How to Create Breakthrough Worldwide Hits, with Amy Jo Kim

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

Player FM - Internet Radio Done Right

15 subscribers

تمت الإضافة منذ قبل eight عام

المحتوى المقدم من Jordan Blackman. يتم تحميل جميع محتويات البودكاست بما في ذلك الحلقات والرسومات وأوصاف البودكاست وتقديمها مباشرة بواسطة Jordan Blackman أو شريك منصة البودكاست الخاص بهم. إذا كنت تعتقد أن شخصًا ما يستخدم عملك المحمي بحقوق الطبع والنشر دون إذنك، فيمكنك اتباع العملية الموضحة هنا https://ar.player.fm/legal.

All About Change

1
Chris Nowinski - Protecting Athletes from Head Injuries & Preventing CTE 27:28

منذ 5 أيام27:28

التشغيل لاحقا

قوائم

إعجاب

احب

27:28

Chris Nowinski is a former football player at Harvard University and professional wrestler with WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment. After enduring a career-ending head injury, Chris has dedicated his professional life to serving patients and families affected by brain trauma, particularly Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that develops after repeated head injuries. Jay and Chris discuss the state of head injuries in American athletics, the difference between advocating for head safety at youth and professional levels, Chris’ newest research, and much more. Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:50) changes in the culture around concussions in the past two decades (02:39) padded helmet technology (03:55) concussion reporting in the NFL (10:35) Chris’ career path and concussion history (14:52) connecting with activists who haven’t themselves suffered a traumatic brain injury (17:42) SHAAKE - a new sign to identify concussions (20:53) Unions can help players advocate for safety policies (23:10) final thoughts and goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/…

منذ 3 أعوام 40:58

MP3•منزل الحلقة

In this episode:

Jordan sits down with Amy Jo Kim, a game designer, community architect, and innovation coach, named by Fortune as one of the “Top 10 Influential Women in Games.” Amy Jo has contributed to hit games like The Sims, Rock Band, Ultima Online, and Covet Fashion, and has worked on non-gaming products such as eBay, Netflix, and NYTimes.com. She is also the author of “Community Building on the Web” (2000) and “Game Thinking” (2018).

Amy Jo dives deep into her concept of “Superfans” and explains why they are critical to achieving market success. She discusses her approach to creating innovative products, how to find superfans early, and how this methodology can scale projects to achieve global success.

Topics covered:

What are “Super Fans” and why they are critical to getting a “beachhead” in the market
Why the “Fast Follow” method limits growth potential
How to quickly find and engage with Superfans to grow your product
How to create innovative projects that scale in a BIG way
Amy Jo’s Superfan Challenge: A free challenge designed to help teams identify their superfans

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Episode Timestamps:

02:58 Introduction to Amy Jo Kim and her journey in the gaming industry

06:26 Combining game design with innovation across industries

07:44 The power of Superfans: engaging early adopters to drive product success

12:12 Avoiding the “Fast Follow” strategy: learning from copycat games

16:14 Testing your core game loop with superfans and early adopters

20:07 The role of Superfans in evolving game design

22:06 Why tuning the core loop is essential for success

25:38 The connection between the core loop and player journey

28:22 Using Superfan techniques to build a community

34:43 Identifying superfans in casual games

38:31 Join Amy Jo Kim’s Superfan Challenge

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Amy Jo Kim:

Amy Jo on LinkedIn
Amy Jo on Twitter
Take Amy Jo’s FREE challenge: Superfan Challenge
Check out Game Thinking: GameThinking.io
Amy Jo's Podcast: Getting2Alpha
Books by Amy Jo Kim:
Game Thinking: Innovate Smarter & Drive Deep Engagement with Design Techniques from Hit Games
Community Building on the Web: Secret Strategies for Successful Online Communities

Games & companies mentioned:

Rock Band (Harmonix)
The Sims (Maxis)
Ultima Online (Origin Systems)
Covet Fashion (Crowdstar)
Zynga
Guitar Hero (Harmonix)
Left 4 Dead (Valve)
Minecraft (Mojang)
SimCity (Maxis)
Fortnite (Epic Games)
Roblox (Roblox Corporation)
Dance Dance Revolution (Konami)

39 حلقات

#Video Games #Lifestyle #Business #Jordan Blackman #Careers #Game Design #Gaming Careers #Games #Mobile Game #Gaming Industry #Indie Games #Game Entrepreneurship

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

How to Create Breakthrough Worldwide Hits, with Amy Jo Kim

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

15 subscribers

published منذ 3 أعوام

MP3•منزل الحلقة

In this episode:

