Jay Vickers: Exceptionally Analytical & Intellectually Gifted Lead Dev at Our Studio
What inspired your career?
Well, after several big life changes, I wanted to retrain in something I liked, so I spoke to a guy named Shaun about doing some evening classes in animation. He recognized my potential and guided me towards a computer science degree. When I graduated, he then asked if I fancied doing some part-time teaching at university in games programming, and that was my starting point. I’ve got a lot to thank Shaun for.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on besides Instinction?
Some may question the “interesting” aspect but my studies in quantum computing are something I’m very proud of and has helped me throughout my career in gaming.
What’s your passion outside of work?
I’m a keen traveller, my wife and I connected on our love to see the world. I’m a keen gamer, both computer and board games. We have a family board game night every other week with my son.
What’s your favorite music genre?
Not sure I have a favourite. I’ll listen to a wide range of genres, like classical and film soundtracks, when working, but Indie, rock, and punk are my go-toos, I guess. Maybe some Phil Collins if feeling cheesy.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, personally or professionally?
Personally, it’s my son Dawson. Professionally, it’s Instinction. I can’t express how much I love this project.
What’s something you hope to achieve in the future?
Completing my PhD is on my list for sure, but at the moment, I’m not sure. I’m excited to see where things go with Hashbane, and that’s my main focus right now.
What’s something surprising people may not know about you?
There’s a fair bit that tends to surprise people, to be honest. I’ve been called adorable by Princess Diana ( I was lucky enough to meet her. She was visiting the RAF base and came by our school in Wittering), I’ve been run over 6 times, I have Autism; oh, and I have a pet ID chip in my leg from when I worked at a veterinary hospital! I’m registered as a 3 legged skunk called Asbo…
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Jade (Creative Director) is always giving great words of wisdom that have made a difference to me in the last year. My dad has also heavily influenced who I am today with general advice.
What’s something you wish you had more time for?
This game! There never seem to be enough hours in the day. But more time to travel would be nice.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
I don’t think there’s any one thing. I’ve learnt more over the last year at Hashbane than I have in the last 5 years, it feels, and that comes down to the direction from Jade (Creative Director).
Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
Grew up in Newquay, Cornwall and moved between RAF (Royal Air Force) bases down there and across the country. I’m currently settled in Stoke.
What’s your favorite travel destination and why?
Switzerland! I’ve seen the majority of Europe, parts of America, the Maldives and such, but nowhere has compared to Switzerland, in my opinion.
Do you have any pets, and can you tell us about them?
I have two dogs, a Dalmatian called Disney and German-Spitz called Pixar (their names probably say more about me than they should). I did have a cat, Armani, who was my absolute world! She passed away last year at the grand old age of 19.
What’s an interesting fact or hobby about you?
I collect game consoles! I have nearly every generation of console, I’m just missing some of the very first Sega’s that were released in Japan, such as the SG-1000.
What’s your favorite film or TV show, and why?
Film is between A Beautiful Mind, which I connect with on a personal level. And The Dark Knight, Heath Ledger was just perfect in it.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Batman! But I still had my parents and wasn’t anywhere near rich enough.
What’s a career highlight of yours?
Completing my master’s degree in Quantum Computing and Game Development in 2021. The program was advanced computing and application in the gaming industry. I had the opportunity to teach game development at the University of Staffordshire, sharing my knowledge, passion and helping them nurture their skills. Another fulfilling experience was working with students in Vietnam, introducing them to game development. I’m also a Women in Games Ambassador! As I continue to progress in the game industry, I look forward to more exciting milestones with Hashbane and Instinction.
What was a big hurdle you had to overcome in your career?
My biggest hurdle is my disability, it’s something I have to fight on a daily basis and it’s one thing I love about this studio is the support and understanding I get from Courtney and Jade.
What are your favorite video games?
So many to name, Days Gone, God of War, the Horizon games, the Arkham series, and the Killzone franchise have a special place with me. Then there are some classics like The Getaway on PS2 and Jurassic Park on SNES.
If you could be any dinosaur, which would you be and why?
My favourite dinosaur has always been the Pachycephalosaurus, I don’t know why. But if I had to choose one to be, then I’d have to say Amargasaurus because they’re kinda odd.
What is it like working for Hashbane?
Hashbane has been an eye opener for what it’s like to work for a caring company. Courtney and Jade (Directors) have nothing but amazing to me. The team just instantly clicked and had that family feel to it. It’s been hectic at times but that’s game dev; we hold ourselves to a high standard and with this being a passion project for so many of us we’re our own biggest critics. My experience here so far has literally been life changing, and you can’t ask for than that…maybe a million dollar I guess ;).
