How I Went From a 3D Artist to GM of a Billion-Dollar Game

“My growth is a reflection of the company's growth because I’ve always been given an opportunity to grow” – Justin McFarlane In a recent chat with host Mishka Katkoff, Jackpot Party Casino GM Justin McFarlane shared a career path that breaks the usual mold. He went from 3D artist to running SciPlay’s Billion Dollar flagship title —not by fast-tracking through roles or jumping companies, but by staying with one employer for 17 years and growing into each opportunity along the way. Can someone really grow from 3D artist to GM of a billion-dollar title — without switching companies, logos, or careers?

SciPlay’s Justin McFarlane did just that, and his story is a masterclass in product-first leadership and long-term growth. ” Justin would agree—to a point. But luck doesn’t carry you for nearly two decades.

Something else does. 45 billion in lifetime revenue for SciPlay, with more than 30 million downloads and an RPD north of $35. The company has posted consistent YoY growth since 2013, despite platform shifts, ownership changes, and industry shocks like IDFA.

Justin started in UI and 3D art. Over time, he moved into production, then strategy, and eventually GM. He picked up tools like Jira, taught himself forecasting, and learned monetization and LiveOps mechanics by doing the work.

Justin didn’t stay at SciPlay because he lacked ambition or alternatives. He stayed because the company continuously offered new challenges, and because he chose to get closer to the product rather than orbit around it. Leadership Built Over Time, Not Titles One of the most striking parts of Justin’s story is how culture — not hierarchy — fueled his rise.

On the podcast, he described his philosophy as people-first: build an environment where talented people thrive, and great products will follow. He also backs it with action. During the post-COVID period, when Jackpot Party’s team was split between Austin and Cedar Falls, Iowa, Justin made the controversial call to centralize everyone in Cedar Falls (population just over 40,000), even if it meant losing top talent who couldn’t relocate .

Cedar Falls, Iowa. com Why? Engagement was slipping.

Vision was fading. ”  Not exactly a textbook play... But Justin called it a reset — because if the team couldn’t see each other, they couldn’t see the product either.

It was a hard call, especially with a 9-figure title on the line. But he could make it because he’d earned trust. His team believed in him.