From Code to Console: An Inside Look at Respawn's Build and Release for Apex Legends

Of all the intricate roles that bring a massive live service game to life, how often do we stop to think about the final, crucial step of actually getting the game into our hands? I recently had the chance to sit down with Julie Banta, the Director of Engineering for Build and Release at Respawn, the studio behind the wildly popular Apex Legends. I went into our conversation with some educated guesses about what her team does, but our chat revealed a fascinating world of high-stakes problem solving, fast-paced action, and the incredible teamwork required to keep a game like Apex thriving.

What is Build and Release in Game Development?

Julie describes her team as being responsible for that very tail end of getting the game out the door to players. It’s a role that sounds straightforward on the surface, but the reality is far more complex and dynamic. They are the ones who spring into action when live bugs appear, figuring out the best and quickest way to deploy a fix.

The High-Stakes World of Live Ops

Imagine a critical issue surfaces that's frustrating players. The bat signal goes up, and it’s the Build and Release team that gets the call to push out a hotfix, whether it’s a server side or client side problem. This high pressure, fast moving environment is something Julie genuinely enjoys, describing it as "fast problem solving". A key part of this process involves working closely with partners at Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft to get approval for patches, ensuring they meet requirements for size and stability before going live on any marketplace.

A Journey to the Front Lines of Game Development

Julie’s journey to this critical role at Respawn is a story of passion and persistence. Starting as a double major in finance and information systems at the University of Florida, she faced a choice between a traditional finance path or diving into the tech world. She chose tech, landing an internship and then a full time engineering role at USAA, a company known for its technological prowess. There, her ability to translate between technical and business speak propelled her into architecture, where she spent several years.

A lifelong passion for video games, sparked by watching her dad play Sega Genesis, was always in the back of her mind. Feeling that San Antonio was a bit too sleepy for her, she looked towards Austin and saw an opening at EA. She decided to shoot her shot and applied.

Connecting Your Dots: A Philosophy for Career Growth

After a couple of years in central IT at EA, Julie wanted to get closer to the game development life cycle. She saw an opening for a release manager on the Apex team and made the leap. She has this wonderful philosophy she calls "connecting your dots". She knew she hadn't formally done live ops or been a manager before, but she drew parallels between her experiences leading compliance teams, managing crisis situations, and her extensive collaboration skills to what the role demanded. It’s a powerful reminder that the skills we build are often more transferable than we think. You just have to be the one to connect those dots for others.

The Human Element of Live Service Games

Now as a director, Julie's focus has shifted from tactical execution to the bigger picture, influencing the roadmap and fostering collaboration between her team and others like tools and gameplay. A great weekend for her is one where her team has already identified issues during the week, prepped the fixes, and has everything queued up and ready to go for Monday.

Fostering a Healthy Team Culture

This efficiency stems from a strong team culture built on trust and mutual respect. Her team members hold each other accountable, reminding each other to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Julie believes that great games are made by people and that having the right individuals aligned in culture and mission is the most critical ingredient for success. She sees her role as a leader to clear the path for her talented team so they can do what they were hired to do.

This people-first approach is crucial, especially in an industry where the lines between work and life can blur. The team actively listens to players on platforms like Reddit and Twitter to catch bugs and understand pain points. This direct line to the community not only helps solve problems quickly but also shows players that the Apex team is genuinely listening.

Ultimately, Julie’s story is a testament to the power of people in making great games. Her journey is an inspiring look behind the curtain, revealing the immense effort, strategic thinking, and human connection that go into delivering the games we love.