How does a life-altering sports injury lead to a 10-year career in game development? In this episode, I talk with senior game developer Justin Scott (Justinbieshaar) about his incredible journey from a hospital bed to working on titles like Monopoly for console.

We dive deep into the mindset and philosophy needed to build a lasting career in tech:

• The "Private Server" Start: How modding RuneScape with Notepad sparked everything.

• Fundamentals Over Flash: Why Justin argues learning C++ and "reinventing the wheel" is better than relying solely on Unity/Unreal as a beginner.

• The Athlete's Mindset: How embracing failure in gymnastics prepared him for debugging and system design.

• Escaping Tutorial Hell: Practical advice for turning any tutorial into a personal project.

• AI, Specialization & Ethics: Navigating the industry's big debates as a new developer.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

_________________ Find The Guest on These Links ______________________

https://www.instagram.com/justinbieshaar/

https://tiktok.com/@justinbieshaar

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbieshaar/

https://www.youtube.com/@justinbieshaar

________________ Don’t just watch be part of the show ______________________

- Join the inner circle on Discord to ask your questions to upcoming guests before we hit record. This is where you vote on topics and influence the future of the podcast: https://discord.gg/jC7YEsvwWp

- Daily updates & BTS (Behind The Scenes): https://www.instagram.com/jackthegeneralist/

______________________ Timestamps ______________________

______________________ Tags ______________________

#gamedev #programming #indiedev

Harry shares his unique journey from self-taught 3D modeling and programming to mastering shader coding (HLSL) and creating stunning visual effects.

Learn practical advice on overcoming shader intimidation, boosting your coding skills, and the mindset needed to thrive in the technical art field.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Key Resources Mentioned:

- The Book of Shaders (shader fundamentals & interactive tutorials): https://thebookofshaders.com

- Ray Tracing in One Weekend (ray tracing basics in C++): https://raytracing.github.io

- Harry’s Blog (technical art tutorials & insights): https://halisavakis.com

- HAZE Volumetric Fog Asset for Unity URP: https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/vfx/shaders/fullscreen-camera-effects/haze-volumetric-fog-lighting-for-urp-336656

- Sebastian Lague’s YouTube Channel (game dev & technical art tutorials): https://www.youtube.com/@SebastianLague

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Harry

00:01:55 - Harry’s art journey

00:06:00 - Learning shaders

00:12:00 - To be a Technical Artist

00:18:00 - Communication

00:22:00 - Intimidation with shader programming

00:27:00 - Advice for self-learners

00:31:00 - Understanding vector math

00:38:00 - Managing freelancing work

00:44:00 - Artistic vision Vs Technical skills

00:50:00 - Render pipeline insights

00:56:00 - The evolution of shader tools

01:03:30 - Recommended resources

01:23:30 - Avoid shortcuts, embrace learning

01:25:00 - Outro

Struggling with scope creep, unclear feedback, or workload management? Learn how to collaborate effectively with a game producer. Veteran freelance lead producer Eline Muijres breaks down the producer’s true role; as a blocker-remover and advocate for your team. We cover practical strategies for artists and developers to build a smoother, more productive partnership with production.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Guest Info:

• Learn More About Eline's Services: https://cohop.games/

• Connect with Eline on LinkedIn: / elinemuijres

• Connect with Eline on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/elinemuijres...

In this episode, we discuss:

🔹 The #1 misconception artists have about producers (and how it hurts the project).

🔹 How to communicate blockers and workload issues before they become crises.

🔹 Giving & receiving constructive art feedback without friction.

🔹 Eline’s production philosophy: Clarity, Compassion, Momentum.

🔹 Real-world crisis management in games: from memory leaks to team emergencies.

🔹 The realities of freelancing in game production: contracts, clients, and getting paid.

🔹 Creating inclusive teams and accommodating neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism) in the workplace.

🔹 Advice for juniors breaking into the industry and navigating "delusional crunch."

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:39 - Misconception of Producers

05:25 - Artists vs Producers

10:55 - Feedback vs Production

16:19 - The "Clarity, Compassion, Momentum" philosophy

27:15 - Gaps for Juniors

32:32 - "Delusional Crunch"

35:55 - Going Freelance

41:23 - Crisis Management

52:54 - Neurodiversity vs Production

59:19 - Final Advice

Follow Me / Jack the Generalist: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist