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    Games & Hobbies

    Playmakers – The Game Industry Podcast

    Jordan Blackman interviews the leaders and legends of the video game industry so that you can succeed with your game project, career, or venture. Discover how you can produce, market, and operate games more successfully so that your career can be more satisfying and impactful, whether you’re a game designer, engineer, or entrepreneur and whether you work at a studio, publisher, brand or startup. Jordan is an industry insider, who has worked as a Senior Producer at Ubisoft and a Lead Designer at Zynga. Since 2012, Jordan has been helping clients like EA Sports, AMC Networks, The Pokemon Company, Ellen Degeneres, and Capcom create and grow hit games. In each episode of Playmakers, he goes to work uncovering valuable insights, tactics, and know-how from a wide range of entertaining personalities including designers, writers, product managers, technologists, studio founders, executives, and more. Why? So that you get practical perspectives and insights week after week. No matter your experience or discipline, this is the show that can level you up on everything from raising funds to live operations, and everything in-between. Oh, and you’ll have fun every step of the way, because there’s a magic sprinkle of goofiness in each episode. So thwack that subscribe button and buckle your safety belt, ‘cus this here is the wildest ride in the metaverse.

    Advertise
    • Apple Podcasts
    • Google Play
    • Spotify
    Latest Episodes:
    The Mindset of Personal Success in the Game Industry, with Tommy Tallarico Sep 15, 2021

    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

    How to Create Breakthrough Worldwide Hits, with Amy Jo Kim Sep 08, 2021

    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)

    Shots On Goal, with Jon Radoff Aug 25, 2021

    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)

    How to Win as a Mobile Game Entrepreneur, With Joakim Achrén Aug 17, 2021

    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)

    What Games Truly Are, with Tadhg Kelly Aug 11, 2021

    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)

    How to Start a Mobile Studio, with Travis Boatman Aug 03, 2021

    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)

    How to Create Innovative Game Designs, with Nick Fortugno Jul 27, 2021

    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)

    Crypto Gaming 101, with Emma-Jane MacKinnon-Lee Jul 20, 2021

    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)

    From Late-Night Game Hobbyist to Successful Studio Owner, with Colm Larkin Jul 13, 2021

    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)

    Season 2 Trailer of Playmakers: The Game Industry Podcast! Jul 06, 2021
    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.
    The Art of Transmedia Storytelling, with Chris Ferriter Jun 29, 2021

    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

    How to Succeed in the Indie Games Business, with Jay Powell Jun 22, 2021

    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

    Rapid Prototyping Secrets for Better Games, with Bernard François Nov 11, 2020

    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)

    Inside the Mind of a Game God, with Steve Meretzky Sep 15, 2020

    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)

    From Table Tops to Live Ops, with Bruce Harlick Sep 07, 2020

    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)


    Product Management & Monetization 101 & 201, with Gordon Rowe Aug 31, 2020

    In this episode:

    Jordan interviews Gordon Rowe, a seasoned product manager with extensive experience in monetization strategies and product management within the gaming industry. Gordon has worked at Zynga, where he managed Mafia Wars and was the sole product manager on Zynga’s 3rd party publishing team. He later joined Daybreak Games and now works at Facebook. In this episode, Gordon shares his expertise on free-to-play (F2P) game economies, player retention, and balancing revenue generation with player satisfaction.

    Topics covered:

    • The hypothesis, test, iterate framework for improving key performance indicators (KPI)
    • Using funnels to understand player behavior
    • Anti-cheat considerations in competitive mobile games
    • Zynga monetization tricks and managing in-game currency “hangovers”
    • Avoiding "pay-to-win" dynamics in free-to-play games and why League of Legends has elements of it
    • Balancing retention and revenue in game design
    • How to evaluate F2P games using Day 1 (D1) and Day 7 (D7) retention metrics
    • Building a balanced game economy and when to introduce monetization into the player journey
    • The maturation of the mobile and PC F2P markets

    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] Gordon’s journey from Mafia Wars to Daybreak Games and Facebook

    [07:05] Product management and the hypothesis-test-iterate framework

    [10:12] Anti-cheat measures and team structures at Zynga

    [13:00] Monetization strategies and avoiding pay-to-win

    [17:14] The importance of actionable analytics in game development

    [21:00] Managing game economies to avoid “currency hangovers”

    [26:00] Day 1 and Day 7 retention metrics: What they tell you about your game

    [28:56] Monetization strategies in League of Legends and World of Tanks

    [34:24] How to test and iterate for better monetization in F2P

    [40:52] The role of Steam reviews and player feedback in PC game success

    [44:43] Gordon’s thoughts on product management and monetization strategies

    Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

    Games & companies mentioned:

