Bryna Dabby Smith

People First: Building a Studio With Your Team at the Forefront

What does a studio look like when you put the people first? So many studios have become a talent mill - churning out games but putting the people making them through insane amounts of pressure, crunch and pain. How do you grow a studio that intentionally leads with humanity and aims to not just make amazing games, but also to empower, grow and help the talented people who make the games, in an effort to improve the industry overall? Join Bryna Smith, CEO of Brass Lion Entertainment, in discussing the importance of the people first strategy as well as the challenges and success stories in implementing this. 

Bio:

Bryna Dabby Smith is a Co-Founder and CEO at Brass Lion Entertainment, an interactive entertainment studio focused on creating original fictional universes that center on Black, Brown and other traditionally marginalized characters, cultures and stories. They are currently working on an unannounced AAA Action-RPG title with an anime aesthetic for consoles and PC. Their fully remote team has 67 individuals across both the US and Canada, and is growing into 2024. She has worked on major video game titles over the past 20+ years, including The Bourne Conspiracy, Def Jam Vendetta and Sleeping Dogs.