Brett Sperry

Brett Sperry
Born	Connecticut, United States
Occupation(s)	Video game designer, fine arts gallerist, photographer
Known for	Co-founder and president of Westwood Studios; development of Command and Conquer franchise; arts development in Las Vegas

Brett Sperry is an American professional known for his work as a video game designer, fine arts gallerist, and photographer. He has played a major role in shaping the arts scene in Las Vegas, particularly through substantial investments in real estate and infrastructure within the Downtown Las Vegas district.

In the realm of gaming, Sperry co-established Westwood Studios and held the position of president, where he was instrumental in developing the Command and Conquer franchise. He earned recognition as the sixth most impactful figure in the history of computer gaming. Westwood Studios was honored with the 2015 Industry Icon Award at The Game Awards, hosted by Kiefer Sutherland.

Background and education

Originally from Connecticut, Brett Sperry relocated to the Las Vegas Valley in 1979. He attended Arizona State University for one year, focusing on studies in psychology and architecture. As a self-educated programmer, he began his career in video and computer game development within Las Vegas, undertaking contract assignments for firms including Imagic.

Westwood Studios

In 1985, Brett Sperry and his business associate Louis Castle launched Brelous Software from a garage in Las Vegas, with Sperry acting as president and Executive Producer. Shortly thereafter, the company was renamed Westwood Associates, before adopting the name Westwood Studios in 1992 to highlight its studio-based identity.

As Westwood achieved growing success, Sperry and Castle were approached with acquisition proposals from both Sierra Entertainment and Virgin Interactive (under Spelling Entertainment Group). They ultimately sold Westwood to Virgin in 1992, favoring greater operational independence despite a more lucrative offer from Sierra. Under Sperry’s guidance as President and Executive Producer, Westwood became one of the leading entities in the gaming industry.

In 1997, Sperry took on an expanded role as President of Worldwide Development at Virgin Interactive, tasked with rejuvenating its gaming divisions. The following year, Electronic Arts purchased Westwood's assets from Spelling/Virgin, incorporating its valuable portfolio into EA's operations.

Jet Set Games

In early 2009, Brett Sperry co-founded Jet Set Games, a software publisher based in Las Vegas that specializes in mobile platforms like iPads and iPhones. Their initial prominent title was the strategy game Highborn, marking their entry into the competitive mobile gaming sector.

Las Vegas arts developer

Since 2007, Brett Sperry has been instrumental in fostering growth within the Las Vegas arts community.

Brett Wesley Gallery and Artifice Lounge

Starting with a land acquisition downtown in 2007, Sperry designed and developed the award-winning Brett Wesley Gallery, which showcased major art exhibitions featuring international artists. In 2016, it received accolades as "Best of the City."

Furthering his commitment to arts development, Sperry collaborated with Trinity Schlotmann to convert a vacant warehouse from the 1950s into Artifice Lounge—an art-inspired bar and lounge that supports neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Art Square

Sperry invested significantly in Art Square, a 20,000-square-foot property that includes retail outlets, professional offices, desert gardens, a performance theater, and a restaurant—all except for the restaurant were designed by him. In 2015, this complex was sold to Las Vegas Arts District Development.

The Modern Contemporary and Luminous Park

In 2009, Sperry assumed the role of Chairman for a proposed $29 million international-standard arts museum in Las Vegas, known as "The Modern Contemporary," which was envisioned as a component of the larger "Luminous Park" project. He stepped down from his chairmanship in 2014 but continued to contribute as an engaged member of the board.

External links

• Brett Wesley Gallery