A decade at RUSH is no small feat, and as we celebrate Jamie's 10th anniversary, it's a perfect time to reflect on the incredible journey. From a university student intrigued by a tennis game project to becoming a seasoned developer handling cutting-edge projects, Jamie has witnessed the evolution of RUSH and the tech industry firsthand.

The Beginning: A Unique Start

Back when Jamie was still at university, a chance encounter with RUSH changed the trajectory of his career. Choosing RUSH over making enterprise software in C#/.NET, he was drawn in by the exciting projects showcased on the website. Among them was an ingenious ASB tennis game, where a player in Auckland could send a ball flying into a virtual court, only for it to emerge on the other end in Christchurch. This concept ignited his imagination like nothing else. 

The interview, held at a local cafe with Danu and RUSH’s CTO at the time, was surprisingly casual, leading to an immediate start the following Monday. The early days were marked by a shift of offices and a mix of part-time work while studying. Jamie found himself immersed in the gaming industry, contributing to Disney projects and laying the foundation for what would become an illustrious software engineering career.

Key Highlights: From Disney Projects to Drift Legends

Reflecting on the journey, Jamie highlighted some memorable projects. The initial years were dominated by covert Disney collaborations. Despite the challenges, Jamie recalls these projects fondly as they set the stage for RUSH's diverse and innovative ventures.

One such standout was the "My New Roof" project involving Colorsteel, commissioned for a website of the same name. It marked Jamie's first foray into WebGL, offering a cutting-edge 3D visualisation of the roof across various layouts—an accomplishment he was particularly proud of, especially given the novelty of 3D content online at that time. 

Among the notable projects, the "Fonterra VR" demonstration stands out as an early exploration into virtual reality for Jamie. This VR experience showcased various spots around farms, offering an immersive demonstration for events. The creativity and enjoyment invested in this project laid the foundation for RUSH's future endeavours in the VR space.

Jamie's involvement in the "Top Gear Drift Legends" project marked a pivotal moment. Initially a solo endeavour, it involved a remake into a 3D mobile game for Android with Top Gear branding. However, unexpected challenges, including a high-profile incident with a co-presenter led to a subdued release. Despite the setbacks, the project showcased Jamie and the team's game development skills.

Collaborating with Cameron Peet on the "Z Connected Car" project provided another dimension to Jamie's journey. Although not released to the public, it served as a visionary showcase for Z's stakeholders. This innovative concept, essentially an 'info-tainment' vision, showcased a simulation-style experience. Imagine users seamlessly ordering coffee or other amenities while on the move, with the items ready for pickup upon arrival at a Z location. . It exemplified RUSH's capacity for innovative storytelling.

One of the most visually captivating projects for Jamie was the Metservice Environmental Visualisation Platform. The project delved into cutting-edge technology with volumetric clouds, pushing the boundaries of 3D visualisations. Jamie’s team not only built the solution but also expanded his knowledge of meteorology, making it a unique and enriching experience.

In the tapestry of RUSH's projects, Jamie finds pride in the diversity and complexity of the work undertaken. From Disney collaborations to pioneering ventures like "Fonterra VR" and "Top Gear Drift Legends," each project contributed to RUSH's reputation as a hub of creativity and innovation.

Advice for Newcomers: Embrace Change and Learn

In navigating the ever-changing landscape of RUSH, Jamie imparts valuable advice to newcomers based on a decade of experience. Embracing change, fostering curiosity, and maintaining a continuous learning mindset are essential pillars for success in the dynamic environment of RUSH. 

Recognising that the company has undergone significant transformation over the years, Jamie emphasises that newcomers who exhibit flexibility and a proactive attitude toward adaptation will find avenues for both personal and professional growth within the evolving culture of RUSH.

Technology Trends and Adaptation

In a world where 3D visualisations became Jamie’s forte, he also recognised the impact of technology trends. Learning that iOS was ahead of Android at the time and adapting to the fast-paced advancements in the tech industry played a crucial role in his journey.

The RUSH Experience - Quick Fire Round:

As we congratulate Jamie on this remarkable milestone, it's evident that his journey at RUSH has been a blend of innovation, challenges, and personal growth. Here's to another decade of pushing boundaries and contributing to RUSH's legacy!