Martin Horstman, a 2006 graduate of Stony Brook University, has transformed his early interest in game programming into a global platform for children. As an undergraduate majoring in applied mathematics and statistics with a minor in computer science at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Horstman was inspired to pursue programming by Professor Richard McKenna’s game programming class. Although he initially lacked the prerequisites to enroll, Horstman said, “I really wanted to learn all about it, so I bought the book they used in class, and I read it end to end to teach myself computer science, data and structure. That was really the push that set off my career path in programming.” He eventually took McKenna’s course.
Horstman later teamed up with his wife Alysha, an art teacher, to create Pixicade—a platform that converts drawings into video games. The company recently gained wider reach when Abacus Brands acquired Pixicade earlier this year. Following the acquisition, Horstman remains chief technology officer and continues to oversee operations alongside a team that includes other Stony Brook alumni.
A Q&A published on Stony Brook Matters explores how Horstman’s university experience influenced his professional journey and what led him and Alysha to launch Pixicade.
