Lee Hutchinson stands as a remarkable figure in the video game industry. As the founder and CEO of Double Eleven, Hutchinson transformed a bedroom startup into a global game development powerhouse. His journey from programmer to industry leader showcases the impact of vision, technical expertise, and business acumen in the competitive gaming world.
This article explores the career, achievements, and influence of this Middlesbrough entrepreneur who has left an indelible mark on British game development.
Career Path and Role
Lee Hutchinson began his gaming career after graduating with a first-class degree from Teesside University in 2002. His talent quickly became apparent as he rose through the ranks at Rare in just two and a half years. This early success led to programming positions at Venom Games and Rockstar Leeds, where he gained valuable experience despite facing burnout from intense work schedules.
The turning point came in 2009 when Hutchinson founded Double Eleven from his bedroom. What started as a small operation has grown into a major game development and publishing company. His technical background proved crucial, allowing him to understand both the creative and technical aspects of game creation. This expertise helped shape Double Eleven’s approach to development and partnerships.
Under Hutchinson’s leadership, Double Eleven now employs over 340 people across offices in Middlesbrough, UK and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This growth reflects his ability to scale a business while maintaining quality and innovation. His work with globally recognized properties like Minecraft and Fallout demonstrates his company’s trusted position in the industry.
His business acumen earned him the title of Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021 at the North East Entrepreneurial Awards. This recognition highlights his impact beyond game development into the broader business community. Hutchinson now serves as a judge for entrepreneurial awards, sharing his expertise with the next generation of business leaders.
Game Development Projects
Double Eleven’s portfolio under Hutchinson’s guidance includes work on some of gaming’s biggest franchises. The company has contributed to Minecraft Dungeons, a major release in the Minecraft universe that showcased their ability to work with beloved IPs. Their work expanded the game’s reach while maintaining the core elements fans expect.
Fallout 76 development marked another significant project for Hutchinson’s team. Working with Bethesda Game Studios on this multiplayer entry in the popular post-apocalyptic series demonstrated Double Eleven’s technical capabilities. The collaboration required precise coordination between studios and a deep understanding of complex game systems.
Prison Architect represents another successful title in Double Eleven’s catalog. The company took over the development and publishing of this prison management simulation, showing their versatility across gaming genres. Their work maintained the game’s distinctive style while introducing new features and content updates.
The team also handled the challenging task of porting Red Dead Redemption to new platforms. This technical achievement required translating Rockstar’s complex open-world western to different hardware specifications. The successful port opened the classic title to new audiences while preserving the original experience.
Business Expansion
From its humble beginnings, Double Eleven has experienced remarkable growth under Hutchinson’s leadership. The expansion from a bedroom startup to a company with hundreds of employees shows his ability to build sustainable business structures. This growth required careful planning, strategic hiring, and maintaining company culture during rapid expansion.
The opening of a Kuala Lumpur office marked an important milestone in Double Eleven’s international development. This move into the Asian market positioned the company to work with new partners and tap into different talent pools. Geographic expansion also helped the studio operate across time zones, increasing productivity on global projects.
The acquisition of VooFoo Studios added new capabilities and intellectual property to Double Eleven’s portfolio. This business move demonstrated Hutchinson’s strategic approach to growth through acquiring complementary businesses. The addition brought titles like Hustle Kings, This Is Pool, and This Is Snooker under Double Eleven’s umbrella.
Financial growth has been a consistent feature of Double Eleven under Hutchinson’s guidance. While specific numbers aren’t public, the expansion to 340 employees and work on major franchises indicates substantial revenue increases. This financial success provides the foundation for further investment in new projects and technologies.
Technical Expertise
Hutchinson’s programming background forms the technical foundation of Double Eleven’s approach. His experience as a software engineer gives him insight into development challenges that many executives lack. This technical knowledge helps him make informed decisions about project feasibility and resource allocation.
The development of the Mantis Engine showcases Double Eleven’s technical capabilities. This proprietary technology provides the studio with custom tools tailored to their development needs. Having their own engine gives them greater control over their projects and reduces dependence on third-party software.
Game porting expertise has become one of Double Eleven’s technical specialties. The complex process of adapting games for different platforms requires deep technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Successful ports of titles like Goat Simulator and Red Dead Redemption demonstrate this technical proficiency.
