STEM Workshop Series Welcomes Video Game Programmer Eugene Evans

» Watch video

 

The 2012-2013 Emerging STEM Leaders program continued on Friday, Jan. 25, when video game programmer Eugene Evans spoke to students, faculty and staff in the Puente Library. Evans has spent more than 30 years in the video game industry working for companies like Electronic Arts, Mythic Entertainment, Infinite Ventures and many others.

 

Evans began talking about the dynamic field of video game design and production and how far the industry has come. Starting out, Evans described how many tasks one person could complete in the production process, and how as the years went by, jobs became more and more specialized. Where once one person was needed, in just six years, 40 people were needed.

 

“We went from one person doing everything, to four or five people working on a specific project,” Evans said.

 

One of the more interesting parts of working in the video game industry is the challenge of keeping up with advancing technology and always providing consumers with the next best thing.

 

“Whenever a new technology arises, you always ask yourself ‘what can I do that hasn’t been done before,’” Evans said.

 

Evans also detailed the struggles of the industry and his experience owning a company that eventually went bankrupt. By describing his extensive career and experiences, Evans provided a unique behind-the-scenes story of the history of video games and the continuous advances of video game technology. And while he has dealt with the ups and downs of the industry, Evans believes this is one of the most exciting times to get into video game production.

 

“It’s an exciting time to get in the gaming industry,” Evans said. “It’s as exciting now as it ever has been.”