Topics covered:

What are “Super Fans” and why they are critical to getting a “beachhead” in the market
Why the “Fast Follow” method limits growth potential
How to quickly find and engage with Superfans to grow your product
How to create innovative projects that scale in a BIG way
Amy Jo’s Superfan Challenge: A free challenge designed to help teams identify their superfans

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Episode Timestamps:

02:58 Introduction to Amy Jo Kim and her journey in the gaming industry

06:26 Combining game design with innovation across industries

07:44 The power of Superfans: engaging early adopters to drive product success

12:12 Avoiding the “Fast Follow” strategy: learning from copycat games

16:14 Testing your core game loop with superfans and early adopters

20:07 The role of Superfans in evolving game design

22:06 Why tuning the core loop is essential for success

25:38 The connection between the core loop and player journey

28:22 Using Superfan techniques to build a community

34:43 Identifying superfans in casual games

38:31 Join Amy Jo Kim’s Superfan Challenge

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Amy Jo Kim:

Amy Jo on LinkedIn
Amy Jo on Twitter
Take Amy Jo’s FREE challenge: Superfan Challenge
Check out Game Thinking: GameThinking.io
Amy Jo's Podcast: Getting2Alpha
Books by Amy Jo Kim:
Game Thinking: Innovate Smarter & Drive Deep Engagement with Design Techniques from Hit Games
Community Building on the Web: Secret Strategies for Successful Online Communities

Games & companies mentioned:

Rock Band (Harmonix)
The Sims (Maxis)
Ultima Online (Origin Systems)
Covet Fashion (Crowdstar)
Zynga
Guitar Hero (Harmonix)
Left 4 Dead (Valve)
Minecraft (Mojang)
SimCity (Maxis)
Fortnite (Epic Games)
Roblox (Roblox Corporation)
Dance Dance Revolution (Konami)

39 حلقات

#Video Games #Lifestyle #Business #Jordan Blackman #Careers #Game Design #Gaming Careers #Games #Mobile Game #Gaming Industry #Indie Games #Game Entrepreneurship

Alle episoder

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

1
The Mindset of Personal Success in the Game Industry, with Tommy Tallarico 47:27

منذ 3 years47:27

47:27

In this episode: Jordan sits down with legendary video game composer, producer, and entrepreneur Tommy Tallarico, whose career spans over 30 years in the gaming industry. Known for his work on iconic titles like Prince of Persia, Earthworm Jim, and MDK, Tommy shares his inspiring journey from homelessness to launching major projects such as Video Games Live and the new Intellivision Amico console. This episode dives deep into Tommy’s mindset for success, offering advice on goal-setting, perseverance, and the importance of networking. Tommy also discusses his approach to creating successful video games and his passion for bringing back family-friendly gaming experiences. Topics covered: How Tommy broke into the video game industry His journey working on iconic games like Prince of Persia and Earthworm Jim Tommy’s vision for the Intellivision Amico and how it aims to bring back family gaming Insights into building successful development teams and working with indie developers The future of video games post-pandemic and the impact of remote work on creativity For more game industry tips: Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review) Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more! Episode Timestamps: [01:43] Tommy's early career journey: from game tester to game audio [06:30] First big break with Prince of Persia and redefining sound design in games [10:15] Tommy’s mindset on success [13:10] Goal-setting and climbing metaphorical mountains in your career [17:10] Networking and why selling yourself is key to success [20:00] The importance of passion and genuine connection with others [24:10] Intellivision Amico and the return of couch co-op gaming [32:15] How Amico offers a unique digital board game experience [36:00] Working with indie developers and offering personalized development support [40:50] The impact of COVID-19 on game development and team collaboration [44:20] Tommy’s final thoughts on on success and his future projects Resources & media mentioned in this episode: Connect with Tommy on LinkedIn Check out more of Tommy’s work Meet Amico ! Connect with Tommy on Instagram Watch "The Secret" Documentary The Secret (Book byRhonda Byrne) How to Win Friends & Influence People (Book by Dale Carnegie) How to Make Anyone Fall in Love with You (Book by Leil Lowndes) Explore the teachings of Eckhart Tolle…

