In this episode of Dev to Dev, host Alex Sulman sits down with Matt Brunhofer, a game developer whose unconventional path ran through theater, film, and even EMT work before finding its home in video games. Matt’s journey is about persistence, creativity, and the joy of helping others succeed behind the scenes.

Discovering the Art of Collaboration

Growing up in Virginia, Matt’s love of storytelling began with filmmaking and theater. He chased the thrill of live performance—running lights, cables, and stage changes—and found his passion in the teamwork and energy of production rather than the spotlight. That drive to create experiences that move people would later define his life in games.

An Unexpected Breakthrough

After studying creative writing at Full Sail University, Matt moved to Los Angeles to pursue screenwriting. A chance look at a job posting at Square Enix led to an unexpected new chapter. Hired as a QA tester on Dissidia Final Fantasy NT, he discovered a workplace full of passionate, creative people who truly loved what they did. “I realized,” he recalls, “this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

Building Worlds at ZOS

That spark carried him to ZeniMax Online Studios, where he worked on The Elder Scrolls Online and an unannounced MMO. Fascinated by how tools and systems support creativity, Matt transitioned into technical production, helping bridge the gap between developers and the technical teams building the foundation of their games. “Helping others do what they love—that’s what drives me,” he says.

Finding Purpose Behind the Curtain

Matt’s story is one of rediscovering purpose. Whether balancing lights in a theater or balancing boss fights in ESO, his passion for storytelling and teamwork shines through. His journey reminds us that creative fulfillment often comes not from the spotlight, but from empowering others to create—and that the path to game development can be as unique as the games themselves.

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