“A lifelong passion for games turned into a career I never expected but one I was meant to build.”

My name is Andrew James, and like many kids growing up in the 1990s, video games weren’t just entertainment, they were my world. From the Sega Saturn and Nintendo 64 to the evolving generations of PlayStation and Xbox, I spent countless hours immersed in different universes. Games gave me a sense of freedom, imagination, and identity. Back then, I never saw them as a career path. To me, they were simply a way of life, a way to roleplay the adventures I wished I could live.

An Unexpected Path

My academic background initially pointed me in another direction. I studied Information Technology and Psychology, then specialized further with a degree in 3D animation design. My plan was straightforward: pursue a career in film and animation. After graduation, I applied to various roles in the film industry, convinced that’s where my creative journey would unfold.

But fate had other plans. Among those applications was one for Streamline Studios Malaysia, a name that stood out. It wasn’t aligned with my studies at first glance, but something about it intrigued me.

When I walked into my interview, the conversation wasn’t filled with the usual technical checklists or rigid assessments. Instead, we talked about video games, the ones I grew up with, the genres I loved, and the little experiments I’d done along the way. It felt natural, personal, and exciting. By the end of the interview, Streamline offered me a role in their Art Quality Assurance (Art QA) team.

I had never even heard of “Art QA” before, but I accepted. Little did I know that decision would shape my future.

Finding My Passion in QA

My first year at Streamline was filled with discovery. The Art QA department wasn’t just about spotting mistakes; it was about making sure every art asset was game-ready and met the industry’s demanding standards.

Through this role, I was exposed to a wide variety of projects, from standalone test builds to major AAA titles. I saw how different departments worked together, how workflows were structured, and how every moving piece contributed to building a game. It gave me an invaluable overview of the industry; one I hadn’t expected but quickly grew to love.

“QA gave me a front-row seat to the process of game creation, and with each passing project, I felt my passion deepen.”

At first, I was searching for where I truly belonged. But over time, I realized that QA was more than a stepping stone. It was a gateway. It gave me a front-row seat to the process of game creation, and with each project, my excitement grew.

Growing Through Curiosity

As my understanding grew, so did my curiosity. I began asking myself questions: How can I make this process faster? How can I reduce repetitive tasks for my team? How can I help people focus on the creative work that matters most?

This curiosity led me down a new path: automation and workflow optimization. By experimenting with tools and solutions, I found ways to speed up daily tasks and improve efficiency across the QA pipeline.

“Sometimes, what feels like a detour is actually your true path.”

This mindset of problem-solving and delivering results didn’t go unnoticed. Over the years, I was promoted from Lead Art QA to Senior Art QA, then into Art Pipeline Development Management roles that expanded my responsibilities and allowed me to directly impact the way teams worked. Today, I’ve stepped into the role of Publishing and Release Manager, where I oversee one of the most exciting stages of game development: getting a finished product into players’ hands.

Full Circle: Upin & Ipin Universe

This year has been particularly special. My team and I worked tirelessly on the release of Upin & Ipin Universe, a project close to my heart because it’s based on a beloved Malaysian IP. Growing up in Malaysia, I never imagined that one day I’d contribute to a game that represents my culture on such a grand scale.

“Upin & Ipin Universe isn’t just a game release it’s a piece of my culture shared with the world.”

To work on something so deeply tied to home, and to know that it brings joy to a new generation, is nothing short of a dream come true.

“I never imagined that the games I loved growing up would one day become the games I help bring to life.”

It’s moments like this that make me pause and reflect on how far I’ve come from a kid lost in the worlds of Sega and PlayStation to someone helping shape the worlds of tomorrow.

Reflections on the Journey

Looking back, my path into the gaming industry wasn’t linear. I didn’t set out to be here. But sometimes life nudges you in directions you didn’t plan for and if you’re willing to embrace those opportunities, they can change your life.

For me, Streamline wasn’t just a job offer. It was the beginning of discovering my true calling. The people I’ve met, the projects I’ve worked on, and the growth I’ve experienced have all shaped me into the professional I am today.

“Follow your curiosity, nurture your passion, and keep an open mind. You never know where it will take you.”

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