Deacon Spotlight: Michael Hoag
Michael Hoag (2011, BA Communication, Minors in Entrepreneurship and Journalism)
Lead Producer at Infinity Ward in Austin, TX
Tell us about your current job role/employer and what you’re currently working on.
I am currently employed by Activision, which is owned by Microsoft, and serve as the lead producer on the Call of Duty team at Infinity Ward, a studio within the Activision umbrella. Infinity Ward is best known for the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series, which is our main focus, although the broader Call of Duty franchise includes other genres like Black Ops and previously World War II. My role is primarily centered around leading the development team responsible for creating new content, with my current project being the next Warzone map—a large-scale battle royale game involving up to 100 players in a dynamic, fictional world.
As the lead producer, I oversee a team of over 50 developers includings designers, artists, engineers and more, ensuring that our work is well-organized, deadlines are met, and resources are efficiently allocated. My day-to-day responsibilities include project management, setting priorities, and coordinating efforts across teams. Additionally, I have a hand in product management, helping our team make decisions on why certain features are being built, and I also contribute to the creative aspects of the game to ensure that it’s engaging and enjoyable for players. Overall, it’s a dynamic role that keeps me involved in many aspects of game development, and I find it highly rewarding.
What personal and/or career experiences did you have prior to landing your current job and leading to where you are now?
I tell this to everyone (particularly any student athlete) that I ever get in touch with because I benefitted so much from it: it’s all about connections. The most significant factor in my career progression has been networking and building strong connections. Early on, my first break into the industry came through relationships I built as a student-athlete. I transitioned into sideline reporting thanks to an opportunity from Stan Cotten and Dave Goren, who had interviewed me when I was a football player. This experience eventually led to an internship at EA Sports, where my background as a former athlete and sideline reporter uniquely qualified me for the role. It reinforced the importance of fostering relationships, as they can open unexpected doors and create opportunities that might not have arisen otherwise.
Additionally, I believe in going above and beyond the responsibilities of your role. Being willing to take on tasks outside of your job description not only demonstrates eagerness and hunger for growth but also exposes you to new opportunities and experiences. Throughout my career, this mindset has enabled me to learn more about different parts of the business and build valuable connections. Even today, I continue to take on extra work to expand my knowledge and strengthen relationships, balancing it with personal commitments. This combination of networking and going the extra mile has been essential to my career development.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job? How do you navigate that challenge?
The two most challenging aspects of my job are managing diverse teams and balancing meetings with actual work. First, I work with individuals from very different disciplines—designers, artists, and engineers—each with distinct ways of thinking and working. Designers may prioritize creativity and art, while engineers are focused on technical feasibility and 0s and 1s. As the lead producer, I sit in the middle, ensuring each group is supported while also addressing any concerns they have. This requires balancing different personalities and viewpoints, presenting their issues or successes to stakeholders without offending anyone, all while ensuring that the team meets deadlines. It’s a fascinating, but often exhausting, challenge to navigate such a broad range of needs and expectations.
The second challenge is managing the increasing number of meetings that come with advancing in my career. With Zoom and remote work becoming more common, meetings often fill up the day, even when they aren’t critical. I’ve found that many recurring meetings could be canceled if there’s no pressing topic, but they often persist, taking valuable time away from my actual work. To manage this, I try to be selective about which meetings to attend, focusing on where I can contribute and catching up on notes for those where I’m only present for visibility. Finding this balance is essential but challenging, especially when meetings can take up a significant portion of the workweek.
What advice would you give to new Wake Forest graduates about developing their personal life habits after college (finances, health, values, work/life balance)?
The key to developing strong personal habits after college is building and sticking to a routine that works for you. As a former student-athlete, I was lucky to have built-in structure—practice, workouts, study hall—which helped me stay disciplined. When I entered the working world, that foundation translated into habits like going to the gym, prioritizing sleep, and focusing on what matters. My advice is to build a routine, stick to the routine, and don’t let the little things in life get in the way. Whether it’s working out, getting up early, setting aside time for hobbies, or making sure you’re getting enough rest, these habits will help you maintain focus and energy throughout your day, and they’ll also make it easier to balance work with your personal life.
On the financial side, I got great advice early on from my father: “If your company matches 6%, put in 12% because you don’t need the excess money right now.” By starting early and being disciplined about saving, you can set yourself up for long-term financial success. Avoid the trap of overspending just because you have a steady paycheck—holding off on big purchases can save you from unnecessary debt and open up more opportunities for enjoying life down the road. Investing in yourself early on, both in your routine and finances, will pay off in ways you might not expect.
