GAME DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
I began making games at 14 years old in Adobe Flash, which led my high school to create a game design class based on my work. A few years later I led Chicago's game community as the Board Member of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), professor at College of DuPage, festival organizer for Bit Bash, and freelancer for Midwest indie developers. My career took me to Los Angeles where I helped greenlight Battlefield Mobile at Electronic Arts (EA) and served as jury member for the Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA). Now I'm running my on game studio, Unexpected Accessories LLC, using my indie and AAA industry experience to produce niche games outside of the industry norm. If you would like to get in touch, please use the contact form below!
EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS
In my free time I love running events as a freelancer. While in Chicago I ran the Bit Bash alternative game festival at the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI). With that experience I helped organize 20+ year industry cornerstone events such as Super Magfest and the Game Developers Conference (GDC). Now I organize game jams like the Rose Valley Jam and help run local events in Los Angeles.
TEACHING HIGHLIGHTS
I’ve built educational programs for thousands of students ranging from elementary to college. In Chicago, I mentored at risk youth on the South Side and looked for ways to use my game development background to positively support the next generation of leaders. Using my experience as a professor, I became the Program Director of the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) where I created its multi million dollar summer game design program available at UCLA, American University, and University of Washington. Now I advise schools like the College of DuPage and have mentored over 200 students.
TESTIMONIALS
My personal motto is 'The largest room in the world is the room for improvement,' which I embrace to encourage and support my co-workers. Below are a few testimonials from people I’ve worked with, but there are over 30 more recommendations available on LinkedIn.
ALEX SEROPIAN
Founder of Bungie, Wideload Games, Industrial Toys, & Look North World
"I met Josh and was immediately impressed by his self starter mentality and ability to 'get things done'. Josh agreed to come work at my studio as a producer where he continued his ability to organize, communicate and motivate to help large teams accomplish their goals. Josh is a joy to work with."
STEPHEN MACDONALD
CEO of Magic Potion Games
"What impressed me most about Josh was his willingness to go above and beyond. He was always willing to put in the extra effort to deliver the best possible outcome."
MICHELLE ESTRADA
Lead Producer of Battlefield Mobile
"Josh was a great asset demonstrating leadership and a commitment to the excellence of our game. His ability to connect with just about anyone made our studio a better and vibrant place."
GREGORY YEPES
Lead Technical Artist of Epic Games
"Josh is self-motivated and always willing to find more ways to help the team. Josh is focused on business objectives and is able to keep a smile on his face. His passion is infectious!"
CHRISTIAN FILIP
CEO of Legion Studios
"Josh was an incredible producer and coworker to have on the team. He juggled a large workload with ease and was always great to have around. Couldn't recommend him enough."
CONTACT
I'm always open to collab! You can reach me on the form below or connect on LinkedIn.
Thank you!