Dev Space: Fatih Özbayram
Dev Space: Fatih Özbayram

Dev Space: Fatih Özbayram

New year, new games, new people to meet! In December we decided to open our hearts and Dev Space to our awesome VR devs. You already met Darío Sancho, The Climb's Lead Programmer, and today we bring you Fatih Özbayram, Producer for Robinson: The Journey and The Climb!

Name and position

Fatih Özbayram, Producer (on Robinson and The Climb)

Why did you want to work in the games industry and how did you get started?

Since playing International Superstar Deluxe on Super Nintendo I wanted to know what it takes to produce video games. Luckily enough, Crytek hired me as a UX Intern in 2009, right after I finished my studies in Business Administration and Management Science. Since then, I've been able to experience the games development process and what it takes to produce and ship a video game in the forefront myself.

What are you working on at the moment? What's first on your to-do list?

I am currently working as a Producer on The Climb and Robinson: The Journey, Crytek’s all-new IPs built in CRYENGINE but from the ground up for VR. Prior to this, I worked as a Publishing Producer on The Collectables, Crytek’s first Free-to-Play mobile title and as a User Experience Designer on GFACE.

One of my top priorities as a Producer is to liaise between the management group and the development team.

There are two sides to this:

1.  Making sure milestones and their content are delivered in time, budget and quality

2.  Making sure scope and content is feasible in relation to production time and quality

Another top priority for me is to create and maintain a good team dynamic and culture! This begins with giving directions and advice clearly to ensure the team members understand their tasks, the overall roadmap and feel comfortable throughout the development cycle. Last but not least, to communicate decisions as transparently as possible; to address concerns and find solutions together with the team truly helps to build trust and motivation.

What music do you listen to at work?

Since it is part of my job to be always in dialogue with others there is little time for music at work. But I like to listen to all kinds of music, especially rock and hip hop. My favorite songs of all time are Redemption Song by Bob Marley, Imagine by John Lennon, Nuthin’ But A G Thang by Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg, Maria Maria by Carlos Santana and Beat It by Michael Jackson.

What tools are you using at the moment?

I know this must sound super boring, but I am using the common office and project management tools at the moment. However, I prefer to have a brief talk in person with someone about something over writing an email!

What types of games do you like, and what is your favorite game of all time?

I love video games such as Heavy Rain, Beyond 2 Souls, and Metal Gear Solid because they feel like “interactive movies” which let me progress the story arc. On the other hand, I like to play FIFA when I met with my friends! And of course, I play a lot of mobile games as it takes me around 20 minutes to get from home to the office and vice versa :)

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I try to have a very balanced life: 8 hours business life, 8 to 10 hours private time and at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep :)

I love going to the cinema and watching DVDs. Even though I've gotten a bit lazy lately, I like going to the gym or at least to a thermal bath once a month. On Saturdays, I love spending some time on the couch together with my dad and watching soccer. And of course, I try to have family activities as much as possible since I am a family man :)

Where are you going on your next vacation?

Nothing concrete planned yet, but I would like to travel to Cuba sometime soon.

Do you have any tips for people wanting to get started in the industry?
“Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.” – Steve Jobs.