What happens when you leave structure behind? A journey through rewilding creativity, career shifts, and rediscovering joy in uncertainty. I like the idea that when facing the unknown, what you need is a compass, not a map. I think I first came across that phrase in the work of Joi Ito and Jeff Howe. I’ve […]
Unlock Creative Courage and Step Off the Map Read Post »
Are you starting fires or carrying them? A reflection on tech, games, and the quiet power of stewardship over speed. Among many Indigenous cultures, particularly in Native American traditions, there was a respected and essential role: the fire carrier. These individuals were entrusted with transporting embers between settlements, ensuring that a flame—representing warmth, safety, and
Fire Starters and Fire Carriers: Technology & the Wisdom of Impact Read Post »
A reflection on Minecraft, modern meaning, and the shift in how we understand value. Yesterday I took my teenage kids and their friends to see A Minecraft Movie. I’ve known Minecraft a long time. I bought it on 24 September 2010—during its alpha phase, when it still felt like something passed around quietly between curious
What We Miss When We Look With Old Eyes Read Post »
Games already teach systems, problem-solving, and creativity. What if we made some that do it on purpose—for the world we’re heading into? Over the past two decades, I’ve worked on games played by millions. Large projects, built by small/medium and large teams who cared about the right things—mechanics, feedback, pacing, and above all, the experience
Learning needs a New Game Read Post »
Forget zero to one. Before the big leap, there’s a scrappy phase: zero to some. No rules, no manuals—just figuring it out as you go. Imagine a small, thin metal dome, no bigger than your thumbnail. You place it on the counter, press it, and it makes a gentle pop – not loud, just a
In the Right Conditions, Small Things Matter Read Post »
Best practices guide steady teams—but in a shifting games industry, they can limit growth. Explore how to adapt when change is the only constant. The games industry is no stranger to change. Whether it’s new platforms, new funding realities, or sudden shifts in team structures, we often find ourselves navigating uncertainty as we do now.
Trusting Instinct: Why Best Practice Won’t Save You Read Post »
How to navigate uncertainty with confidence: lessons from Terry Pratchett, Indiana Jones, and a career in games. Find clarity, purpose, and growth. The first proper book I remember finishing was Terry Pratchett’s The Colour of Magic, the start of his brilliant Discworld series. Reading didn’t come easily to me as a child, so when I finished the book in a
Granny Weatherwax, Indiana Jones: Wisdom for Facing the Unknown Read Post »