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

1
How to Create Breakthrough Worldwide Hits, with Amy Jo Kim 40:58

منذ 3 years40:58

40:58

In this episode: Jordan sits down with Amy Jo Kim, a game designer, community architect, and innovation coach, named by Fortune as one of the “Top 10 Influential Women in Games.” Amy Jo has contributed to hit games like The Sims, Rock Band, Ultima Online, and Covet Fashion, and has worked on non-gaming products such as eBay, Netflix, and NYTimes.com. She is also the author of “Community Building on the Web” (2000) and “Game Thinking” (2018). Amy Jo dives deep into her concept of “Superfans” and explains why they are critical to achieving market success. She discusses her approach to creating innovative products, how to find superfans early, and how this methodology can scale projects to achieve global success. Topics covered: What are “Super Fans” and why they are critical to getting a “beachhead” in the market Why the “Fast Follow” method limits growth potential How to quickly find and engage with Superfans to grow your product How to create innovative projects that scale in a BIG way Amy Jo’s Superfan Challenge: A free challenge designed to help teams identify their superfans For more game industry tips: Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review) Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more! Episode Timestamps: 02:58 Introduction to Amy Jo Kim and her journey in the gaming industry 06:26 Combining game design with innovation across industries 07:44 The power of Superfans: engaging early adopters to drive product success 12:12 Avoiding the “Fast Follow” strategy: learning from copycat games 16:14 Testing your core game loop with superfans and early adopters 20:07 The role of Superfans in evolving game design 22:06 Why tuning the core loop is essential for success 25:38 The connection between the core loop and player journey 28:22 Using Superfan techniques to build a community 34:43 Identifying superfans in casual games 38:31 Join Amy Jo Kim’s Superfan Challenge Resources & media mentioned in this episode: Connect with Amy Jo Kim: Amy Jo on LinkedIn Amy Jo on Twitter Take Amy Jo’s FREE challenge: Superfan Challenge Check out Game Thinking: GameThinking.io Amy Jo's Podcast: Getting2Alpha Books by Amy Jo Kim : Game Thinking: Innovate Smarter & Drive Deep Engagement with Design Techniques from Hit Games Community Building on the Web: Secret Strategies for Successful Online Communities Games & companies mentioned: Rock Band (Harmonix) The Sims (Maxis) Ultima Online (Origin Systems) Covet Fashion (Crowdstar) Zynga Guitar Hero (Harmonix) Left 4 Dead (Valve) Minecraft (Mojang) SimCity (Maxis) Fortnite (Epic Games) Roblox (Roblox Corporation) Dance Dance Revolution (Konami)…

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

1
Shots On Goal, with Jon Radoff 50:59

منذ 4 years50:59

50:59

In this episode: Jordan sits down with Jon Radoff, the founder of Beamable,the creator-centric platform for building live games in Unity. Jon's career spans across multiple areas of the game industry, from building one of the first commercial internet games to leading the development of popular mobile games like Game of Thrones Ascent and Star Trek Timelines. Jon shares his insights on building successful games by taking multiple "shots on goal," balancing creativity with data, and understanding when to pivot or push forward with a project. He also dives into the future of the metaverse and how it could impact game development. Topics covered: Jon’s entrepreneurial journey and how Beamable evolved into what it is today Key tips and techniques for getting your game off the ground The balance between iterating on a game and deciding when to move on to a new project Why you should get user feedback before you even have a playable version of your game How to know when it’s time to throw in the towel on a project The future of the metaverse and how creators will shape it For more game industry tips: Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review) Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more! Episode Timestamps: [03:16] Jon’s start in games: creating one of the first commercial games on the internet [08:26] Moving into mobile games and the creation of Game of Thrones Ascent [10:15] How to balance creativity and data in game development [13:00] The importance of taking "shots on goal" in game design and business strategy [17:53] When to start testing and gathering feedback on game ideas [20:05] Building an audience and gathering feedback before having a playable game [25:22] Lessons learned from Star Trek Timelines and using real-time data from players [28:30] Managing risk and deciding when to stop working on a game [31:45] Balancing iteration time versus moving on to a new project [35:03] Creativity in game development versus pure data-driven design [38:25] The future of game creation and Beamable’s vision [44:43] Jon’s thoughts on the metaverse Resources & media mentioned in this episode: Connect with Jon: Jon on LinkedIn Jon on Twitter Jon’s Blog Check out Beamable: Learn more Follow Beamable on Instagram Connect with Beamable on Facebook Games mentioned: Game of Thrones Ascent (Disruptor Beam) Star Trek Timelines (Tilting Point) Archer: Danger Phone (East Side Games) Rocket League (Psyonix) Among Us (InnerSloth) Candy Crush (King)…

