We recently connected with Josh Delson and have shared our conversation below.
Josh, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
As a game developer, keeping my creativity alive is all about finding that sweet spot where “What’s Been Done,” “What’s Possible,” and “Good Ideas” come together. I always keep an updated list of my good and bad ideas, which helps me reflect and grow. I love brainstorming with other creatives since it opens up new perspectives and makes the process so much more enjoyable. Plus, I’m all about experimenting with my ideas and treating every failure as a learning opportunity. This approach keeps my creativity flowing and makes every day feel like a new adventure!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a game developer who loves creating immersive gaming experiences that connect with players on a deeper level. I’ve been lucky to contribute to award-winning indie games and helped bring Battlefield Mobile to life at EA, where I produced everything from weapons to maps and built a fantastic studio culture recognized with the GameIndustryBiz’s 2022 Health & Wellness Award.
Right now, I’m running my own studio, Unexpected Accessories LLC, working on an exciting unannounced project that I can’t wait to reveal. I’m also passionate about education and have developed numerous game design programs across the country that have inspired thousands of students. Plus, I love organizing game events like Bit Bash Chicago and MAGFest and currently serve s a jury member for the Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA).
In my free time you can find me sharing my insights at schools and conferences, including recent talks at the Game Developers Conference. So keep an eye out for upcoming panels and events—I’d love to connect with you and share this amazing journey in game development!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say Creativity, Leadership, and Service have been the big three that shaped my journey. I’ve always had a passion for being artsy, but it wasn’t until I challenged myself to create my first video game in Adobe Flash that I really discovered my creative side. Since then, I’ve worked hard to expand my creative perspective in everyday life, which helped me develop a growth mindset.
Beyond making games, I was super lucky to grow up taking on various leadership roles, from organizing big fundraisers to fun festivals. Each of those experiences taught me a lot about how to connect with people. I truly believe everyone has the potential to be a leader; it just takes some time to figure out your own style. Over the years, I learned my unique strengths and how to use them to reach my personal goals, which eventually led me to become a game producer.
In my free time, I love giving back—whether it’s teaching or volunteering. Even while I was busy making games, I spent a lot of my time helping my community and mentoring others. In college, I got to travel around the world and learn from amazing community leaders about making a positive impact. Each country I visited gave me a deeper appreciation for life and opened my eyes to new ways I can benefit others.
If you’re just starting your journey, don’t be afraid to dive in and try new things! Have fun with your creativity whether it’s art or writing. Remember, it’s totally okay to stumble along the way, every little mistake is just a chance to learn something new!
When it comes to leadership, think of it as being a good friend by listening, supporting, and inspiring others. Take on small roles in group projects or community events; they’re great for building your confidence! Get to know your strengths and how they can help those around you. And don’t hesitate to ask for feedback. The largest room ins the world is the room for improvement!
Also, look for ways to give back, whether it’s volunteering or helping a friend. Every little act of kindness makes a difference! Your impact doesn’t have to be big to matter.
So, stay curious and keep your heart open. Embrace creativity, leadership, and service, and you’ll make a lovely, positive impact in your own special way. Enjoy every moment of your journey!
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
I really think it’s better to focus on one’s strengths rather than trying to be good at everything. When you go all in on what you’re passionate about, you can really shine, especially in game development.
For me, I found that my creative strengths as a producer and experimental designer which made a big difference in my projects. Instead of stressing about becoming a master programmer who knows C+#, I worked on honing my creative side. This focus helped me support my team more in a meaningful way and made my work more enjoyable.
In today’s game industry, where layoffs and high demands are common, I’ve seen that the people who thrive are those who lean into their unique strengths. During my time at EA, I’ve seen first hand almost a dozen internal projects cancelled and new opportunities came to those who polished their strengths.
So yeah, while it’s good to improve on weaknesses, I believe that focusing on what you love and do well is where the real magic happens. Embrace your strengths, and you’ll find ways to make a positive difference!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joshdelson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshdelson/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshdelson/
- Twitter: https://x.com/JoshDelson
- Other: Game Studio: https://unexpectedaccessories.com/
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