio, a Senior Gameplay Programmer. Paul’s journey is rooted in a love of storytelling and systems, from early memories of Lord of the Rings and Dungeons & Dragons to discovering programming in high school. College at Michigan State not only provided structure but introduced him to a community that pushed him toward AI, opening the door to industry connections and a lifelong fascination with how code and design intersect. Paul’s first steps into the industry took him through internships and contract work before landing at S2 Games, where he wrote AI for Heroes of Newerth. That experience set him on a path toward larger challenges, including the scale of Planetside 2, where thousands of players created problems as complex as they were exciting. For Paul, AI is where programming meets design — a space where clever systems can shape player perception and experience. He highlights examples like Halo’s deliberate first-miss sniper and Half-Life’s illusion of ambushes as proof of how design and engineering combine to create memorable moments. Living with ADD has been both a challenge and a strength for Paul. Diagnosed later in life, he reflects on how time blindness and focus struggles pushed him to develop habits like detailed note-taking, while also giving him the ability to juggle complex systems with creativity. What once felt like a hurdle became a superpower that fueled his problem-solving career. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for the invisible craft of AI programming, and for how personal challenges can be transformed into strengths in the world of game development. Thank you for listening and I really hope you enjoyed this episode. Please subscribe in your Podcast App of choice to keep up-to-date with each new episode when it lands. And if you would like to keep the Podcast ad free please consider joining the Patreon. Think of it as a Virtual Tip Jar at a minimum, with the option to upgrade for additional benefits such as: Video Versions of each episode Occasional additional Shows Direct access to me and the show Patreon.com/DevToDevPodcast Also please reach out if you have any questions, thoughts, comments, guest suggestions, or ideas! DevToDevPodcast@Gmail.com You can find Paul at: Paul Dziadzio | LinkedIn

In this episode of Dev to Dev – the podcast about everyday video game developers and why they do what they do every day – I speak with Chris Peters, former QA Lead. Chris grew up in “Pencil Tucky,” a blue-collar corner of Pennsylvania, where gaming meant LAN battles with his dad and GameCube marathons with friends. A welder by trade, he never imagined a future in games until a friend’s connection opened the door to QA at a major AAA studio — a leap that completely reshaped his life. Chris shares the culture shock of moving from welding shops to testing Elder Scrolls Online, and how QA became more than bug-hunting—it was a way to probe systems, break rules, and learn the craft of game-making. He speaks candidly about impostor syndrome, the challenge of leadership as an introvert, and how personal struggles became powerful motivators rather than setbacks. Music also plays a big role in his story. Chris draws vivid parallels between arranging songs and designing levels, each built around flow, rhythm, and surprise. That connection fuels his ambition to move from QA into level design, bridging creativity with technical insight. What shines through is Chris’s honesty: his reflections on fear, confidence, and resilience; how being an introvert shaped his leadership style; and how QA deepened his love of games rather than diminishing it. It’s a reminder that the industry is made up of people who often take unexpected routes, carrying their personal histories and struggles into the craft. This is a funny, thoughtful, and deeply personal conversation about resilience, identity, and the creative spark that lives in unlikely places. Thank you for listening and I really hope you enjoyed this episode. Please subscribe in your Podcast App of choice to keep up-to-date with each new episode when it lands. And if you would like to keep the Podcast ad free please consider joining the Patreon. Think of it as a Virtual Tip Jar at a minimum, with the option to upgrade for additional benefits such as: Video Versions of each episode Occasional additional Shows Direct access to me and the show Patreon.com/DevToDevPodcast Also please reach out if you have any questions, thoughts, comments, guest suggestions, or ideas! DevToDevPodcast@Gmail.com Find Chris at: Christopher Peters | LinkedIn https://sites.google.com/view/chrispetersleveldesign/home Instagram: @camohand Bluesky: camohand.bsky.social

