I've been doing games for the last 15 years and this month 11 of those are with my company KeokeN Interactive as the CEO and Game Director.
The start of 2024 until now has been one of the toughest times I've gone through, even being through hard times already. As a CEO saying goodbye to the best people you've got to know, as a husband and dad realizing the strength of my wife and kids, but most importantly as a human being, as this stuff really hurts, and that is ok.
Games are hard to predict. Hell they are like life itself. There are so many factors that could make or break your game and it's therefore extremely inspiring to see so many people try and do the best they possibly can, delivering works of art, engaging stories, and competitive experiences that we'll keep playing for decades and maybe in a while for ages.
An unimaginable huge thank you to my wife Marishka and my kids for dealing with my worst version and to keep me standing. My brother and partner Paul Deetman who took a lot of effort and dealt with a large amount of repercussions, because doing this shit doesn't come easy, and for some reason I keep loving this industry.
A big thanks to you too, my industry, you've been there too, helped, managed, supported, pledged, posted, commented, let each other know you are here to help, that's a rarity for many industries. Have you ever realized how many times we come together and share as an industry? That's awesome and truly something we should cherish.
Gamescom was good, but the storm is not over yet, but if you really love this industry, I am sure I'll see you on the other side.
Keep making games, keep publishing games, keep investing in games, have faith, be honest and trust, we're all here to make something awesome.