Simone Odoardi, the founder and CEO of Bumblebee Studios, a game development company, has consistently navigated a life that involves harmonizing his wide-ranging passions with his family responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q1. Please provide us with a brief bio of yourself and your background.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I’m Simone Odoardi, originally from Rome, Italy, but I’ve been living in Stockholm, Sweden, since 2008. I’m a father of two, and my life has always been about balancing my diverse interests with my family commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My academic journey led me to attaining my Master’s degree in Political Science, but after completing my studies, I discovered a strong inclination towards programming. This shift in career took me into the world of IT consultancy, where I spent several years honing my skills and gaining valuable experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, my creative side was always calling. So, I eventually made the move into the gaming industry, combining my technical expertise with my passion for storytelling and design. Here, I’ve found a fulfilling way to express my creativity as a game designer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond my professional life, I’m deeply passionate about music and writing. I also coach a junior football (soccer) team, which is a great way to stay connected to the sport I love. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, board games, and immersing myself in movies and books. These hobbies not only entertain me but also inspire my work in game design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q2. What led you to become a Game Developer \/ Marketer?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The answer is deeply rooted in my lifelong passion for game mechanics and the gaming world, a journey that began in the early 90s with my first Commodore 64. It ignited a spark that would grow into a blazing fire over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a child, exploring the myriad worlds contained within those pixels and codes, I was captivated by the endless possibilities of storytelling and interactive play. This early experience laid the foundation for my deep appreciation for games, both as a form of entertainment and as an art form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My journey to becoming a game developer was a convergence of my early fascination with video games, my varied creative interests, and my technical background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q3. What is your role in the company, and wha traits should a game developer\/marketing professional possess to be successful in their role<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n In my company, my role has changed a bit over the years. Initially, as a solo developer, I wore many hats \u2013 from design to programming, marketing to social media management, and from graphics to writing. Now, as the CEO of our small but growing studio, my responsibilities have shifted. Although I still take on a significant portion of the workload, I’m fortunate to have a partner and a little team to support our projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regarding the traits needed for success in game development and marketing, I’m still on a learning curve myself. However, I firmly believe that passion is paramount. In this industry, doing what you love is crucial because the journey is demanding and challenging. If you’re not deeply invested in what you’re doing, it becomes increasingly difficult to weather the ups and downs and to stay creative and innovative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q4. Tell us about more your studio\/company.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bumblebee Studios has a story marked by persistence, evolution, and ultimately, success. Our journey began back in 2013 when a friend and I ventured into the world of casual mobile games. In those early days, we focused on creating games that were critically well-received, yet we faced challenges in translating that acclaim into sales. After about four years of navigating these challenges, we decided to put the venture on hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the dream of Bumblebee Studios never truly faded away. In 2021, fueled by the lessons learned and a renewed vision, I decided to reboot the company. The following year, we launched ‘Abeyance’, a title that showcased our growth. But it was with ‘Vaudeville’, released this year, that we achieved our breakthrough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2023 also saw an exciting development for us \u2013 the joining of Lautaro Ari\u00f1o as a partner in Bumblebee Studios. Lautaro brings a wealth of experience, having worked on notable titles like ‘Hero’s Hour’ and ‘Obsidian Prince’. His expertise and insight have been invaluable as we continue to grow and develop new projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q5.<\/strong> What is your own definition of a great game?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n I find myself drawn to two very distinct types of games that exist on opposite ends of a spectrum. On one hand, I have a deep appreciation for games with very clear and strict rules. These games provide a structured framework within which players can strategize, make decisions, and experience the consequences of their actions. This clarity of rules creates a foundation for meaningful gameplay and strategic depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, I am equally captivated by games that completely break the rules. These are the games that defy conventional expectations, experimenting with form, narrative, and mechanics in novel ways. ‘Vaudeville’ is probably a good example of this. It steps away from traditional game design paradigms to offer something unique and engaging, challenging players in unexpected ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a fan of roguelikes and roguelites, I value games where every decision counts, where strategy and adaptability are key, and where the element of risk and unpredictability keeps the gameplay exciting. The appeal lies in the challenge they present and the sense of accomplishment derived from navigating their often unforgiving environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simultaneously, I’m drawn to heavily narrative-based and unconventional games. These games prioritize storytelling and often experiment with how narratives are integrated into gameplay. They offer immersive experiences where the story and characters can have as much impact as the gameplay mechanics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaudeville is an experimental whodunit game based on the latest AI technologies. As the famed private investigator, Detective Martini, use your wit and \u2026
(Read more at NYX Game Awards<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n