In the second episode of Dev to Dev – the podcast about everyday video game developers and why they do what they do every day – I sit down with Leyla Mamedova, a cinematic pipeline manager whose career path has been anything but ordinary. Born in post-Soviet Russia, Leyla’s introduction to games came through contraband consoles and unlikely movie tie-in titles – learning pieces of English by lip-reading through Hercules and Chicken Run on PlayStation, and later falling hard for the melodrama of JRPGs on her beloved PS2. What began as a childhood obsession with soap operas, anime, and sprawling RPG storylines set her on a trajectory toward animation school, with dreams of working at DreamWorks. Leyla shares fascinating insight into how personal struggles can fuel growth, how ADHD has shaped her professionally and personally, and why she now views her systems-oriented mindset as a superpower, doing it all with wit and honesty. It’s a funny, heartfelt, and eye-opening episode about resilience, identity, and the hidden systems behind both games and the people who make them. It’s everything this show is about! Thank you for listening and I really hope you enjoyed this episode. Please subscribe in your Podcast App of choice to keep up-to-date with each new episode when it lands. And if you would like to keep the Podcast ad free please consider joining the Patreon. Think of it as a Virtual Tip Jar at a minimum, with the option to upgrade for additional benefits such as: Video Versions of each episode Occasional additional Shows Direct access to me and the show Patreon.com/DevToDevPodcast Also please reach out if you have any questions, thoughts, comments, guest suggestions, or ideas! DevToDevPodcast@Gmail.com Find Leyla at: Leyla Mamedova | LinkedIn https://bsky.app/profile/leylses.bsky.social https://medium.com/@leylamamart

Welcome to the very first episode of Dev to Dev — the podcast about everyday videogame developers and why they do what they do every day! My inaugural guest is Anthony Avancena-Brigante, an Audio Engineer whose journey into game development began with videogames as more than just entertainment — they were his way to connect, to socialize, and to belong. In this conversation, Anthony shares how a single spark of inspiration convinced him he could make games, how moving to college surrounded him with game developers and shifted his culture overnight, and how he found creativity not through playing music, but through the science of creating digital sound. He reflects on how internships across different studios cemented his love for audio technology, and how landing at a big studio gave him the platform to empower others to make great audio. And yes — even a thunderstorm couldn’t stop us from recording this fascinating debut episode. Also, apologies for my eye line focusing more on Anthony on my screen rather than the camera! I hope to improve that in upcoming episodes! Thank you for listening and I really hope you enjoyed this episode. Please subscribe in your Podcast App of choice to keep up-to-date with each new episode when it lands. And if you would like to keep the Podcast ad free please consider joining the Patreon. Think of it as a Virtual Tip Jar at a minimum, with the option to upgrade for additional benefits such as: Video Versions of each episode Occasional additional Shows Direct access to me and the show Patreon.com/DevToDevPodcast Also please reach out if you have any questions, thoughts, comments, guest suggestions, or ideas! DevToDevPodcast@Gmail.com You can find Anthony on the web here: Anthony Avancena-Brigante | LinkedIn www.abrigante.com

Dev to Dev - the podcast about everyday videogame developers and why they do what they do every day - is dedicated to exploring the stories of the many animators, engineers, artists, producers, and designers whose work shapes the games we play. Hosted by Alex Sulman, a veteran of nearly three decades in the industry, the show highlights the passion, challenges, and personal journeys of those often overlooked in gaming’s spotlight. Inspired by Greg Miller’s 2015 Game Awards speech recognizing a developer in the credits, Dev to Dev continues that spirit of appreciation, giving voice to the people behind the craft. Each week, the podcast offers thoughtful, positive conversations about connection, creativity, and the human side of game development, providing insight into both the rewards and challenges of making video games a livelihood. Find the Podcast at: Patreon: DevToDevPodcast Instagram: @devto.devpodcast Bluesky: @devtodevpodcast.bsky.social‬ TikTok: @devtodevpodcast YouTube: @DevToDevPodcast   …and please drop me an email if you have any questions, thoughts, comments, guest suggestions, or ideas to DevToDevPodcast@Gmail.com