We know that relationships are important for any kind of development. How do you build and maintain your network?
I’ve probably talked about this ad nauseam, but relationships are so key. Building and maintaining your network requires proactive effort. I like to build relationships in a way where, if I haven’t talked to you in six months, a year, or even two years, when I do reach out, it’s something that makes you say, “Oh, good to hear from you.” Even though it adds to the busy and the crazy, it’s important because people feel appreciated when you think of them. Stoking that fire every once in a while is a really big deal. You don’t want to take relationships for granted or risk feeling like you only reach out when you need something. It’s about maintaining those touchpoints—reach out when you’re in their city or attending an event where you might see them. The worst they can say is, “Oh no, I’m not going to be there,” but they’ll know you thought of them.
Another crucial aspect is focusing on active listening, which is so hard when you’ve got a thousand things going on and your brain is going a million miles an hour. When a colleague wants to sit and talk, it’s a conscious decision to put everything else in a box and really focus on that person so they feel heard. I struggle with this constantly, but when you can do it, your recall of their experiences and the things they’re struggling with becomes much greater because you were listening and absorbing. Being a good listener and being there to be a sounding board for people is key to maintaining a relationship. As a mentor once told me, “Listen very closely. It’s not advice. I’m just a sounding board, and I’m here on the journey with you.” When you find people like that, lean into them—they’ll take you places you never thought you’d go.
Tell us about your mentoring relationships. What impact have these relationships had on your career and life?
Most of my mentoring relationships have come about by chance—whether through a new boss who just happened to care about my growth or through connections from family and friends. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors from all walks of life, including business owners and even a CEO of a large company, with ages ranging from young professionals to those in their 70s. Each has taken time to guide me both personally and professionally, and those relationships have been instrumental in shaping who I am today.
One key piece of advice I received early on, which I apply to every mentorship, is to always show up prepared with questions. Most mentors are busy people, so when you come with thought-provoking questions, not only do you get better guidance, but you also lift their spirits. They leave the conversation feeling like they’ve helped you grow, which creates a more meaningful, reciprocal relationship. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help when they see that you’re eager to learn and grow.
What advice would you give to current Wake Forest students and/or young alumni who are interested in working in your industry?
For current Wake Forest students and young alumni interested in the gaming industry, remember that your network is a powerful tool. First of all, feel free to reach out to me. Wake Forest has a passionate, tight-knit alumni base, and reaching out can lead to valuable connections. My wife, Laura Hoag (’10), and I both work in gaming—she’s in brand marketing at EA Sports, and I’m at Activision—so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want to learn more about the industry. You’ll find that many alumni are eager to share their experiences and advice, which is a real perk of being part of this community.
When you do connect, it’s important to do your homework first. Understand the different roles within the gaming world, as titles like “producer” can mean different things at different companies. When reaching out, be specific about what you’re looking for. This shows you’ve put in some effort and helps guide the conversation. Also, keep in mind that many companies are moving back to in-office work, so be open to relocating if you want to grab those opportunities. Lastly, if you have skills that translate to the gaming industry, start building a portfolio! Whether it’s an animation reel or projects using engines like Unreal or Unity, showcasing your work will set you apart in interviews. The more you can demonstrate your abilities, the more likely you’ll catch someone’s eye.
What’s next for your career? What future goals or plans are you pursuing? ?
As I look to the future, I’m really excited about the experience I’ve gained since moving to Austin. Joining my current company as one of the early employees meant diving into some incredible responsibilities, from hiring over 40 new team members to literally building an office from scratch. I was involved in everything from space planning to budget management, which is something I hadn’t anticipated but has been such a rewarding challenge. Proving that I could take on more than what my title suggested has really fueled my ambition.
Going forward, my goal is to one day step into a role where I can run a studio, focusing on profitability and building great teams. While I’m particularly passionate about the gaming industry, I’m open to leading teams in other sectors too. Ultimately, I want to be in a position where I can make a meaningful impact, whether that’s as a CEO or COO. I’ve always had that competitive spirit, thanks to my background as an athlete, and I’m determined to aim high and make the most of my potential.
Story published in October 2024. For current updates on Michael’s career path, visit his LinkedIn profile.