Meet James Hicks: Game Developer & Educator

James is a game developer with hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies, including Web3 and multiplayer game design. He previously worked at a Web3 company, where he developed an open-world multiplayer experience and mini-games with play-to-earn mechanics. Today, he contributes to two game development startups, staying at the forefront of indie game innovation.

His journey into game development began at just 14 years old, when he started crafting his own games—and he hasn’t stopped since. What started as a childhood passion has evolved into a career dedicated to building engaging digital worlds.

Before diving into game development education, James spent years as a skating instructor, helping kids take their first steps on the ice. Today, he brings that same patience, support, and enthusiasm to the classroom, guiding aspiring developers through the challenges and creativity of gaming in our Game Development Bootcamp.

James’ Teaching Philosophy: Learn by Doing

James believes the best way to learn game development is by failing fast and iterating often.

"Fail often! The best way to learn is by trying and failing. Enter game jams, start small projects—even if you don’t finish them. Every attempt makes you better."

In his classes, he encourages students to problem-solve independently before stepping in to guide them through debugging and optimization. His goal isn’t just to teach code—it’s to help students think like game developers.

Staying Connected to the Industry

To keep up with trends, James stays active on Twitter and LinkedIn, engaging with the game dev community and sharing insights. He’s also transparent about the challenges of the industry, offering students real-world advice:

"The industry is tough right now, but don’t get discouraged. This is a special field—it will bounce back. Keep creating, keep learning, and you’ll break through."

Beyond Game Development: Passions and Projects

When James steps away from coding and teaching, you'll likely find him spiking balls in local volleyball leagues or immersed in the latest video game releases. True to his developer roots, he continues to fuel his creativity by building and sharing personal projects - you can explore his latest indie game experiments on his itch.io page.

Why Learn from James?

James brings a powerful combination of real-world industry experience and a natural mentoring approach to the classroom. While he's new to Circuit Stream, his infectious enthusiasm for game development and genuine care for student growth are already leaving their mark.

"The best part? Interacting with students and seeing what they create. I can't wait to see how they grow."

Start Your Game Development Journey Today

Ready to turn your game ideas into reality? Visit James' personal portfolio to see his professional work and take the first step toward your new career by joining our Game Development Bootcamp.