Steven Flenory
WB Games
Troy, NY USA
"Show yourself a little grace and don't forget to pat yourself on the back for all the other accomplishments and life lessons that you've learned on your journey that have brought you to where you are today."
Career Roadmap
Steven's work combines: Technology, Design, and Working with Others
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap QuizSkills & Education
Advice for getting started
I had built a career in a stable industry over eight years and then decided to take a leap and pivot into the video game industry. It was something I had had a passion for since childhood. However, I was leaving a stable career that I would've been comfortable in. What helped was knowing I had the skillset, experience, and support network to give myself a good start in a new industry.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Computer Programming, General
American InterContinental University
Certification
Executive Development Program
Wharton Executive Education
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, I faced numerous health challenges that kept me from sports. But my parents' investment in a computer and piano sparked my love for technology and creativity.
2.
At 11 years old, my dad bought me "The Game Programming Starter Kit," and I began teaching myself how to make games, igniting a lifelong passion.
3.
Working as a package loader at UPS during high school taught me the value of hard work and opened up leadership opportunities,ultimately propelling me into management.
4.
Using UPS's educational benefits, I pursued a degree in computer programming while advancing to operations management, gaining invaluable leadership experience.
5.
A risky move to upstate New York to join a small game development company marked the beginning of my professional game industry career.
6.
Despite initial fears and challenges, I embraced a leadership role and guided the company through its growth and eventual integration into WB Games.
7.
Today, as vice president of platform technology at WB Games, I leverage my leadership and technical skills to support our studios in creating world-class gaming experiences.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
What if this doesn't work out? Maybe I shouldn't take this leap.
How I responded:
I had built a career in a stable industry over eight years and then decided to take a leap and pivot into the video game industry. It was something I had had a passion for since childhood. However, I was leaving a stable career that I would've been comfortable in. What helped was knowing I had the skillset, experience, and support network to give myself a good start in a new industry.