Joe Mc Donagh
About Joe Mc Donagh
Joe Mc Donagh is a Senior Product Owner at Undead Labs with over 25 years of experience in the video game industry. He has held various leadership roles across notable companies, including 343 Industries, PopCap Games, and Irrational Games, specializing in team building, game design, and narrative development.
Work at Undead Labs
Joe Mc Donagh currently serves as Senior Product Owner at Undead Labs, a position he has held since 2024. His role involves overseeing product development and ensuring alignment with the company's strategic goals. Undead Labs is known for its focus on creating engaging multiplayer experiences, and Mc Donagh's extensive background in the gaming industry contributes to the studio's objectives.
Previous Experience at 343 Industries
At 343 Industries, Joe Mc Donagh held two significant roles. From 2020 to 2022, he worked as Narrative Lead for Halo Infinite, where he was responsible for shaping the game's story and character development. Following this, he served as Multiplayer Modes Product Owner from 2022 to 2024, focusing on enhancing multiplayer gameplay experiences. His contributions during these years were pivotal in advancing the Halo franchise.
Career at PopCap Games
Joe Mc Donagh worked at PopCap Games from 2010 to 2013, where he held multiple roles including Director of Production and Executive Producer. During his tenure, he was involved in the development of popular casual games, contributing to the studio's reputation for creating engaging and accessible gaming experiences. His leadership in production helped streamline workflows and enhance team collaboration.
Education and Expertise
Joe Mc Donagh's educational background includes studying Modern History at the University of Oxford, where he earned a Master of Arts degree from 1991 to 1994. He also attended Hampton School from 1986 to 1991. With over 25 years of experience in the video game industry, he specializes in team building, creative leadership, game design, and narrative development, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and production aspects of game development.
Leadership Roles in the Gaming Industry
Throughout his career, Joe Mc Donagh has held various leadership positions across notable gaming companies. His roles have included Head of Studio at Playdots and WG Cells, as well as Co-Founder and Design Manager at Elixir Studios. His experience spans creative and production capacities, demonstrating his versatility and ability to lead teams in developing innovative gaming experiences.