Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
#blender3d #gamedev #gamesindustry
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the top of the gaming industry? In this episode, I sit down with Oliver Dowling, a Lead Game Designer with many years of experience at some of the world’s biggest studios, including Minecraft, King (Candy Crush), and Supercell (Squad Busters).
Oliver shares his journey from a student right through to leading teams on global hits. We talk aboutthe reality of game design, the importance of "soft skills" like communication, and why your personality might be more important than your technical portfolio.
In this video, we cover:
The Game Design Career Path: How Oliver started as a level builder on Minecraft and moved to studios like King and Supercell.
The Role of a Lead Designer: What does a lead designer actually do day-to-day?
Breaking Into the Industry: Oliver’s top advice for aspiring designers and the common mistakes to avoid.
Communication & Collaboration: Why the quote "Seek first to understand, then to be understood" is a game-changer for your career.
Portfolios & CVs: What studios are actually looking for in your application.
Mentorship: Why finding a mentor is the best way to grow, regardless of your discipline.
OLIVERS LINKS
The Game Industry Guide Book - amzn.to/3P19Aox
TIKTOK tiktok.com/@gameindustryguide
INSTAGRAM instagram.com/gameindustryguide
YOUTBE youtube.com/@GameIndustryGuide
MY COURSES
My Complete Blender Creator single course
gamedev.tv/courses/complete-blender-creator?ref=ywqzmjc
My Mega Pathway Course - build your own asset packs gamedev.tv/bundles/blender-pathway?ref=ywqzmjc
SOCIALS:
Substack for Articles & Written Tutorials: grantabbitt.substack.com
Gumroad For Free Beginners Booklet: grantabbitt.gumroad.com
My Website: gabbitt.co.uk
Discord: discord.gg/uwF2fcm
Buy Me a Coffee: ko-fi.com/M4M21GGIWE
OTHER USEFUL YOUTUBE TUTORIALS:
Learn the basics of Blender 5: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn3ukorJv4vv9_e-htADGsPX9TMaQpHV8
Get good at Blender series: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn3ukorJv4vvv3ZpWJYvV5Tmvo7ISO-NN
Learn Sculpting playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn3ukorJv4vvJM7tvjet4PP-LVjJx13oB
#blender3d #gamedev #gamesindustry
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the top of the gaming industry? In this episode, I sit down with Oliver Dowling, a Lead Game Designer with many years of experience at some of the world’s biggest studios, including Minecraft, King (Candy Crush), and Supercell (Squad Busters).
Oliver shares his journey from a student right through to leading teams on global hits. We talk aboutthe reality of game design, the importance of "soft skills" like communication, and why your personality might be more important than your technical portfolio.
In this video, we cover:
The Game Design Career Path: How Oliver started as a level builder on Minecraft and moved to studios like King and Supercell.
The Role of a Lead Designer: What does a lead designer actually do day-to-day?
Breaking Into the Industry: Oliver’s top advice for aspiring designers and the common mistakes to avoid.
Communication & Collaboration: Why the quote "Seek first to understand, then to be understood" is a game-changer for your career.
Portfolios & CVs: What studios are actually looking for in your application.
Mentorship: Why finding a mentor is the best way to grow, regardless of your discipline.
OLIVERS LINKS
The Game Industry Guide Book - amzn.to/3P19Aox
TIKTOK tiktok.com/@gameindustryguide
INSTAGRAM instagram.com/gameindustryguide
YOUTBE youtube.com/@GameIndustryGuide
MY COURSES
My Complete Blender Creator single course
gamedev.tv/courses/complete-blender-creator?ref=ywqzmjc
My Mega Pathway Course - build your own asset packs gamedev.tv/bundles/blender-pathway?ref=ywqzmjc
SOCIALS:
Substack for Articles & Written Tutorials: grantabbitt.substack.com
Gumroad For Free Beginners Booklet: grantabbitt.gumroad.com
My Website: gabbitt.co.uk
Discord: discord.gg/uwF2fcm
Buy Me a Coffee: ko-fi.com/M4M21GGIWE
OTHER USEFUL YOUTUBE TUTORIALS:
Learn the basics of Blender 5: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn3ukorJv4vv9_e-htADGsPX9TMaQpHV8
Get good at Blender series: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn3ukorJv4vvv3ZpWJYvV5Tmvo7ISO-NN
Learn Sculpting playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn3ukorJv4vvJM7tvjet4PP-LVjJx13oB