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

1
How to Win as a Mobile Game Entrepreneur, With Joakim Achrén 44:07

منذ 4 years44:07

44:07

In this episode: Jordan interviews Joakim Achrén, a gaming entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience. Joakim shares his journey from co-founding two venture-backed gaming startups, including Next Games (which IPOed in 2017), to his current role at Elite Game Developers. Joakim helps aspiring game entrepreneurs launch their own studios and is also an angel investor in companies like Skunkworks Games, Lightheart Entertainment, and Savage Game Studios. He also provides deep insights into how mobile game entrepreneurs can navigate the challenges of game development, from early validation to scaling successful games. Topics covered: How Joakim caught “the bug” for helping other founders What comes between the early validation phase and obtaining data from user behavior within a playable version of your game The most common trap mobile developers fall into The biggest takeaways you should be gaining from your metrics The key to building mobile games that make players want to come back The balance between “stealing like an artist” and innovating What the gaming industry can learn from Pixar’s creative process For more game industry tips: Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review) Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more! Episode Timestamps: [03:31] Joakim's early career and his journey into game development [06:52] Starting Next Games and working with AMC on The Walking Dead [09:48] The "bug" that inspired Joakim to help game founders [12:11] Biggest mistakes mobile game developers make [14:56] Joakim's view on Game Pass and the evolution of free-to-play models on PC and console [17:35] Understanding the gap between early validation and real user data [22:06] The common pitfalls in mobile game concepting and iteration [27:57] The balance between innovation and "stealing like an artist" [31:45] Building an audience-first approach in game development [36:15] Pixar’s "Brain Trust" model and how it applies to game studios [40:36] The impact of COVID-19 on the game industry and the rise of social gaming [44:20] Joakim’s thoughts on the future of mobile gaming and game development Resources & media mentioned in this episode: Connect with Joakim Achrén: Joakim on LinkedIn Joakim on Twitter Joakim’s Blog Learn more about Elite Game Developers: Elite Game Developers Website Books mentioned: Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull Games mentioned: The Walking Dead (Next Games) Pokemon Go (Niantic) Jurassic World Alive (Ludia) Genshin Impact (Hoyoverse)…

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

1
What Games Truly Are, with Tadhg Kelly 58:43

منذ 4 years58:43

58:43

In this episode: Jordan sits down with Tadhg Kelly, an experienced consultant specializing in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and video games, with a rich background in game design and production. Tadhg has held significant roles at notable companies like BSkyB, Lionhead Studios, Climax Studios, and Mobile Game Doctor. His work spans a variety of game projects, from board games and live-action role-playing games to large-scale PC games and innovative AR/VR technologies. In this episode, Tadhg shares his journey from game designer to consultant, offering invaluable insights into the industry's evolution and the lessons he has learned along the way. Topics covered: Tadhg’s transition from game designer to consultant and the lessons he learned along the way Understanding the "Sexy/Worthy Trap" and how to use it to your advantage in game design Balancing speed-to-market against feature development in game projects The benefit of having diverse skill sets in the gaming industry Common mistakes made in the early stages of game development The value of letting your game developer do their job For more game industry tips: Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review) Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more! Timestamps: [03:04] Tadhg’s journey from game designer to consultant [06:15] Lessons learned from working on various game projects [09:47] Examples of “cliff projects” and challenges in game development [13:00] Consulting and transitioning from traditional game development [17:19] The “Sexy / Worthy Trap” and how it influences successful games [22:27] Simple mistakes in the early stages of game development [24:06] Why assumptions about gameplay and player psychology can lead to failure [26:57] The importance of being “sexy” rather than “worthy” in game development [30:09] Writing game design documentation and focusing on the user experience [36:30] Lessons from working on platforms like OUYA and Magic Leap [44:43] Tadhg’s thoughts on consulting and what’s next in the game industry Resources & media mentioned in this episode: Connect with Tadhg: LinkedIn Work with Tadhg at Mobile Game Doctor Read the What Games Are Blog Twitter Games & companies mentioned: Lionhead Studios Climax Studios Sky Games OUYA Magic Leap EverQuest (Daybreak Games) Among Us (Innersloth) Minecraft (Mojang) Farmville (Zynga) World of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment)…

