#MeetIronGalaxy – Tomasz Topczewski

Engineers in game dev have the pleasure and responsibility of making sure player experiences function as intended. There are many disciplines of programming that are required to make a game work. In today’s edition of #MeetIronGalaxy, we’re meeting an engineer in charge of a team that helps your preferred platform function at its best. Time to learn about Tomasz.

Iron Galaxy: Hey Tomasz, what would you say you do here at Iron Galaxy?

Tomasz Topczewski: I'm a mid-level software engineer with a broad skill set, currently leaning towards performance and rendering tasks. I have over eight years of experience in the video game industry, primarily within the simulation genre. I’ve also contributed to RTS games, VR projects, and mobile titles. For the past year and a half, I’ve been part of Iron Galaxy, where I've worked on several different projects. Most recently, I've taken on a Project Lead role, heading up a small engineering team focused on performance and rendering optimization.

IG: You’ve gained a lot of experience to share with those you lead. What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

TT: Debugging is definitely one of the toughest parts, especially with the kind of projects Iron Galaxy tackles. We often work with unfamiliar codebases that have been maintained by numerous developers over many years, and inevitably, some troublesome bugs sneak in. There have been bugs that took me weeks to resolve, requiring exploration of code, memory layouts, and GPU captures, all while experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. Yet, discovering the root cause and fixing it brings an incredibly satisfying sense of achievement.

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‍IG: Sounds difficult in ways only engineers can understand. If you could give someone who wanted to follow in your career’s footsteps one piece of advice, what would it be?

TT: You can do it. My enthusiasm for video games began with my first experience playing Crash Bandicoot on the original PlayStation in the 1990s. However, I did not recognize the potential for a career in this field until I attended college and encountered professionals in the industry. Throughout my early years, I was frequently advised to pursue a conventional job that prioritized stability over personal interest. Nevertheless, my decision to work in game development has proven to be highly fulfilling, and I have no regrets regarding this career choice.

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‍IG: An all too familiar story. Thanks for the inspiration. Where are you from?

TT: I'm from Jelenia Gora, a small town nestled in a valley among the mountains on the border between Poland and the Czech Republic. The name means "Deer Mountain" in Polish. It's a beautiful region, and I always look forward to returning, even though it's been difficult lately, as Nashville is quite far away.

As a child growing up in the mountains, I didn't enjoy them much because my family insisted on long hikes when I just wanted to stay home and play video games. Years later, I rediscovered the mountains on my own terms and grew to love them. Now, I go hiking whenever I have a free weekend and the weather is good.
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IG: You’ll always have reasons to return home. As an adult who still loves video games, what are other hobbies of yours?

TT: I have a strong appreciation for sports and physical activity in general, rather than any single discipline. My grandfather, an avid sports enthusiast himself, encouraged my early involvement in various classes, including swimming and tennis. His influence led me to join an club where I competed in athletics, notably winning the 200m sprint regionals and participating in the Polish youth championships. While I ultimately chose not to pursue a professional career in sports, regular physical exercise remains essential to my well-being. Most recently, I have taken up rock climbing. Shoutout to Nashville office’s Climbing Crew!
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‍IG: Staying fit with your fellow co-workers. Respect. 🤜🤛 Who was your starter during the second generation of Pokémon games and why?‍

TT: This is a difficult choice. I’ve played these Pokémon games so many times that I’ve used each starter multiple times. If I had to pick, I’d be torn between Chikorita and Cyndaquil. Chikorita is adorable, but practically speaking, Cyndaquil’s evolution into Typhlosion is awesome. Honestly, I’m not sure... I can’t decide right now. Let’s move on to the next question!

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‍IG: It’s a difficult decision, we get it. As a Bojack fan, sell the viewing experience of Bojack Horseman to someone completely unfamiliar with the show.

