So You Want to Start a Game Studio? | Zsombor Pirok Hughes | NZGDC 2025

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This talk is a straight-up reflection on what I’ve learned from starting a game studio — especially the things I’d do differently if I had to do it all over again. I’ll be digging into the missteps, the false assumptions, and the unexpected challenges that come with building a studio from scratch.

From hiring and finances to culture, clients, and IP development, I’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons that came the hard way.

It’s aimed at people thinking about starting their own studio or already running one and wanting to avoid the same traps. The goal is to give people the kind of advice I wish I’d had at the start.




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