Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Josh Delson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Josh, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I discovered my passion for a creative career at a young age. As a child, I immersed myself in art, drawing beloved anime characters like Pokemon, teaching myself how to play musical instruments, and brainstorming video game ideas inspired by PS2 franchises. My journey took a significant turn in high school when I channeled my talents into creating Adobe Flash mini games. The overwhelming support from my high school led to the establishment of the school’s first game design program. From there I knew that pursuing a creative path was unquestionably my calling.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a game producer with a decade of experience in the making games.
My journey began when my high school in Chicago created a game design program inspired by my work. This prompted me to study at DePaul University with the ambition to become a leader in the game industry. Upon graduating I realized that my dream was to learn from both the indie and corporate sides of the game industry, with the ultimate goal of starting up a game studio like no other.
Remarkably, by the age of 22, I had already achieved numerous milestones. I developed indie video games, became a college professor, organized game festivals, created an international leadership program, spearheaded community events, and even ventured into the realm of medical startups. Through my experiences in Chicago, my industry mentor Alex Seropian (Founder of Bungie) outreached to me to help his newly acquired game studio at Electronic Arts (EA) in Los Angeles.
When I moved to Los Angeles, I contributed significantly to the studio’s growth. In just two years, I played a pivotal role in positively expanding the EA-acquired studio from 25 to 120 developers, earning the GameIndustryBiz.com 2022 Health & Wellness Award—a remarkable achievement in an industry notorious for its crunch culture.
One of the most fulfilling experiences during my time at EA was overseeing the development of Battlefield Mobile from the ground up. I had the privilege of overlooking various aspects of the game, including weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, destruction, and even its audio. Collaborating with esteemed industry veterans on such a project was a dream come true, and I am immensely proud of the accomplishments we achieved together.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Creating the unknown in video games is an exhilarating journey. With the constant evolution of hardware, emergence of new genres, and ever-changing trends every few years, the gaming industry offers endless opportunities for innovation. This dynamic landscape is what fuels my passion, and I aspire to maximize these opportunities with a dedicated team of my own, pushing boundaries and crafting unforgettable gaming experiences that captivate players in ways they’ve never imagined.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the sheer joy I derive from seeing people experience the video games I create. There’s an indescribable sense of fulfillment when players immerse themselves in a world I’ve crafted, navigate through the stories I’ve woven, and interact with the characters and challenges I’ve designed. Witnessing their emotions, excitement, and immersion in the virtual worlds I’ve brought to life is not only deeply gratifying but also a constant source of inspiration, reminding me why I’m passionate about pursuing a career in the creative realm.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joshdelson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshdelson/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshdelson/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshdelson
Image Credits
Personal Photo by Jaclyn Moy