Every great journey starts with great people, and ours began 25 years ago.
As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, we’re interviewing some of the people who’ve helped build Gameloft from the ground up.
We’re kicking things off with Gameloft’s CEO, Alexandre de Rochefort, who told us how his journey in the gaming world began, what he was doing and playing at 25, and the moment that made him the proudest.
Where were you at 25?
I was living in London not far from Notting Hill, working as a research analyst on the stock market and writing my first research report on a video game stock called Ubisoft with a buy rating if I remember correctly. I subsequently started adding other video games to my coverage, including Eidos, Infogrames, Titus, Cryo, Gremlin, etc.
What were you playing at 25? I was spending way too much time on my Nintendo 64 with my friends playing GoldenEye, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Turok, Resident Evil 2, and PES among many others. Gaming at the time was really about being together in the living room. There was a very strong social feel to it, but not through a screen. I kind of miss that.
Why gaming?
As a very young kid I was completely fascinated by video games. Discovering new digital worlds was magical, and the possibilities of PCs and consoles seemed endless. My first job was at a bank, but I told myself I would have some link to this new industry. I think I managed that!
Most important advice?
Be curious. There's treasure everywhere (thank you Bill Watterson). Adapt. Change is the law of life.
Your inspirations?
Artists. David Lynch. Enki Bilal. Tim Burton. Moebius. Hitchcock. Jeff Smith. The list is very long.
Proudest moment?
When our first serious foray into PC and console gaming, Disney Dreamlight Valley, happened to be a major success.
Favorite game?
The Legend of Zelda. All of them, regardless of the console. They are pure magic and both challenging and engaging. I’m invested in the storyline, every single time. It’s ridiculous.
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