What makes a great game studio tick? At Bit Reactor, it’s not just about the code or the graphics – we’re all about the people who pour their hearts into crafting something unforgettable. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain to introduce you to three exceptional talents who embody the spirit of innovation that drives our studio.
Meet the Team
Caydence – Lead Producer: With over 17 years of experience in the industry, Caydence has carved a remarkable path from QA tester to lead producer. She began her career at 2K Games, where her attention to detail and commitment to quality assurance earned her a series of promotions. Her time at Firaxis Games saw her step into production roles, contributing to iconic titles like XCOM 2 and Marvel’s Midnight Suns. Caydence is known for her organizational prowess and ability to bring people together to create something extraordinary.
Hector – Animation Director: Hector’s path to game development began with a love for animation and film, and he initially had his sights set on a career in feature films. That trajectory shifted when he landed a role at a small game studio in Baton Rouge, eventually leading him to Firaxis. There, he found his true passion for games, where he served as Lead Animator on Civilization VI and XCOM: Chimera Squad. After spending over a decade with the Firaxis team, Hector joined Bit Reactor as Animation Director. He is deeply committed to fostering creativity within his team and bringing characters to life in ways that captivate players.
Daanish – Art Director: A true multidisciplinary talent, Daanish’s background spans computer science, animation, and motion graphics. He’s worked on everything from creating title sequences for The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien to renowned games like Mortal Kombat and more. As Art Director at Bit Reactor, Daanish combines his technical expertise and artistic vision to create immersive and emotionally resonant experiences.
Q&A
Can you explain to us a little about what you do at Bit Reactor?
Caydence: “I help everyone work together to make the game, supporting communication and collaboration to help keep everyone moving in the same direction to reach our goals and create something amazing.”
Hector: “I lead a team of animators, riggers, and technical artists. We collaborate closely with the rest of the art department, audio, engineers, and designers to bring characters to life in our games.”
Daanish: “I help make sure all the art, animations, and designs work together to create an exciting and beautiful game that people will love.”
So, Caydence, how did you get started in game development?
Caydence: “I’ve wanted to work in games since I was young, but I can’t draw to save my life, so I figured programming was the way in. I studied computer science but left college during my junior year. My first industry job was as a QA tester at 2K Games. Over time, I moved up through QA management at Firaxis Games and eventually transitioned into production roles. Now, as a lead producer at Bit Reactor, I love the sense of camaraderie and collaboration. Getting to build something with people you love working with? That’s the best part of this job.”
Hector, you originally planned to work in animation for film. What changed?
Hector: “I started out wanting to see my name in the credits of a feature film. Animation school was my path to Pixar, or so I thought. Then, a chance job at a game studio in Baton Rouge kicked off my career animating for games. By the time I shipped my first game at Firaxis, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, I knew I wanted to make games for the rest of my life. I spent over a decade working with incredible animators on XCOM, Civilization VI and Marvel’sMidnight Suns before leaving to join Bit Reactor. Now, as Animation Director, I focus on collaboration and empowering my team. I want every animator to feel ownership over their work. It’s not just about making things move – it’s about bringing characters to life.”
Daanish, your career spans multiple disciplines. How did you find your way into games?
Daanish: “I’ve always been drawn to solving creative puzzles. I started my career in motion graphics, working on projects like the title sequence for The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien. A contract position at NetherRealm Studios, the creators of Mortal Kombat, is what brought me into gaming. Having degrees in both computer science and animation, I fell in love with the medium because it’s so multifaceted. What I love most about games is their ability to elicit emotions, when every decision from art direction to gameplay mechanics works together to create a meaningful experience.”
What is one thing you wish people outside the industry knew about game development?
Caydence: “Game development is a labor of love that requires a ton of collaboration, problem-solving and adaptability. People often don’t realize how many moving pieces need to align for a game to come together successfully. It’s not just about coding or designing – it’s about balancing creative vision with technical feasibility, managing time constraints, and creating a team environment where everyone can contribute their best work. The process is complex and iterative, and it’s full of unexpected challenges, but it’s incredibly rewarding when players finally get their hands on what you’ve built.”
Hector: “Caydence makes a great point. The sheer amount of iteration that happens behind the scenes is something people often don’t realize. Every tiny animation, every character movement, every environment has gone through dozens, if not hundreds, of tweaks and refinements. A single mechanic might take months to perfect. And yet, at the end of the day, the goal is for everything to feel seamless and intuitive to the player. It takes years of dedication to create something that looks and feels effortless, and there’s so much depth behind it.”
Daanish: “There’s a misconception that game developers have unlimited resources and time to make everything perfect, but the reality is that every project is a series of tough decisions and trade-offs. We know every imperfection in the game better than anyone else, and often, we’ve had to make calculated choices in the past about what to prioritize first. But at the same time, we also get to create something that will live on in people’s experiences. Seeing how a game emotionally connects with players is one of the most fulfilling aspects of this work.”
What inspires you most when working on a game?
Daanish: “I’m constantly inspired by the potential for games to push boundaries, whether it’s through storytelling, artistic expression, or innovative mechanics. Games are such a unique medium because they allow for interaction and immersion in ways that no other art form can. I love the challenge of figuring out how to visually and emotionally engage players, and make them feel like they’re truly part of the world we’ve built. When a player loses themselves in the experience, that’s when I know we’ve done something right!”
Caydence: “For me, it’s knowing that the work we do can have a profound impact on people. Games are more than just entertainment. They can be a form of escape, a way to connect with others and even a source of personal growth. I’m inspired by the idea that something we create can bring people together and make them think differently, or evoke emotions they weren’t expecting. Every time I see a community rally around a game and share their experiences with one another, it reminds me of why I do this.”
Hector: “It’s seeing a vision come to life through collaboration. Every person on the team contributes a unique perspective, and watching all those elements come together into a cohesive experience is one of the most gratifying parts of game dev. The moment when a character’s movement, the environment and the story all sync up perfectly – it’s like magic. I also love seeing players react to those moments. When someone notices a small detail or mechanic we spent weeks refining, it puts a smile on our faces. It makes all the effort worth it.”
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in game development?
Hector: “Stay curious and keep learning. Regardless of what discipline you want to focus on, find a way to demonstrate you have the ability to use your skills towards making games. My favorite animation reels are the ones that showcase work in-engine and provide insight into how they’re thinking about how their work comes together in-game.”
Daanish: “Adaptability is key. The industry is fast-moving, and the most successful people are the ones who can roll with changes and learn new skills. Focus on developing a broad set of abilities while also deepening your expertise in one or two key areas. And most importantly, never lose sight of why you wanted to make games in the first place. Passion and perseverance will take you further than anything else.”
Caydence: “Start by building something – anything. You don’t have to wait for the perfect opportunity or the right degree; just start creating. Whether it’s a small game, a mod, or a piece of writing about games, the best way to get into the industry is to show that you’re passionate and proactive. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to people in the industry. Networking and mentorship can open so many doors.”
What’s Next?
These three creative minds represent just a glimpse of the passionate team working behind the scenes here at Bit Reactor. Under their leadership, we’re pushing the boundaries of game design with a culture of collaboration. Their collective experience, spanning from the major franchises they’ve been a part of to innovative indie projects, brings a unique perspective to our everyday work.
Thanks for reading, and be sure to stay connected with us on social media and through our blog for more behind-the-scenes insights, team spotlights, and exciting announcements about what’s on the horizon!