The Stack Overflow Podcast
Meet the guy responsible for building the Call of Duty game engine
Nov 15, 2024
Chris Fowler, Director of Engine at Activision, shares his unique journey from marine biology to crafting the Call of Duty game engine. He dives into the exciting evolution of gaming bugs and easter eggs, revealing entertaining anecdotes from game development. Chris discusses the challenges of balancing innovation and stability in engine development, the transformative role of SSDs, and the significance of physics in games. He emphasizes community feedback and the collaborative spirit that drives the gaming industry forward.
21:46
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Quick takeaways
- Chris Fowler's unconventional journey from marine biology to game development exemplifies how passion and proactivity can lead to success in tech careers.
- Innovative development of the Call of Duty game engine relies on player feedback and continuous improvements to optimize user experience across platforms.
Deep dives
Origin Story of a Game Developer
The journey into software development often begins unexpectedly, as illustrated by Chris Fowler, who transitioned from studying marine biology to programming in the gaming industry. His interest in games led him to reach out to a local developer, where he discovered the role of game testing and subsequently secured an internship. This experience not only ignited his passion for coding but also set him on a path that culminated in his current position as the Director of Engine at Activision. This story highlights how unique pathways can lead individuals to succeed in software development, especially when driven by personal interests and proactive efforts.
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