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

1
How to Start a Mobile Studio, with Travis Boatman 40:33

منذ 4 years40:33

40:33

In this episode: Jordan interviews Travis Boatman, CEO and co-founder of Carbonated, a mobile game studio based in LA. Travis is a 25-year veteran of the game industry, with over 20 years of experience in mobile games. He has previously served as SVP of Mobile at Zynga and Electronic Arts (EA), where he led global studios and mobile game strategy. Travis discusses his entrepreneurial journey, the pillars of a successful studio, and his approach to building games in a rapidly evolving market. Topics covered: Travis’s journey from producer to Senior VP and eventually founding his own studio The three essential pillars of the game industry How to follow customer feedback toward success How the game industry is similar to stand up comedy The importance of embracing new technologies continuously What sets successful LiveOps games apart from others For more game industry tips: Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review) Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more! Timestamps: [03:02] Travis’ journey from game producer to running Carbonated [06:15] The three pillars of the game industry [10:42] How technology drives game mechanics and innovation [13:38] Why staying updated on technology trends is crucial for long-term success [15:18] Starting Carbonated and the role of a strong technical co-founder [24:39] The impact of mobile on high-quality games like Call of Duty and Fortnite [27:27] Strategies for building a two-product studio and managing team morale [33:38] Understanding player feedback through platforms like Reddit and Discord [37:00] Why trying to appeal to everyone in game design often leads to failure [38:35] Travis’ thoughts on keeping focus in game development Resources & media mentioned in this episode: Connect with Travis Boatman: LinkedIn Twitter Learn more about Carbonated: Website Twitter Discord Facebook Games & companies mentioned: Zynga Electronic Arts (EA) Unity Unreal Engine Call of Duty Mobile (Activision) Fortnite (Epic Games) Genshin Impact (HoYoverse) PUBG Mobile (Krafton/Tencent) Free Fire (Garena) Candy Crush (King)…

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

1
How to Create Innovative Game Designs, with Nick Fortugno 38:00

منذ 4 years38:00

38:00

In this episode: Jordan sits down with Nick Fortugno, an entrepreneur, game designer, and interactive narrative expert. Nick is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at Playmatics, a company known for creating innovative digital and real-world experiences for top organizations like Pro Publica, Red Bull, AMC (including the CableFAX award-winning Breaking Bad: The Interrogation ), Disney, the American Museum of Natural History, and more. Nick also teaches at Parsons School of Design, where he's helped shape their game design curriculum. Topics covered: Nick’s journey from intern to Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Playmatics Key lessons on keeping a game studio afloat and competitive in a crowded market The game-changing principles of game design he’s picked up over the course of his career “Failing up” in game design: how mistakes fuel innovation The MDA framework (Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics) as an approach to game design and how he utilizes this technique What Nick looks for when hiring game designers and producers: what’s taught in school vs. what needs to be cultivated The role of artificial intelligence in the future of gaming technology For more game industry tips: Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review) Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more! Episode Timestamps: [03:29] Nick’s early career and transition into game design [06:35] The foundation and evolution of Playmatics [08:02] The two key lessons that helped Playmatics survive and thrive [11:36] Innovative game design approach at Playmatics [16:09] How game genres evolve and how designers can think beyond genre constraints [19:40] The value of early prototypes and using failure to innovate [21:00] Using MDA as a approach to game design [24:29] What Nick looks for when hiring game designers and producers [28:56] The role of AI and machine learning in future game development [34:25] How social gaming has grown during the pandemic Resources & media mentioned in this episode: Connect with Nick Fortugno: LinkedIn Twitter Learn more about Playmatics: Website Check out the Come Out and Play Street Games Festival Games & companies mentioned: Playmatics AreaCode Rebel Monkey GameLab (Diner Dash) Pro Publica (The Waiting Game) Breaking Bad: The Interrogation (AMC) The Street Game Festival (Come Out and Play) Revolutionary Choices (Educational history game)…

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

1
Crypto Gaming 101, with Emma-Jane MacKinnon-Lee 51:56

منذ 4 years51:56

51:56

In this episode: Jordan interviews Emma-Jane MacKinnon-Lee, a dynamic innovator at the intersection of gaming, web3, and digital fashion. Emma-Jane is the founder of DIGITALAX, the pioneer digital fashion NFT protocol and marketplace for gaming and esports. In this episode, she discusses how web3 technologies like NFTs, cryptocurrency, and decentralization are transforming the gaming industry. Emma-Jane dives deep into the metaverse and discusses how the game industry stands to be disrupted during the rise of ”web3” technologies that enable digital scarcity, decentralization, and interoperability. Topics covered: Emma-Jane’s journey from space engineering to founding DIGITALAX The intersection of gaming, fashion, and NFTs in web3 The challenges of interoperability in digital fashion and gaming How NFTs and cryptocurrency bring value to in-game assets The potential of web3 to create sustainable careers for indie game developers Advice for game developers looking to enter the NFT space For more game industry tips: Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review) Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more! Timestamps: [03:15] Emma-Jane's journey from space engineering to gaming and NFTs [06:28] What DIGITALAX is and how it relates to the game industry [09:05] What Ethereum is and its relevance to gaming and NFTs [11:50] Layer two solutions: Making Ethereum scalable and sustainable [14:24] The rise of the metaverse and its impact on digital economies [16:58] How NFTs create interoperability and value across different digital ecosystems [22:04] Challenges of interoperability between different games and environments [24:27] How decentralized value systems (NFTs and blockchain) empower game developers [30:29] The importance of programmable incentives in building gaming ecosystems [33:23] The role of mod culture in gaming and digital fashion [44:04] Emma-Jane’s advice for developers entering the NFT space Resources & media mentioned in this episode: Connect with Emma-Jane MacKinnon-Lee: Twitter Learn more about DIGITALAX: DIGITALAX Discord Games & companies mentioned: DIGITALAX ESPA (casual esports platform by DIGITALAX) Digifizzy (Magazine for the Metaverse) Ethereum, Matic (Polygon)…