TT: First and foremost, do not be deterred by the show's unconventional art style. Although its appearance may seem unusual, the subjects it addresses are highly relevant. Individuals who are working parents, those familiar with depression, or anyone who has experienced substance abuse within their family may find this show particularly impactful. It offers meaningful insights into serious topics while maintaining a comedic approach.

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‍IG: Relatable animation is all we need to hear. What was it like playing in Iron Galaxy’s Magic the Gathering league?‍

TT: It was a memorable experience. As someone new to MTG, there was plenty for me to pick up, but everyone I played with was welcoming and patient. I even scored a win (sorry, Arthur!), and I’m keen to play more MTG going forward. I’ll need to watch out so I don’t get hooked, those new Final Fantasy cards look amazing, and I’d love to collect them all.
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‍IG: You’re not alone. We’ll have to interview Arthur soon to properly introduce him on the blog. What are your top 3 games you’d recommend to play, available now on Game Pass?

TT: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is an easy pick! There are loads of great games, but for me, Clair Obscure Expedition 33 stands out because of its stunning world, gripping story, and fantastic soundtrack. Silksong is another obvious one that was recently added. If you love Soulslike experiences, I highly recommend Lies of Pi, which excels in atmosphere and presents a real challenge. If you liked Silksong, Nine Sols is another great 2D Metroidvania with gorgeous visuals, an engaging plot, and impressive boss fights. That's more than three recommendations, but there truly are so many excellent titles available!

IG: Stand out 2025 picks. No bias detected. What’s your favorite book or series?

TT: It might sound like a cliché for someone from Poland, but my favorite book is The Witcher saga. I wish the books received more international attention because they’re fantastic source material for an incredible game series. When I read them as a teenager, I dreamed of seeing proper game and film adaptations. The games turned out to be excellent, and while Henry Cavill convinced me to watch the Netflix series, it’s the books that truly capture the brilliance of Andrzej Sapkowski’s work.

IG: Someone reading this just realized that the game and show was adapted from books (I admit it. It was me). What movie have you seen the most times?

TT: I've watched the film 300 countless times when I was a teenager. Zack Snyder's cinematography and distinctive art style left a lasting impression on me. Even today, this movie remains close to my heart, and I'll never forget the unforgettable "This is Sparta!" scene.

IG: There hasn’t been a stronger kick to the chest since. What has been your favorite series to binge?

TT: Although I enjoy How I Met Your Mother, Friends is my favorite. I’ve watched it so often that I know it by heart. My brother and I used to play Friends trivia, but we quickly lost interest because we know all the answers.

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‍IG: What’s the one superpower that you’d like to have?

TT: Teleportation. If it truly moves molecules instead of just creating copies, replication might mean losing your original self, and I wouldn’t want that. With the power to teleport anywhere in the universe, I'd have endless possibilities: exploring extraordinary places on Earth, journeying across the Solar System, and maybe even meeting alien life forms. Best of all, I could say goodbye to the daily office commute.‍

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IG: Given a time machine, which historical period would you like to experience?

TT: Although it isn't an actual historical era, but rather a pre-historic age, I would be fascinated to see dinosaurs. As a child, I was obsessed with dinosaurs. While that interest has faded, it would still be incredible to witness them in person (as long as I could keep a safe distance!).

IG: What fictional universe would you choose over our own? What if there was no coming back?

TT: I'd have to choose Star Wars, most likely during the High Republic era. The universe is enormous, filled with countless planets and diverse species, all connected by faster-than-light travel. Plus, there is the Force and lightsabers, though honestly, I'd probably end up accidentally injuring myself as soon as I picked one up.

A more elegant weapon for a more civilized age is still dangerous…

We appreciate you hopping on the blog, Tomasz. Your time in game dev and your journeys around the world have been exciting stories to follow. Thanks for the slice of your personal life too. Reading about how your passions have evolved over time, shows how enthusiasm for something can go a long way. It’s funny how early interests can help shape a future career. Catching it is key.