Wendy Despain

Wendy Despain has a diverse work experience spanning over several years. Wendy is currently employed at Wizards of the Coast as the Director of Studio Operations. In this role, they support the integration of multiple teams and develops production practices for live services and product development. Wendy previously worked as a Senior Integration Manager at Wizards of the Coast, where they managed the acquisition of D&D Beyond.

Before joining Wizards of the Coast, Wendy worked at Quantum Content as a Writer, Consultant, and Designer. Wendy'scontract services focused on video game narrative design, game writing, and alternate reality game design and consulting. Wendy also worked on technical writing, web development, web design, and magazine article writing and editing.

Wendy gained experience at NCSOFT as the Director of Product Development Operations. In this role, they implemented a standardized production process for various projects and facilitated communication between executives and development teams.

At ArenaNet LLC, Wendy held two positions. First, as the Director of Production, they led a team of 150 developers, managed budgets, and facilitated collaboration. Later, as part of the Studio-Wide PMO, they helped improve production processes and mentored a team of 20 producers.

Wendy also contributed to the gaming industry through their work at The Guildhall at SMU as a Lecturer, mentoring student teams and teaching production methodologies. Wendy also worked as a Course Director at Full Sail University, teaching courses on aesthetics and immersion and storytelling.

Furthermore, Wendy served in various leadership roles within IGDA Writers' SIG, IGDA, and International Hobo, focusing on game writing and executive board positions. Wendy also had a brief contract role as a writer at Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment.

Overall, Wendy Despain has a wealth of experience in studio operations, integration management, writing, consulting, teaching, and leadership within the gaming industry.

From 1992 to 1996, Wendy Despain pursued their Bachelor of Science in Journalism at Drake University.