Rawson Stovall

Video game producer, author, and first nationally-syndicated reviewer of video games

What is Rawson Stovall known for?

Rawson Law Stovall was born in 1972 in Abilene, Texas, where he also attended Cooper High School. His notable early interest in video games guided his career path, seeing him rise to become a renowned figure in the video game industry.

As a ten-year-old in 1982, Stovall got his first break when his video game column got featured in the 'Abilene Reporter-News', his local newspaper. Within a short amount of time, his column, dubbed "The Vid Kid", was syndicated across the United States, appearing in more than 24 newspapers. This made him the first nationally syndicated gaming journalist in the country. His exceptional work was recognized by the major media outlets, leading to appearances on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' and a regular spot on Discovery Channel's 'The New Tech Times'.

In addition to his journalism career, Stovall played an influential role in the gaming industry. In 1985, he was part of the team that introduced the Nintendo Entertainment System at its North American launch, marking a significant milestone in gaming history.

Stovall retired from video game journalism in 1990 to further his education at Southern Methodist University. After his studies, he explored various roles in the video game industry. He worked as a game designer and producer for major companies like Sony, Activision, Electronic Arts, and MGM Interactive. His most notable work includes producing video games in 'The Sims' franchise while at Electronic Arts.

Interestingly, Stovall was not just a gaming enthusiast but also a philanthropist from a young age. He once raised over $5000 for Abilene's mental health association, making him the youngest recipient of the Texas Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

From his beginnings as a video game columnist to becoming a notable game producer, Rawson Stovall's contributions to the video game industry have been significant and impactful. His journey is a testament to the power of passion and dedication in shaping one's career.