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

1
From Late-Night Game Hobbyist to Successful Studio Owner, with Colm Larkin 40:19

منذ 4 years40:19

40:19

In this episode: Jordan sits down with Colm Larkin, a programmer, game designer, and board game enthusiast. He is the founder of Gambrinous and creator of indie hits Guild of Dungeoneering and Cardpocalypse. Colm has recently been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at IMIRT, the Irish Game Makers Association. In this interview, Colm shares his inspiring journey from part-time game developer to full-time studio owner and discusses the lessons learned along the way. Topics covered: Colm’s transition from part-time to full-time game development The importance of conquering perfectionism when building your game What helped Colm the most in getting his first game off the ground How to know when it’s time to start expanding your team as an indie developer To animate or not to animate? The impacts of art on your creation process How to set yourself up for success when it comes to seeking out a publisher For more game industry tips: Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review) Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more! Timestamps: [04:51] Colm’s journey from part-time game dev to full-time studio owner [06:18] The "One Game a Month" challenge and the early development of Guild of Dungeoneering [10:41] Overcoming perfectionism and finishing projects [17:15] How Colm knew it was time to expand the team 19:04 Managing time and being productive as an indie developer 20:47 Partnering with an artist and how it transformed Guild of Dungeoneering [22:59] How unique art styles can help indie games stand out [28:02] Early marketing strategies and pre-order success [30:06] Advice on working with publishers and finding the right fit [34:48] Colm’s thoughts on oversharing and working on a “secret” project Resources & media mentioned in this episode: Connect with Colm Larkin: LinkedIn Twitter Learn more about Gambrinous: Website Check out the announcement of Colm’s Secret Project! Watch Colm’s talk: “Share Your Games” Games & companies mentioned: Guild of Dungeoneering (Gambrinous) Cardpocalypse (Gambrinous) Spelunky (Derek Yu) Papers, Please (Lucas Pope) Minecraft (Mojang) Limbo (Playdead) Superhot (Superhot Team) Cuphead (Studio MDHR) The Banner Saga (Stoic Studio) Versus Evil (Publisher) Steam Greenlight (Valve)…

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

1
Season 2 Trailer of Playmakers: The Game Industry Podcast! 1:45

منذ 4 years1:45

1:45

Playmakers is back with a brand new season by and for game industry professionals. We're bringing you actionable insights you can use to grow in your career, make better games, and improve your game industry business. The pandemic has been called "The Great Accelerator" and it's important to stay on top of where the industry is going. That's why we're bringing you an amazing variety of game industry leaders and legends to light the way. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you love to listen and head to www.playmakerspodcast.com to check out even more resources and episodes. We're really proud and excited to show you what we've been cooking up. Game on.…

