Dytomic is an emerging video game development company based in the vibrant city of Montreal, Quebec. With a passion for creating immersive and captivating gaming experiences, we are at the forefront of innovation in the ever-evolving world of interactive entertainment. At Dytomic, we believe that games have the power to inspire, entertain, and connect people from all walks of life. With our exceptional team of talented designers, developers, and artists, we constantly strive to push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming.
Tell us about yourself?
My journey into this line of work has been a dynamic and transformative one, shaped by a series of diverse experiences that have led me to where I am today. It all began during my early years when my fascination with gaming ignited a passion for creating virtual worlds that players could immerse themselves in. From the age of 12, I started developing private game servers, a hobby that introduced me to the intricacies of game mechanics and coding.
As I pursued my academic path, I ventured into the realm of science, obtaining a BSc in Cell and Molecular Biology with honours from Concordia University. During my studies, I had the privilege of contributing to the field of molecular oncology as a researcher at the CRHMR in Montreal, working closely with esteemed professionals such as Drs. Hugo Wurtele and Elliot Drobetsky. Our collaborative efforts led to intriguing revelations in the molecular underpinnings of cancer growth, underscoring the importance of innovation in scientific exploration.
Following my time in the laboratory, I embarked on a stint in the world of banking, a seemingly unrelated field. However, it was during this period that I honed my understanding of business operations, financial dynamics, and strategic planning. These newfound insights played a pivotal role in shaping my vision for the future, culminating in the birth of Dytomic.
The idea behind Dytomic emerged as I recognized the potential to merge my nascent interest in entrepreneurship with my enduring passion for video game development. With a clear goal in mind, I set out to establish a gaming company that would epitomize innovation, creativity, and the power of immersive experiences. Drawing upon my background in both biology and finance, I was uniquely positioned to navigate the multifaceted challenges of the industry.
As the foundation of Dytomic was laid, I seized an invaluable opportunity to refine my expertise by joining Ludia, where I assumed the role of an economy designer for the Jurassic World Alive project. This role exposed me to the inner workings of game economies, player engagement strategies, and collaborative development processes. The knowledge and skills I gained during my time at Ludia further solidified my position as a seasoned professional in the gaming landscape.
Today, I stand as a testament to the journey that has brought me full circle – from a young enthusiast developing private servers, to a molecular biologist unearthing the secrets of cancer growth, to a banker forging a path in entrepreneurship, and finally to a game industry professional leading my own venture, Dytomic. This trajectory has not only deepened my appreciation for the transformative power of games but has also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to an industry that thrives on pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
In retrospect, if afforded the opportunity to revisit the past year or two, I would counsel myself to embrace a perspective of enhanced patience and dedicate more time to immersing in literature focused on the intricacies of human philosophy and psychology.
What problem does your business solve?
In recent years, the landscape of the video game industry has been characterized by the prominent presence of expansive corporate entities that exhibit a notable inclination towards capitalizing aggressively on player engagement as a means to address their substantial financial objectives. This trajectory has consequently resulted in the emergence of gaming environments that embrace a “pay-to-win” paradigm, thereby exacerbating the overall adversarial encounter for players. Our paramount objective lies in meticulously crafting our game offerings such that they align with our targeted monetization benchmarks and thereby facilitate the progressive expansion of Dytomic. It is imperative, however, that in this pursuit, we conscientiously deviate from resorting to pay-to-win game strategies. Our commitment resides in ensuring that our games promote equitable, rewarding, and immersive experiences, in contrast to perpetuating a model that unjustly advantages those willing to make monetary transactions.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
The genesis of our business, Dytomic, is rooted in a confluence of personal passion, professional acumen, and a deep-seated desire to address a persistent issue within the contemporary video game industry. Recognizing the prevailing dominance of large corporate entities that prioritize aggressive monetization strategies, we were motivated to chart a different course—one that reimagines the gaming experience and proactively tackles the detrimental trend of “pay-to-win” dynamics.
The problem we endeavour to solve revolves around the prevailing pattern of game design and monetization, which often results in an imbalance between player enjoyment and profit motives. This imbalance primarily affects gamers who seek immersive and equitable experiences, only to find themselves navigating virtual environments where success is disproportionately determined by financial investment rather than skill or engagement.
At Dytomic, our mission is to rekindle the essence of gaming as a medium that fosters creativity, camaraderie, and skill development. We are dedicated to crafting gaming experiences that eschew the “pay-to-win” model, ensuring that every player, irrespective of their financial capacity, can engage on a level playing field. Our aim extends beyond the immediate player base as we aspire to contribute to a broader shift within the industry—nurturing a gaming ecosystem that values innovation, player-centric design, and meaningful engagement.
