It’s hard to find the OG’s in the world of gaming and esports, but Mark Nausha can wear the title proud. Mark first came into the world of esports as a gaming developer and worked his way through various roles from publishing to even owning his own studio.

He joins John Davidson in this episode of The DLC Drop podcast to talk about the world of esports, and what it’s meant to him, the lessons he has learned, and why the opportunities are more abundant than ever for people looking to get into the gaming world as a career.

Plus he shares what’s on the horizon for esports, plus so much more.

Links Mentioned:

Connect with Mark Nausha – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-nausha-7484021/

SMU Gaming Program/Development: https://www.smu.edu/guildhall

To follow John on Twitter: https://twitter.com/J0hnDavids0n

Full Episode Breakdown:

1:12 – John and Mark talk about how they met and their first partnership.

2:46 – SMU’s Game Development Program, and how this has been a game changer for careers in gaming.

5:47 – When did Mark’s passion first grow in gaming, and the skill set he had that allowed him to have an incredible career in it. He shares his journey.

9:17 – The skill sets of esports, and all of the opportunities that are available for those who have them.

12:00 – The good and bad of gaming being part of a younger demographic.

15:10 – The good and bad of failure, and how you can look at it as a building block vs. a zero sum end result.

18:42 – Mark shares a story about one of his ‘funniest’ failures, and what he learned from it.

22:21 – More about Mark’s career in game development, and why he went from creation to publishing.

24:42 – What led Mark to the teaching side, and why it was important to give back to students.

30:42 – When it comes to mentoring, what should you look for in mentorship, and how can you be a great mentor.

35:01 – What makes a great coach, and how they can help you get out of your own way.

38:31 – Impressions are everything, and never forget that.

39:30 – An incredible moment Mark had with a Make-A-Wish child.

41:06 – Humility and Servant Leadership, how to approach it, and why it’s so important to understand.

42:37 – Mark’s insight on what’s coming next in esports.

46:40 – The advantage esports has over traditional sports, and the opportunities the industry has if they tap into them!