Meet the team: Roman Jakob, CTO & Co-founder

Meet Roman! Our Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and co-founder of nerdytec. Passionate about product development, Roman talks to us about how he approaches his role in an ever-changing industry and what he's up to at nerdytec HQ.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the gaming industry?
Gaming has been an integral part of my life since my early days with the Nintendo NES. As time went on, as 1996 dawned, I immersed myself in the fascinating world of PC gaming. Although I didn't directly pursue a career in the gaming industry, it was a twist of fate when an opportunity arose that allowed me to dive headfirst into a profession closely related to gaming.

How did this lead you to nerdytec?
During my engineering studies in the field of renewable energies, an exciting project called nerdytec and the Couchmaster® was created.
Since gaming has always captured my heart, I was naturally drawn to the idea of the Couchmaster® and saw the opportunity to collaborate with my friend Chris on this project.
With each day, my passion for this project grew, until it was so strong that I eventually abandoned my ambitions to become an engineer. The pull of working on something closely related to gaming was simply too strong to resist.

What is your role in the team and what responsibilities do you have?
As CTO of nerdytec, I'm responsible for product development and various technical aspects. From ideation to implementation, I drive innovation, solve problems, and ensure technical excellence. It's a privilege and a responsibility to steer nerdytec's growth in the constantly changing technology landscape.

What do you enjoy most about working in the gaming industry?
The gaming industry is a remarkably open-minded and inclusive space where people are inherently friendly and supportive. It's an environment where strict rules are rare, allowing for boundless creativity in product development. The freedom to explore and implement ideas knows no bounds and offers the opportunity to fully explore one's imagination. In this dynamic environment, innovation thrives, and there are no limits to the possibilities that can be brought to life.

What challenges did you face in your role and how did you deal with them?
The product development process requires considerable patience, as it rarely goes as smoothly as one hopes.
It took some time to accept the idea, seek external support for these projects, and find the right partners to collaborate with.
This realization proved crucial, because the truth is: You can't embark on the product development journey alone. It requires the collaboration of like-minded individuals, each bringing their unique expertise. By fully embracing this notion, I was able to tackle the challenges more effectively and create an environment where innovation truly thrives.

What was your first favorite game?
Command & Conquer – Red Alert.

What is your current favorite game?
Star Wars – Jedi Survivor.

What is your favorite snack while playing?
Chips!

Which game would you like to see next?
Diablo IV

How do you stay up to date with trends in the gaming industry?
I read the latest news on major gaming websites like PC Gamer, PCGames, and GameStar. Alternatively, I like to browse Reddit to read other gamers' recommendations and see what the gaming community has to say.

Which Couchmaster® model and accessories do you use at home?
At home, I have the CYCON² with the matching XXL mouse pad and practical phone holder, as well as the CYBOT with our nerdy tray. These setups have proven time and time again to be the epitome of perfection, seamlessly integrating into my gaming setup and enhancing my overall gaming experience.

What is your most important tip for the best possible ergonomic gaming experience?
My most important tip would be to utilize the wonders of the Couchmaster® 😉 However, it's important to regularly check your seating comfort and make sure you're truly in a position that meets your body's needs. Remember to take regular breaks, ideally once an hour, to get up from your seat, stretch your legs, and maybe even enjoy a refreshing drink.

 

Can you tell us about some exciting things you're currently working on?
Regarding our upcoming Couchmaster, an extraordinary and exciting feature is taking shape, promising our users an unprecedented experience. Something completely new awaits us!
Unfortunately, the exact details of this exciting innovation must remain under wraps for now, fueling the building anticipation. Rest assured, the curtain will eventually be lifted, revealing a whole new world of possibilities that will enchant gaming enthusiasts.
The future holds an untold wonder that aims to change how we enjoy gaming. 🙂

What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career in the gaming industry?
To begin a career in the gaming industry, it's essential to have a personal history of several years of intensive gaming experience. This direct involvement provides invaluable insight into the intricacies and dynamics of different games and fosters a deep understanding of their mechanics and player engagement.
Equally crucial is an unwavering passion for innovation and the drive to break new ground.

What are your predictions for the future of video games and how will nerdytec adapt to meet the evolving needs of gamers?
In the near future, games will achieve a graphical reality that is barely distinguishable from the real world. Therefore, it will be even more important for game developers to ensure that their games engage in other ways. At nerdytec, we closely follow developments and aim to improve or expand the gaming experience with our hardware.

Ready to take gaming to the next level? Choose your Couchmaster® today for ultimate gaming comfort!