For the latest instalment of our TIGA Awards 2022 winners interview series, we spoke to Dovetail Games CEO Jon Rissik (pictured, right) about what it meant to pick up the Outstanding Individual Award 2022 award, the need to recognise excellence across the games industry, inspiring peers, advice for grads seeking a career in games and what we’ll all be talking about in 2026…
What did it mean to you/your company to win a TIGA Award?
Creating high-quality digital entertainment in a highly competitive space is a challenge, so winning a TIGA award is a validation that the company is doing great work. It gives our teams a boost and although in this case we won an individual award, its never about one person but the collective, so we celebrate every success as a group.
Why is it important that excellence in game development, services and education is recognised via awards like this?
I have nothing but respect for the great people in this industry, so peer recognition is always welcomed. It also helps with recruitment and retention, which seem to be an industry-wide concern, particularly in the post-COVID working landscape.
Who are the people and companies in games and beyond who inspire you?
I am fascinated by innovation, but more so by longevity. I’ve been in the business for a while now, so I will always admire franchises that have managed to maintain their high quality bar and stay relevant.
What piece of advice would you give to graduates and under-graduates seeking a career in games?
Technical knowledge is vital as it will get you in the door, but it’s your attitude that will keep you there. Be hungry. Be curious. Be ambitious. Think about what you can do for your company rather than solely about what your company can do for you. If you achieve the former, you will realise the latter. Finally I would say to female graduates that this industry really needs you, so please persevere and help build a new, more diverse generation of talent.
Outside of winning a TIGA Award, what have been your greatest career achievements to date?
Building Dovetail Games over the past 11 years and successfully moving onto our next stage of growth with our new partners at Focus Entertainment.
What do you value most about the work of industry associations like TIGA?
Knowing that we have support in critical areas like education, regulation and lobbying, leaving us to get on and run our businesses.
In 2026 we’ll all be talking about…?
The continuing rapid evolution of AI.
Dovetail Games is an award-winning developer and publisher of market leading simulation entertainment software.
Don’t forget that nominations are now open for the TIGA Awards 2023 – Click here to enter! (Deadline July 31st).
In addition, tickets and tables are now on sale for the Awards. Click here to book yours now as they are limited!