Stuart Maine on 28 Years in Game Development: Starting a Studio, Building Great Teams, Career Advice & Lessons for Aspiring Devs & His New Books

May 4, 2025

50:23

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In this interview, veteran game designer Stuart Maine shares his 28-year journey in the gaming industry, detailing his humble beginnings in a cyber café to becoming a senior designer at Two Desperados, a mobile games company in Serbia. Stuart recounts his early days at Bullfrog and his time at renowned companies like Acclaim and Blitz, working on notable projects such Warhammer Combat Cards, Epic Mickey 2, and Angry Birds Transformers. He offers insights on remote work, the importance of team dynamics, and the lessons he has learned about people skills and communication. Stuart also discusses his latest venture, a book titled 'Designing Video Games,' which aims to guide newcomers through the complexities of the industry. Alongside this, he has authored two books on the history of first-person shooters, 'I'm Too Young to Die' and 'Hurt Me Plenty,' with a third in the works. He touches on the challenges and rewards of game development, reflecting on the necessity of taking risks, the difficulties of maintaining work-life balance, and the evolving landscape influenced by technological advancements like AI. The conversation wraps up with Stuart sharing anecdotes from his career, advice for aspiring developers, and his excitement for current gaming projects, highlighting his ongoing passion for the industry.

Bio:

Stuart Maine has been a game designer and writer for 28 years across console, PC, and mobile. He’s worked on licensed titles at studios large and small, and co-founded and later sold the indie studio Well Played Games. Stuart also writes books, including two on the history of first-person shooters (I'm Too Young To Die, 2022, and Hurt Me Plenty, 2025, with Bitmap Books) and Designing Video Games (2025, with White Owl), a guide for breaking into the industry. He also tutors on John Yorke’s Story for Video Games course.

Show Links:

* Two Desperados: https://twodesperados.com

* Well Played Games: https://www.wellplayed.games

* John Yorke’s Story for Video Games course (Stu’s a tutor): https://www.johnyorkestory.com/course/story-for-video-games/

* White Owl Books: https://www.whiteowlbooks.co.uk/

* Designing Video Games: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1399038664 or

https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Designing-Video-Games-Hardback/p/52503

* Bitmap Books: https://www.bitmapbooks.com

* I'm Too Young to Die: https://www.bitmapbooks.com/collections/video-game-history/products/i-m-too-young-to-die-the-ultimate-guide-to-first-person-shooters-1992-2002

* Hurt Me Plenty: https://www.bitmapbooks.com/collections/video-game-history/products/hurt-me-plenty-the-ultimate-guide-to-first-person-shooters-2003-2010

* Warhammer Combat Cards: https://www.combatcards.com

* Atomfall: https://store.steampowered.com/app/801800/Atomfall/