Today we’d like to introduce you to Subramanian (Vishal) Venkatachalam.
Hi Subramanian (Vishal), thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Imagine this: Once again, I’m a kid sitting on the floor, cross-legged, controlling Mario on dangerous adventures with an old-fashioned Nintendo controller in my hand. Oh, and let’s not even talk about that ridiculously addictive bounce ball game on Motorola phones! That’s how my passion for video games started.
Fast forward to 2017, and I found myself diving headfirst into the gaming world as a junior designer working on ‘Captain Kosmo,’ an adventure-packed mobile game by Sun Technologies in India. It was like stepping into a whole new universe filled with pixels, creativity, and endless possibilities.
But wait, there’s more! In 2019, I set sail to assist in the production and design on ‘Jolly Roger’s Pirate Rumble.’ Yep, I was officially part of a pirate crew (minus the eye patches and parrots). These experiences opened my eyes to the magic of game development—a mix of technology, creativity, and teamwork that’s just as epic as a boss battle.
Then, in the fall of 2022, I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) armed with a Master’s in Interactive Media and Game Development. That place was a gold mine of game knowledge, let me tell you. We recently finished working on our own masterpiece, titled “Shattered Legacy.” It’s so awesome that we even showcased our game at GDC 2023 and SIGGRAPH 2023 and released it on Steam. You can check it out right here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2409790/Shattered_Legacy/. Trust me, it’s worth every click!
So, there you have it—my journey from a kid with a controller to a game developer with a mission. And I promise the adventure is just getting started
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A smooth road would be boring! Life’s more like a rollercoaster, right? There are ups, downs, and loop-de-loops that keep things interesting. Instead of struggles, I prefer to think of it as challenges or ‘adventures in adaptability.’
Imagine me, an international student, rushing headfirst into a new country, attempting to decipher cultural idiosyncrasies and find my way through the wonderful world of diversity. Then, as I was getting into my groove, in walked COVID-19. It was challenging at times, enjoyable at others, and full of unforgettable memories, like trying to play a game with a surprise twist at every level.
Now, let’s talk studies. Game development? It’s like a universe with a gazillion stars. I had to learn the ropes of various crafts under that massive umbrella. But you know what? Adapting to all those situations and challenges was like leveling up in a game. It led me straight to my true passion: the art of level design and game production.
So, was it smooth? Nah. Was it worth it? Absolutely! Life’s all about embracing the twists and turns. And hey, it makes for a darn good story.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My journey has primarily revolved around game production and level design. These two facets of game development are my true passions, though I must admit level design has stolen a little more of my heart over the years.
Game production is similar to a symphony. It entails coordinating all aspects of game development, from concept to completion. ‘Shattered Legacy,’ a project in which I proudly participated as a co-producer and level designer, was one memorable endeavor in which I flexed my producing muscles but also contributed to the gameplay experience. This expertise enabled me to ensure that our creative vision was smoothly delivered to players.
In contrast, level design is a fine art. It is the process of creating the immersive worlds, challenges, and experiences encountered by players. Consider it similar to crafting the terrain of a player’s adventure. Iconic gaming examples, such as the intricate mazes of ‘Minecraft’ or the iconic levels of ‘Super Mario,’ demonstrate the magic of level design.
Beyond game development, I have a strong interest in games/interactive media studies. I’ve had the privilege of working with students at Savannah College of Art and Design, where I’ve been involved in mentoring, portfolio development, and sharing my knowledge of the game development industry in order to acquire valuable experience in this field.
I thrive in both the production and level design arenas, but what truly fuels my passion is creating an environment where not only the game thrives but also the team involved. For me, it’s not just about crafting gameplay experiences; it’s about being a team player, always ready to tackle challenges head-on. I take immense pride in fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared vision among the talented individuals I collaborate with.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
If you ask me what matters most in life, I’d have to say the unbeatable combination of family, passion, and an occasional dash of humor.
First, friends and family – they’re the real-life superheroes, right? Always by my side, offering unwavering support and keeping life grounded. It’s like having a cheat code for the game of life.
It’s important to me to feel like my efforts are making a difference, whether I’m working on a video game or assisting students in academics. To me, it’s like trying to solve a difficult problem without all the pieces if you can’t find joy in what you’re doing. I’m all about infusing that passion into every pixel and lesson.
But it’s the idea of contributing to something bigger, something more than the code and the classrooms, that genuinely makes my heart sing. It’s about the general health of the club in question, the players, and the industry. It’s like I’m a bard in a fantasy tale, contributing my poetry to the big saga of developing games.
To conclude, I value family, passion, and the feeling of contributing to the larger good. Life’s too short not to grin, so add some comedy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vishalvenkat.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishalvenkat92/
