Mike Finnigan,

Design Director and Creative Executive.

Over 25 years of experience in the gaming industry driving live-service game development, cross functional teams, and player focused innovation.

Notable Shipped Titles

With over 25 years of experience in the industry, the following titles are the most noteable shipped titles I have a hand in shaping.

At ZeniMax Online Studios, I regularly represented the development team by communicating current and future initiatives to a variety of audiences. Whether speaking with players at conventions, participating in livestreams, attending community events, or conducting press interviews, I enjoyed building genuine connections with our community and gathering valuable player feedback. I also received extensive media training focused on brand messaging, communication strategy, and public speaking, enabling me to deliver clear, consistent messaging while remaining approachable and authentic.

What people have to say

I've had the honor and privilege to be managed by Mike directly. His leadership and guidance is some of the best that I have ever seen and his wealth of design knowledge is vast, a true talent in the industry. I have learned so much from him over my years at ZOS and I can say without a doubt that I wouldn't be the designer I am today if it weren't for his guidance. Mike is true joy to work with and any studio would be lucky too have him.

- Emily Vescovi

I have worked with Mike at 2 studios now, and boy am I glad he's around. Some people are an asset to the character of a studio, in that their charisma and energy have a positive effect on those around them. Other people are an asset to production, in that their ability to create and problem solve on a deadline are the bread and butter of meeting deadlines. Finnigan is both of these things, and having guys like him doing the content on my game is something that allows me to rest easy in the fact that great work is being done every day.

- Matt Weathers

Mike and I worked together and separately on and off throughout our two respective tenures at ZeniMax Online working on the Elder Scrolls Online. From our days in the dungeon mines, to our diverging paths throughout the studio, I have always known Mike to be an incredibly creative, fabulously generous, and unfailingly kind soul. His teams and his peers loved him, and even when we disagreed, I knew he always had the best interests of the game in mind and heart. There is nothing this man cannot do if he puts his mind to it, and all who work with him are made better for it.

- Greg Roth

I had the absolute privilege working under Mike’s leadership during my time at Zenimax Online Studios, most notably with the Dungeon Team on the StoneThorn DLC. Mike is a powerhouse Dungeon Director and an exceptional creative lead who truly understands how to elevate both the design of an encounter and the developers crafting it.

With his architectural vision and direction, he led and helped craft the most mechanically innovative, memorable, and beloved dungeons of The Elder Scrolls Online to life. In an industry where complex encounter/design pipelines and tight timelines can easily derail creative ambitions, Mike fostered an environment of clear communication, fierce support, and collaborative excellence. He trusts his team, champions their creative input, and navigates developmental hurdles with the calm composure of a true industry veteran.

Any studio looking for an extraordinary Design Director, Lead Encounter Designer, or creative leader would be incredibly fortunate to have Mike in their ranks. I cannot recommend him highly enough!

- Michael Audijie

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