About

Welcome to Make It Big In Games, your premier destination for immersing yourself in the realms of game development, design, marketing, and beyond. Inspired by the rich heritage of Jeff Tunnell's original site of the same name, we aim to serve as a guiding light for both budding creators and seasoned industry veterans. Navigating the game industry's landscape is known for its hurdles, and while the path to success is never a given, our choice of name celebrates the dreams driving our passion for gaming.

At our core, we provide an extensive array of resources, insights, and advice to support you at each stage of your game development journey. From initial concept to the launch of your next big title, Make It Big In Games is committed to equipping you with the essential knowledge and tools required to thrive in the complex gaming industry.

Become part of our community of dreamers, creators, and innovators. Let's venture into this journey together, transforming every setback into a learning opportunity and each achievement into a source of inspiration. We champion the belief that the real triumph lies in the process, the education, and the happiness derived from creating something close to our hearts. Whether your goal is to achieve widespread success or create something uniquely meaningful, you're in the perfect place to begin.

Who is Jeff Tunnell?

In the ever-evolving game development landscape, few have made as indelible a mark as Jeff Tunnell. His journey from an early enthusiast to a beacon for aspiring developers is a tale of passion, perseverance, and ingenuity. In the early 80s, Jeff's fascination with computers and games led him to open Computertutor, a software store that quickly became a springboard into game development. Recognizing the limitations of retail, Jeff and Damon Slye ventured into creating their own games, thus laying the groundwork for a career that would span decades and transform the industry.

Jeff's entrepreneurial spirit was evident from the onset. The duo's initial foray into game development under the Software Entertainment Company banner was a testament to their willingness to pivot and adapt, traits that would define Jeff's career. However, the founding of Dynamix marked the beginning of Jeff's significant impact on game development. Despite financial constraints and the daunting task of breaking into a competitive industry, Jeff and Damon's collaboration with Electronic Arts, albeit in less-than-ideal terms, was a crucial learning experience. It underscored the importance of industry knowledge, legal guidance, and lessons Jeff would carry forward in his career.

The acquisition of Dynamix by Sierra was a pivotal moment, not just for Jeff but for the industry as a whole. It validated the team's hard work and the innovative games they had created, like The Incredible Machine and Starsiege: Tribes. These titles were not just games but gateways to new gaming experiences and communities. Jeff's journey continued with Dynamix. His relentless pursuit of innovation led him to co-found GarageGames and PushButton Labs. GarageGames was mainly instrumental in democratizing game development, making it accessible to a broader audience through the Torque Game Engine.

PushButton Labs' creation of the PushButton Engine and the success of games like Social City for Facebook marked Jeff's foray into the burgeoning social gaming space. The successful exit of PushButton Labs was another highlight in Jeff's career, showcasing his ability to navigate the rapidly changing gaming landscape.

Beyond his ventures and achievements, Jeff's commitment to mentoring the next generation of game developers is one of his most enduring legacies. Through the original Make It Big In Games site, Jeff had shared invaluable insights into game design, business strategy, and marketing. His journey from a software store owner to a revered figure in game development is a source of inspiration. It highlights the importance of passion, adaptability, and the willingness to learn and share knowledge to improve games.

Jeff Tunnell's career is a roadmap for aspiring game developers. It shows that while the path to success in the gaming industry is fraught with challenges, it is also filled with opportunities for those willing to pursue their passion relentlessly. Jeff's story is a reminder that in the world of game development, creativity and innovation, coupled with a keen understanding of the business, can lead to remarkable achievements.