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

1
The Art of Transmedia Storytelling, with Chris Ferriter 47:27

منذ 4 years47:27

47:27

In this episode: Jordan sits down with Chris Ferriter, an award-winning Producer and Designer. Chris’s career began in 1994, spanning both the motion picture and video game industries. He transitioned to the gaming industry in 1998 and has since produced over 50 games for top publishers like THQ, Midway, Ubisoft, and EA Sports. He is currently the President of Halon Entertainment, a visualization, virtual production, and game cinematics studio. Halon has collaborated with blockbuster films like Star Wars, Avatar, and The Mandalorian, as well as game cinematics for XCOM 2, God of War, Fortnite, and more. Listen in as Chris shares insights on how game engine technology is transforming storytelling and production across industries. Topics covered: Chris’s journey from film to games and back to virtual production Breaking into the industry: getting a degree vs. getting your foot in the door How to tell the best possible story with transmedia storytelling The importance of previs (previsualization) in storytelling and production Behind-the-scenes of game development and cinematics The COVID-accelerated normalization of virtual production workflows For more game industry tips: Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review) Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more! Episode Timestamps: [04:48] Chris’s start in the industry and how his background in film influenced his career in games [06:50] Early experience with optical and digital visual effects [08:06] Transition to games and joining THQ as a game tester [10:27] Breaking into the industry: the role of a degree vs. getting your foot in the door [14:09] Halon Entertainment's role in both game and film production [16:06] Behind the scenes of big-budget cinematics [22:42] How small developers can bring cinematic techniques into their games [28:56] Virtual production workflow and its benefits [34:24] Virtual production’s impact on the industry during COVID-19 [37:44] Virtual environments and LED stage technology in storytelling 44:58 Chris’s thoughts and advice on storytelling across mediums Resources & media mentioned in this episode: Connect with Chris Ferriter: LinkedIn Twitter Learn more about Halon Entertainment: Website Facebook Twitter Games, films, & companies mentioned: THQ Ubisoft Midway EA Halon Entertainment CSI The Mandalorian The Lion King Red Dead Redemption Fallout Dead Space No man’s Sky Ghost of Tsushima Assassin's Creed…

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

1
How to Succeed in the Indie Games Business, with Jay Powell 37:51

منذ 4 years37:51

37:51

In this episode: Jordan sits down with Jay Powell, the founder of The Powell Group, a video game consulting firm specializing in business development, publishing support, and licensing. Jay has over 20 years of experience in the games industry, working with companies like Other Ocean, Spill Games, and Deep Silver. He also leads the Indie Game Business Initiative, which produces a weekly podcast and virtual business conferences to help indie developers understand the business and marketing side of game development. Jay shares his insights on how indie developers can strategize their approach to publishers, avoid common business mistakes, and navigate the publishing landscape in a post-pandemic world. Topics covered: How to strategize your approach to publishers as an indie developer Avoiding common business mistakes made by small studios Current opportunities in the game development market for indie devs The impact of the pandemic on publishing for indie and small teams The role of platforms like Microsoft Game Pass in today’s distribution landscape For more game industry tips: Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review) Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more! Timestamps: [03:28] Jay’s career journey and how he started The Powell Group [06:15] The biggest mistakes indie developers make when approaching publishers [10:48] Understanding the publishing landscape and your options [14:00] How to prioritize your pitch to publishers [18:10] The role of playable demos in pitching your game [22:36] The impact of COVID-19 on indie game development and publishing [27:50] Opportunities in the market for indie developers [32:06] The role of platforms like Microsoft Game Pass in indie game distribution [35:40] Jay’s advice for indie developers Resources & media mentioned in this episode: Connect with Jay Powell: LinkedIn Twitter Learn more about The Powell Group and Indie Games Business: The Powell Group Check out The Indie Game Business Podcast Indie Game Business Indie Game Business - Twitch Get your free list of over 600 game publishers! Games,platforms, & companies mentioned: Microsoft Game Pass Spill Games Deep Silver Other Ocean Steam Amazon Luna Google Stadia…

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

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Rapid Prototyping Secrets for Better Games, with Bernard François 46:33

منذ 4 years46:33

46:33

In this episode: Jordan interviews Bernard François, founder of Preview Labs, a company that specializes in rapid prototyping for video games. They have created prototypes for Amazon, Wargaming, Unity, Disney Imagineering, Google R&D, and more. Bernard shares expert insights into the world of prototyping, offering practical advice on how to build prototypes that are efficient, effective, and serve as a foundation for innovative game development. Topics covered: Bernard’s journey from programmer to founding Preview Labs The key differences between prototypes, MVPs, vertical slices, and grey boxing The difference between internal prototypes and prototypes for a pitch How to set up an effective prototype and key variables to consider Common prototyping mistakes and how to avoid them The importance of functional graphics in prototypes Knowing when to stop the prototyping process and move forward with production For more game industry tips: Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review) Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more! Timestamps: [02:53] Bernard’s background and how Preview Labs began [04:11] Bernard’s journey to becoming a prototyping expert [06:53] The formation of Preview Labs and its early success [09:44] Defining a prototype’s vision and key mechanics [11:58] The importance of keeping prototypes simple [13:21] Prototyping for pitches versus internal prototyping [17:35] Feature creep and the importance of scope [19:53] How to make use of variables and iterations in prototypes [23:03] The value of functional graphics over grey boxing [28:52] When to stop prototyping and move into production [34:20] Common pitfalls in prototyping and how to avoid them Resources & media mentioned in this episode: Connect with Bernard François: LinkedIn Twitter Learn more about Preview Labs: Website Facebook LinkedIn Games & companies mentioned: Amazon Google R&D Unity Disney Imagineering XCOM 2 (Firaxis Games) God of War (Santa Monica Studio) Fortnite (Epic Games) Bejeweled (PopCap Games) The Waiting Game (ProPublica)…

