Behind the Scenes of 'God of War Ragnarök' A Panel with Erik Valdez and Angela Rico

Inside the Game: Dell’s Exclusive Panel on Creative Excellence in Video Game Development Hosted at Gnomon School of Visual Effects, Games & Animation

Dell recently brought together the gaming and design communities for a remarkable panel discussion featuring Senior Art Director Erik Valdez and renowned visual artist Angela Rico. Held at the prestigious Gnomon School of Visual Effects, Games & Animation in North Hollywood, the event offered attendees an exclusive glimpse into the behind the scenes journey of building immersive, story driven video games. For anyone curious about what it takes to make a hit title like God of War: Ragnarök, this panel was a masterclass in both vision and execution.

At the heart of the conversation was the deep creative process behind game development. Valdez and Rico unpacked how complex game narratives are sculpted, emphasizing the balance between captivating storytelling and fluid gameplay mechanics. They spoke passionately about character arcs, world-building, and narrative cohesion, illustrating how every artistic decision serves to enrich the player’s experience. Attendees gained insight into how these stories evolve over time from early concept sketches and storyboard meetings to in-game cinematics and interactive elements.

Beyond the artistic side, the panel delved into the logistical and operational hurdles faced in game studios. Valdez and Rico shared real world challenges such as managing timelines, working with limited resources, and collaborating across international teams. They highlighted how adaptability, clear communication, and efficient team dynamics are just as crucial to a game’s success as its graphics or storyline. Their personal anecdotes from the development of God of War Ragnarök underscored the importance of resilience and innovation in an ever-evolving industry.

The setting for this illuminating discussion couldn’t have been more fitting. Gnomon, located in the entertainment capital of the world, has long been a powerhouse for visual effects and gaming talent. With its 45,000 square foot campus, cutting edge VR labs, green screen stages, and hands on curriculum, Gnomon bridges the gap between education and industry. Its graduates go on to work with top studios around the world, and the school regularly hosts events like this panel to provide students and professionals with invaluable industry exposure.

For those who missed the live experience, Dell has made the full recording available to the public. Watching Valdez and Rico speak candidly about their roles in shaping today’s top games is a must for anyone passionate about digital storytelling, game design, or visual effects. Their perspectives remind us that the games we love are not just entertainment they are the result of years of collaboration, innovation, and relentless creative drive.