CoRecursive: Coding Stories

Story: Code, Kickflips and Crunch Time - Mick West's Neversoft Journey

Apr 2, 2024

Join Mick West in a journey from creating games in Manchester to Neversoft in California. Learn about the challenges in game development, asset creation, and the intense process of crafting Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Explore Mick's resilience, adaptability, and the behind-the-scenes of game innovation.

57:09

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Episode guests

Mick West

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Highlights

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Successful game design requires overcoming technical challenges and mastering mechanics.

Adaptability and teamwork are key to creating groundbreaking gaming experiences.

Passion, dedication, and lucky breaks can lead to industry success and legacy building.

Deep dives

Building a Video Game Success Story

Catching a rising star like Tony Hawk and his historic skateboarding feat of the first 900 trick added to the Tony Hawk Pro Skater game just before it was being duplicated provided a significant boost to the game's success. Mick's journey from a fresh college grad to a successful industry veteran was highlighted, showcasing passion projects, lucky breaks, and dedication to mastering game design and mechanics that set mega hits apart.

Navigating Visa Hurdles and Transitioning to Game Design

00:50

Success through Resourceful Recycling

00:48

Specialization and Professional Growth

00:45

Developing UN Squadron Arcade Game

00:49

Introduction

3min

Navigating Challenges in Game Development

8min

Creating Game Assets from Scratch

16min

Navigating Challenges and High Stakes in the Gaming Industry

9min

From Apocalypse to Skateboarding: The Game Development Journey

10min

The Historic 900 Trick and its Influence on a Skating Video Game

2min

Neversoft's Growth and Mick's Departure

6min

Mick West's Varied Career and Passion for Rationality

2min

Meet Mick West, whose career began in an unusual office setup — sandwiched between a kebab shop and a phone sex hotline. From there he worked all over Manchester, making computer games for Tiertex and Ocean.

Career opportunies brought him to California and to his own game dev company, Neversoft. At Neversoft, navigating team growth and tight deadlines, Mick played a key role in creating "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater." This wasn't just another game; it was a huge hit and secured Mick's legacy in the gaming world.

Join us as we explore Mick West's journey from a quirky start to the heights of video game innovation and beyond. Discover the resilience, adaptability, and teamwork that fueled his success and how he continues to explore new horizons. How did he tackle the technical challenges that came his way, and what can we learn from his relentless pursuit of the next big thing?

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CoRecursive: Coding Stories

Story: Code, Kickflips and Crunch Time - Mick West's Neversoft Journey

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Building a Video Game Success Story

Early Game Development Challenges

Arcade Conversions and Learning Curves

Navigating Industry Challenges

Evolution of Neversoft and Career Reflections

Navigating Visa Hurdles and Transitioning to Game Design

Success through Resourceful Recycling

Specialization and Professional Growth

Developing UN Squadron Arcade Game

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts