This episode of Dev to Dev - the podcast about everyday Videogame Developers and why they do what they do every day - offers a thoughtful look at what it really means to build a long, sustainable career in game development.
Chris Linn’s perspective provides fascinating insight into how curiosity, adaptability, and empathy can shape not just the work, but the way teams function together. The conversation centres on mindset and how approaching development with openness and respect creates stronger outcomes over time.
A key theme that emerges is the value of understanding the full development pipeline. Chris’ background highlights how experience across disciplines builds better judgement, clearer communication, and stronger leadership. For those navigating their own careers, the episode reinforces an idea that growth can come from breadth of knowledge as much as does depth. It’s a reminder that learning how teams operate can be just as important as mastering tools or systems.
The discussion also provides valuable perspective on working within complex, live environments. Chris’ experiences offer insight into how adaptability, iteration, and collaboration became essential skills when navigating games that continue after launch. Rather than presenting live service as a formula, the episode frames it as an ongoing conversation between developers and players—one that requires humility, responsiveness, and long-term thinking.
Throughout the episode, Chris shares a grounded view of production that focuses on people over process. He encourages us to think critically about how structure, tools, and methodologies should serve teams, not constrain them. It’s a perspective that feels especially relevant for those in leadership roles, offering reassurance that flexibility and empathy are strengths, not weaknesses, in creative development.
Highlights


Insight into what drives long-term passion for production and game development


Why broad experience can be a powerful foundation for leadership


Reflections on adaptability and learning in live service environments


A people-first approach to production and team support


Thoughtful perspectives on sustaining a career in games  



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Email: [email protected]



Find Chris At: 


Twitch: ⁠https://www.twitch.tv/linnception⁠


TikTok: @linnceptionpaints



Chapters
(00:00:00) - Dev to Dev: Chris Lin ((00:00:38) - What First Inspired You To Make Video Games?(00:03:03) - As a gamer's brother,(00:05:29) - When Were You Playing Video Games?(00:07:03) - In the Elevator With Funky People(00:08:57) - Got my degree in Game Design(00:12:53) - How to Make a 2D Movie in College(00:13:48) - How to get hired at Activision QA(00:18:57) - How I transitioned from temp to full-time(00:22:56) - Inside the Studio: Moving from Temp to Production(00:26:57) - QA on the Shift to Production(00:31:52) - An Associate Producer on Call of Duty: Online(00:34:59) - Having worked on Call of Duty Online in China(00:41:13) - PUBG Veteran on His Transition(00:46:05) - PUBG Producers on Becoming Full-Time Producers(00:50:56) - There's No 'Right Way' to Be a Producer(00:54:52) - What Does It Mean to Be a Producers?(00:58:10) - How Being a Game Developer Has Changed Your Life

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