In essence, our inspiration emanates from the desire to offer an antidote to the negative implications of aggressive monetization, catering to discerning gamers who crave authentic and rewarding experiences. Through our endeavours, we seek to redefine the gaming landscape and establish a new standard that celebrates the essence of gaming while fostering a sense of inclusivity and empowerment for players of all backgrounds.
What is your magic sauce?
At Dytomic, our “magic sauce” is an amalgamation of strategic vision, multidisciplinary expertise, and an unwavering commitment to redefining the gaming experience. What sets us apart from the competition is a fusion of several key differentiators that collectively form the cornerstone of our approach:
- Player-Centric Design Philosophy: We place the player at the heart of our creative process. Our games are meticulously designed to prioritize player enjoyment, skill development, and meaningful engagement rather than relying on exploitative monetization practices.
- Innovation at the Core: We have a relentless pursuit of innovation ingrained in our DNA. Our team is driven to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment, introducing fresh gameplay mechanics, narrative structures, and technological advancements that captivate and surprise our audience.
- Holistic Expertise: Our diverse background spanning molecular biology, finance, and game development empowers us with a unique perspective. This multidisciplinary expertise enables us to approach challenges from various angles, fostering innovative solutions that might not be apparent to traditional gaming companies.
- Ethical Monetization: We stand committed to forging a new path when it comes to monetization. Unlike the conventional “pay-to-win” model, we employ ethical monetization strategies that are transparent, fair, and aligned with enhancing player experiences rather than exploiting them.
- Community-Centric Approach: We recognize the importance of fostering a vibrant gaming community. Through open communication, active engagement, and continuous feedback loops, we ensure that our players feel heard and valued, contributing to a sense of belonging and shared experience.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Our journey began with an entrepreneurial aspiration, and that spirit remains embedded in our culture. This entrepreneurial drive fuels our agility, adaptability, and willingness to take calculated risks, allowing us to swiftly respond to industry shifts and evolving player preferences.
- Impact-Driven Mindset: Beyond immediate financial gains, our impact-driven mindset compels us to leave a lasting positive mark on the industry. By exemplifying a different standard of game development, we aim to inspire change across the gaming landscape, promoting equitable and rewarding experiences for players worldwide.
In essence, our “magic sauce” lies in our ability to merge innovative game design with ethical monetization, underpinned by a diverse skill set and a profound commitment to player well-being. This distinctive blend enables us to stand as a beacon of change in an industry ripe for transformation, setting us apart as pioneers of immersive, equitable, and impactful gaming experiences.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
Over the next five years, our strategic trajectory at Dytomic revolves around steadfastly advancing our mission of redefining the gaming landscape while nurturing the growth and resonance of the Pirate Raids brand. Our aspirations are guided by a comprehensive vision that encompasses both immediate and long-term objectives, culminating in the realization of our multifaceted goals.
In the short term, our primary focus centers on the successful development and launch of two groundbreaking projects: Pirate Raids Online, an immersive fantasy pirate-themed MMORPG for PC, and Pirate Raids: Conquest, an engaging collectible card game (CCG) tailored for mobile platforms. These ambitious endeavours represent the vanguard of our brand expansion strategy, offering players diverse entry points into the captivating universe of Pirate Raids.
Looking ahead, our overarching aim is to establish Pirate Raids as a dynamic and multifarious gaming brand, extending beyond a singular genre or platform. The strategic cornerstone of this initiative involves crafting a coherent narrative universe that interconnects various game genres, thereby fostering a sense of continuity, engagement, and loyalty among our player community.
Our roadmap for the next five years encompasses several key milestones:
- Brand Solidification: We intend to firmly establish Pirate Raids as a recognized and trusted brand within the gaming industry, synonymous with innovation, creativity, and player-centric design.
- Cross-Platform Expansion: Building upon the initial success of Pirate Raids Online and Pirate Raids: Conquest, we aspire to diversify our portfolio with additional game releases across various platforms, encompassing console, PC, mobile, and potentially emerging technologies.
- Narrative Integration: A pivotal aspect of our strategy involves weaving a cohesive narrative thread that seamlessly connects different game genres under the Pirate Raids brand, allowing players to explore and engage with various facets of the fantasy pirate realm.
- Player Community Growth: We are committed to fostering an active and engaged player community. Through open communication, frequent updates, and collaborative initiatives, we aim to cultivate a dedicated fan base that is emotionally invested in the Pirate Raids experience.
- Industry Impact: Beyond individual game releases, our aspiration is to leave a lasting imprint on the industry by promoting ethical monetization, innovative game design, and a commitment to player welfare. We aim to inspire other developers to adopt similar player-centric practices.
