30 years in the world of Video Games

Chris Bain, Class of ‘91 took time out of his busy schedule running his own company, Player One Consultancy to speak to S6 pupils at the beginning of November. As part of the S6 Lecture series, Chris shared his experiences with pupils. He spoke about the life changing impact of his time at Robert Gordon’s College. Chris recalls an inspirational teacher of biology, Mr Sim, who played a pivotal role in Chris’s  fondness for science, particularly biology.  Excelling in his Highers Chris managed to secure a place at the University of Edinburgh to study Biology, progressing to a  Ph.D. at Birmingham University. Chris discovered that laboratory work was typically solitary and this was not the future he wanted for his career. 

Transitioning from biology to video games
Chris spoke about the importance of transferable skills and how he discovered the role of management consultancy while reading the journal Nature. After an unsuccessful application to a management consultancy company he researched and prepared to secure a graduate job at Accenture during the university's milk round. He leveraged his transferable skills in problem-solving, working with various companies, including Microsoft, where he eventually landed a role by utilising the relationships he had built.

His career at Microsoft saw him evolve from data analysis to becoming the General Manager for Xbox Central and Eastern Europe, having the ownership of the whole of Xbox for these regions, everywhere from Prague to Vladivostok and his role saw him strategically managing international challenges and geopolitical issues from across the region. Seeking a new challenge, Chris founded Player One Consulting four years ago and is supporting gaming companies in strategy, growth, revenue, and profit. 

Entrepreneurial mindset and spirit
As part of the S6 Lecture series, Chris shared his experiences with pupils. He emphasised the importance of an open mind, ambition, and perseverance, encouraging pupils to gain work experience and build networks early in their careers.

Chris quoted to pupils philosopher Confucius “If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room”, each time he felt he had learned all he could in a role, he looked for a more challenging role, one he could learn and grow in. Now running his own company, Chris is enjoying helping the gaming industry to become more professional and strategic through his company's guidance.

Reflecting on reconnecting with Robert Gordon’s College as a former pupil, Chris expressed admiration for the school's commitment to enhancing pupils' all-round education. He aimed to contribute by sharing insights gained in the 30-plus years since leaving the College. 

Chris shared “After many years away from RGC, I’ve recently reconnected with the school and been inspired by what the current team there is doing to really elevate pupils’ all-round education. I subsequently felt motivated to try and make my small contribution by sharing with current pupils some of the experiences I’ve had in the 30-plus years since I last walked out of those famous Schoolhill gates.”