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

1
Inside the Mind of a Game God, with Steve Meretzky 51:43

منذ 4 years51:43

51:43

In this episode: Jordan interviews the legendary Steve Meretzky, a game designer and producer, best known for creating Infocom games. Steve was recognized as one of PC Gamer’s “Game Gods” and is renowned for his work on beloved text adventures like Zork, Planetfall, and Leather Goddesses of Phobos. He’s also held senior creative roles at companies such as King, GSN, and Disney/Playdom. Steve shares wisdom from his long career in the gaming industry, covering everything from IP development, narrative and character design, puzzle creation, and more. Topics covered: Steve's career journey and early days at Infocom How to identify if a game project is on track for greatness Moderating creative ambition to manage team resources The story behind the creation of Leather Goddesses of Phobos What should come first, the story or the puzzles in an adventure game? Choosing the right IP for a game project Steve's thoughts on game writing and character development A valuable story about the dangers of not leveraging successes when you have them For more game industry tips: Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review) Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more! Timestamps: [03:16] Steve’s entry into the game industry and Infocom [07:05] Writing and designing Planetfall [10:23] How Planetfall made players cry [12:30] Identifying a successful game in development [15:25] Technology challenges and risks: The Unity and Facebook project [17:14] Balancing creative ambition and resource management [21:00] Game writing and storytelling: Challenges in nonlinear mediums [23:12] Her Story and innovative game storytelling [26:00] Puzzle design in text adventures [28:44] IP development: The story behind Leather Goddesses of Phobos [35:25] Leveraging IP and sequels: Mobsters and Gardens of Time [40:28] Steve’s approach to working with existing IP Resources & media mentioned in this episode: Connect with Steve Meretzky: LinkedIn Games & companies mentioned: Infocom Playdom Disney Interactive GSN King Planetfall (Infocom) Leather Goddesses of Phobos (Infocom) Zork series (Infocom) Mobsters (Playdom) Gardens of Time (Playdom) Her Story (Sam Barlow) The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Infocom) Blackwood & Bell Mysteries (Playdom)…

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

1
From Table Tops to Live Ops, with Bruce Harlick 49:49

منذ 5 years49:49

49:49

In this episode: Jordan sits down with Bruce Harlick, a seasoned game designer who primarily worked on role-playing games. Bruce has worked with some of the industry's biggest names, including Zynga, LucasArts, NCSoft, and Hangar 13, and is now Systems Design Director at Ripple Effect Studios. He shares deep insights into game design, live ops, and the creative challenges of balancing business demands with game development. Topics covered: How to determine the right amount of content to launch with Designing games to avoid a never-ending content treadmill for your team The benefits of live ops for creativity in comparison to launching new games How to design effective content tools The impact of tech and procedural debt on a game’s future Balancing between retention and revenue in LiveOps games How to put together a quarterly calendar of content releases in a way that balances the key KPI How to balance out risky new features with reliable features The importance of working closely with the game’s community to design content players love Why passion and empathy are critical to successful game design For more game industry tips: Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review) Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more! Timestamps: [03:04] Bruce’s journey from tabletop games to live ops [06:15] Lessons from managing content on tabletop role-playing games like Champions [10:12] Transition from physical to digital games, and joining Monolith to work on The Matrix Online [13:00] Learning from The Matrix Online and the rise of live game operations [17:14] The importance of designing for live operations early on [21:00] How live games differ from launching a one-time game product [25:32] Creating evergreen systems and scalable content for live games [28:52] Managing tech debt and the challenges of balancing performance with content expansion [32:33] The value of collaborating with your community for live content [36:15] Designing a quarterly calendar for content updates [40:52] Balancing creativity and risk in game updates [44:43] Bruce’s thoughts on live ops and creating long-lasting games Resources & media mentioned in this episode: Connect with Bruce Harlick: LinkedIn Instagram Games, movies, & companies mentioned: The Matrix Online (Monolith) City of Heroes (NCSoft) FarmVille (Zynga) CastleVille (Zynga) Spiral Knights (Three Rings/Sega) Puzzle Pirates (Three Rings) Crimson Skies (Microsoft) Champions RPG (Hero Games)…

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