- Global Reach: As we venture into different game genres and platforms, our objective is to expand our global footprint, connecting with players from diverse backgrounds and regions, thereby amplifying the impact of the Pirate Raids brand.
Ultimately, our goal is to foster a dynamic ecosystem within the Pirate Raids universe, where players can seamlessly transition between different game experiences while retaining a sense of continuity and progression. By steadfastly adhering to our ethos of ethical game design and innovation, we envision a future where the Pirate Raids brand becomes synonymous with immersive, equitable, and transformative gaming adventures.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
Coordinating the intricate interplay of our multi-disciplinary team members across various pipelines has been one of the most formidable challenges we’ve encountered at Dytomic. Assembling a team with diverse backgrounds—ranging from marketing to finance to design to art to game development and many more—has been an enriching experience that has simultaneously presented us with complex coordination hurdles, particularly within the realms of the design, art, and programming pipelines.
The orchestration of these pipelines, each with its unique workflows and requirements, demands an intricate balance of leadership finesse, open communication, and adaptability. One of the pivotal factors that has shaped our journey is the global composition of our team, spanning different time zones and geographical locations. This necessitates a proactive approach to scheduling, communication, and workflow management to ensure that all team members can collaborate seamlessly despite the temporal disparities.
Navigating the intricacies of different pipelines also underscores the significance of synchronization across disciplines. The convergence of artistic vision with technical implementation, for instance, requires meticulous planning and communication to prevent misalignment. We’ve encountered instances where a lack of synchrony could potentially impede progress, compelling us to introduce refined communication protocols and establish dedicated coordination points to facilitate seamless collaboration.
Another critical juncture that prompted us to recalibrate our approach was recognizing the pivotal role that technology plays in bridging geographical distances and time zone disparities. We’ve embraced virtual collaboration tools, project management software, and video conferencing platforms that empower our globally distributed team to maintain real-time interactions and access shared resources irrespective of their location.
Furthermore, the necessity of building a cohesive team culture amidst geographical dispersion has prompted us to foster a shared sense of purpose and belonging. Regular team meetings, cross-discipline brainstorming sessions, and an emphasis on fostering a strong team rapport have been instrumental in transcending the challenges posed by geographic diversity.
While these challenges have been significant, they have also been instrumental in shaping our operational strategies. By embracing adaptive communication methods, refining our project management approach, and leveraging technology to bridge geographical gaps, we have not only overcome these hurdles but have also established a resilient framework that supports synchronized collaboration across diverse pipelines.
In hindsight, the intricacies of managing multi-disciplinary pipelines within a globally distributed team have imparted valuable lessons in agility, cross-functional collaboration, and effective time zone management. Our ability to harness the strengths of our diverse team members while navigating these challenges stands as a testament to the ethos of innovation and adaptability that underpins Dytomic’s journey.
How can people get involved?
Getting involved with Dytomic is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic and innovative gaming ecosystem that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and the pursuit of redefining gaming experiences. We welcome individuals who share our passion for transformative game development and who are eager to contribute their unique skills to our vision.
For those interested in joining our team, exploring collaboration opportunities, or simply engaging with our projects, our website at www.dytomic.com serves as a comprehensive hub of information. Here, you’ll find insights into our ongoing projects, our team, and our mission. Whether you’re an aspiring game designer, a skilled programmer, a talented artist, or someone with a deep enthusiasm for gaming, there are various ways to connect with us:
- Join Our Team: We are constantly on the lookout for talented individuals who are aligned with our ethos and want to be part of our journey. Visit our website’s “Future Builder” and “Job Offers” sections for information on current job openings and internship opportunities, along with instructions on how to apply.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: If you’re a fellow game developer, artist, or industry professional interested in collaborating with us on projects or exploring potential partnerships, we encourage you to reach out. Our collaborative endeavours aim to enrich the gaming landscape through shared expertise and innovation.
- Engage with Us: Stay updated on our latest developments, announcements, and insights by following our social media channels linked on our website. This is an excellent way to participate in discussions, share your thoughts, and connect with like-minded individuals.
We are particularly excited to hear from individuals who are passionate about ethical game design, player-centric experiences, and innovation within the gaming industry. Whether you’re a seasoned industry veteran or an aspiring newcomer, your perspective and talents are valuable to us.
If you’re driven by a desire to contribute to the transformative potential of gaming, we invite you to reach out to us via our company email at info@dytomic.com. Feel free to share your background, areas of interest, and how you envision collaborating with us. We believe that together, we can forge a future for gaming that’s engaging, equitable, and inspiring for players around the world.