Zak Whaley

Technical & Business Consulting

Bridging the gap between technology and business to help studios thrive.

I’m Zak Whaley, an engineering leader, mentor, and consultant with 20 years of experience in game development, technical strategy, and business operations. I’ve worked across indie, mid-sized, and AAA studios, helping teams navigate complex development challenges, optimize workflows, and align their technical execution with business goals.

With experience at Magic Leap, Microsoft, and PlayEveryWare, I help developers and studios solve complex technical challenges, streamline development processes, and build strong engineering teams. Whether you're an indie studio looking to optimize workflows, a team navigating a difficult port, or a developer seeking career guidance, I provide the expertise and strategy to help you succeed.

I’ve led engineering teams, designed training programs, refined technical evaluation processes, and tackled everything from VR research applications to bringing proprietary engines to modern consoles. My focus is to break down obstacles, improv efficiency, and empower developers with the tools, knowledge, and strategies they need to thrive.

Services

Technical Risk Analysis

Guidance on technical architecture, engineering best practices, and workflow optimization.

Porting Consultation

Expertise in adapting games to new platforms with high efficiency and excellent quality.

Technical & Strategic Vision

Connecting technical execution with strategic business goals to drive long-term success.

Leadership & Team Coaching

Helping engineering leads, tech managers, and producers build strong, effective teams.

Speaking Engagements

Available for conferences, panels, and workshops on game development, engineering leadership, and industry trends.

Mentorship & Career Coaching

Resume reviews, career strategy, and industry insights for aspiring and mid-career developers.

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