The company’s work across multiple platforms—PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and others—shows their versatility in development environments. This cross-platform expertise allows them to reach wider audiences and work with more partners. The technical challenges of optimizing games for different hardware specifications require constant learning and adaptation.
Publishing Partnerships
Double Eleven’s evolution into both development and publishing expanded its industry role. Publishing partnerships allow them to bring other developers’ games to market while applying their technical and marketing expertise. This dual role gives them a unique perspective on industry challenges and opportunities.
Collaborations with major studios like Mojang Studios (Minecraft), Bethesda Game Studios (Fallout), and Rockstar Leeds demonstrate Double Eleven’s trusted position. These partnerships with industry giants require proven reliability and quality. Each successful collaboration strengthens their reputation and opens doors to new opportunities.
The company’s work with indie developers shows its commitment to supporting smaller studios. Partnerships with teams like Mode 7 Games (Frozen Synapse Prime) and Facepunch Studios (Rust) help bring innovative games to wider audiences. This support for independent development maintains connections to the creative edges of the industry.
Licensing agreements for major gaming IPs represent a significant aspect of Double Eleven’s business strategy. Working with established franchises provides stability while allowing creative contributions to beloved properties. Balancing respect for existing fan expectations with fresh ideas presents unique challenges that Hutchinson’s team has successfully navigated.
Leadership Style and Company Culture
Hutchinson’s leadership approach emphasizes technical excellence combined with business innovation. His background as a programmer gives him credibility with development teams. This technical understanding helps him set realistic goals and appreciate the challenges facing his employees.
Company culture at Double Eleven reflects Hutchinson’s vision for a sustainable work environment. Having experienced burnout earlier in his career at Rockstar Leeds, he understands the importance of work-life balance. Creating a positive studio atmosphere helps attract and retain talent in the competitive gaming industry.
The growth from solo founder to leader of hundreds required evolving management approaches. Hutchinson’s ability to adapt his leadership style to different company sizes demonstrates his flexibility. Building a management structure that maintains quality while scaling operations represents a significant achievement.
His entrepreneurial mindset permeates Double Eleven’s approach to opportunities and challenges. Taking calculated risks on new projects and technologies has driven company growth. This forward-thinking attitude positions the studio to adapt to industry changes and emerging platforms.
Impact on the British Game Development Scene
Double Eleven’s success story contributes significantly to the UK video games sector. Based in Middlesbrough rather than traditional tech hubs, the company demonstrates regional development potential. Their growth provides economic benefits and career opportunities outside London and other major cities.
Hutchinson’s North East Entrepreneurial Award recognition highlights his impact on the broader business community. His success story inspires other entrepreneurs in the region. Serving as a judge for subsequent awards allows him to support and mentor new business leaders.
The studio’s work on global franchises raises the profile of British game development internationally. Their contributions to major titles showcase UK technical and creative talent. This international recognition helps position Britain as a leading force in the global gaming industry.
Employment growth at Double Eleven creates significant opportunities for game development professionals. With over 340 staff across multiple locations, the company provides stable careers in the sometimes volatile gaming industry. Their continued expansion opens doors for new graduates and experienced developers alike.
Future Outlook and Industry Position
Double Eleven’s diverse project portfolio positions them well for future industry shifts. Experience across genres, platforms, and business models provides flexibility in a changing market. This adaptability helps protect against overreliance on any single type of game or platform.
The company’s dual role in development and publishing creates multiple revenue streams. This business diversification provides financial stability and growth opportunities. The ability to both create their projects and support other developers’ work maximizes market potential.
Ongoing expansion into international markets, particularly in Asia through the Kuala Lumpur office, opens new possibilities. Geographic diversification helps the company tap into different talent pools and gaming markets. This global approach positions Double Eleven to work with partners worldwide.
Under Hutchinson’s continued leadership, Double Eleven looks set to maintain its growth trajectory. His combination of technical knowledge, business acumen, and industry connections provides a solid foundation. The studio’s established relationships with major publishers and proven track record suggest a bright future in an ever-evolving industry.
Lee Hutchinson’s journey from programmer to CEO exemplifies entrepreneurial success in the gaming industry. By building Double Eleven from a bedroom startup to a global development force, he has created a lasting impact on British game development. His technical expertise, business vision, and leadership have positioned the company as a respected partner for both indie projects and major franchises alike. As the gaming industry continues to grow, Hutchinson’s influence as a developer, publisher, and business leader seems likely to expand alongside it.
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