Slot machine and video game supplier Incredible Technologies announced the promotion of longtime game designer Dan Whelan to vice president of gaming product development.
Whelan is an IT veteran of 17 years at IT, most recently as art director and lead designer of an internal game design studio. In his new position, Whelan will oversee all of IT’s internal design teams in both the Chicago and Las Vegas offices, and will guide strategic product development pipeline decisions for the company’s casino gaming division.
Whelan joined IT in 2001 as a 3D artist for the company’s coin-operated Golden Tee Golf division. When IT made the strategic decision to enter the casino gaming market, Whelan transitioned to focus on the art needs for video slots, and has held the title of gaming art director since 2006.
Since 2012 ,Whelan has led IT’s internal design team, Heavyweight Studio, which is responsible for some of IT’s most popular casino games such as Leonidas, Crazy Money Deluxe, Heat ‘Em Up, and Fate of the 8 Power Wheel.
“I look forward to leading the talented group of developers in both Vernon Hills and Las Vegas,” said Whelan. “These are exciting times at Incredible Technologies; the future of the company is bright and I am very fortunate to be part of it.”
President & CEO Elaine Hodgson announced the promotion and noted that Whelan was the clear choice for this position. “Dan has an eye for what our audience wants,” Hodgson said. “He has created efficient pipelines for product without sacrificing creativity and quality. I am very happy he accepted this challenge and I can’t wait to see how he helps shape the future of IT’s product design.”