    • Mafia Wars (Zynga)
    • Daybreak Games
    • Facebook
    • Steam Spy (Analytics tool)
    • League of Legends (Riot Games)
    • Rocket League (Psyonix)
    • Clash Royale (Supercell)
    • World of Tanks (Wargaming)
    • H1Z1: King of the Kill (Daybreak Games)

    How to Become (or work with) a AAA Game Composer, with Michael Bross Aug 25, 2020

    In this episode:

    Jordan interviews AAA audio composer and sound designer Michael Bross, known for his work on games like Ratchet & Clank, Counter Strike, Oddworld, XCOM 2, Simpsons: Tapped Out, World of Tanks, Arena of Valor, and more. Michael shares insights on breaking into the game industry as a composer, what he looks for when hiring new talent, and when audio teams should be brought into the game development process. He also shares the importance of early audio integration in game development, his unique approach to concept composition, and how to get the best out of working with audio teams.

    Topics covered:

    • Michael’s journey into the game industry and breaking into audio for AAA games
    • What Michael looks for when hiring new composers and sound designers
    • How early in the process to involve audio in game development
    • The role of audio in live service games (LiveOps) and how it has changed
    • The value of concept composition and creating music early in the design process
    • Tips for producers and developers to get the most from their audio teams
    • How LiveOps have changed the way audio is integrated into games

    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] Michael’s early career: From songwriter to game composer at Paragon Software

    [06:18] The transition from small studios to AAA titles like Ratchet and Clank

    [09:44] What Michael looks for in new composers and sound designers

    [12:12] Concept composition: Creating music early to set the tone for game development

    [16:15] Working with non-musical teams: How to give emotional direction to composers

    [19:53] Balancing cinematic scores with gameplay

    [23:03] How live operations (LiveOps) have changed the audio development process

    [28:52] Challenges in VR audio development, including Edge of Nowhere

    [34:20] Michael’s thoughts on audio’s role in evolving game genres and technologies


    Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

    Learn more about Michael Bross:

    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • Facebook

    Games & companies mentioned:

    • Ratchet & Clank (Insomniac Games)
    • Counter-Strike (Valve)
    • Oddworld series (Oddworld Inhabitants)
    • XCOM 2 (Firaxis Games)
    • Simpsons: Tapped Out (EA Mobile)
    • World of Tanks (Wargaming)
    • Arena of Valor (TiMi Studio Group)
    • Edge of Nowhere (Insomniac Games)
    • Lord of the Fallen (Deck13 Interactive)
    • World of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment)

    Managing Your Game Industry Career, with Marc Mencher Aug 03, 2017

    In this episode:

    Jordan interviews Marc Mencher, a seasoned game industry recruiter and CEO of GameRecruiter. Marc’s career began as a software engineer on games like Falcon 1 and Vet. He later transitioned into recruiting, helping to staff companies such as 3DO and MicroProse, before founding GameRecruiter. He’s also the author of Get in the Game!, a guide to launching a career in the game industry. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Marc shares invaluable insights on how to break into the game industry, manage your career long-term, and navigate job hunting effectively, and more.

    Topics covered:

    • Marc’s journey from game developer to industry recruiter
    • Key strategies for managing your game industry career over the long term
    • How to network effectively and unlock the unadvertised job market
    • Understanding the differences between retained vs. contingency recruiters
    • The importance of customizing resumes for different roles
    • Cleaning up your "internet life" to improve your chances in job applications
    • How to prepare for interviews and behavioral interview techniques
    • Identifying good company culture and avoiding common hiring pitfalls
    • Tips for researching companies before accepting job offers
    • The current hiring landscape for AAA game developers and beyond

    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:

    [02:44] Marc’s entry into the game industry: from software engineer to game recruiter

    [07:00] Working at MicroProse and staffing for The 3DO Company

    [10:11] Understanding how recruiters work: Retained vs. Contingency recruiters

    [13:35] Career management strategies: planning five to ten years ahead

    [16:06] The importance of networking and the unadvertised job market

    [19:50] Cleaning up your online presence and using LinkedIn effectively

    [23:30] Evaluating company cultures and making career decisions

    [27:00] Behavioral interviews and how to ace them

    [30:40] How to manage job searches and why recruiters are not a magic bullet

    [34:00] Marc’s advice for long-term career success and building relationships in the game industry

    Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

    Learn more and Connect with Marc Mencher:

    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • Get in the Game! by Marc Mencher

    Learn more about GameRecruiter:

    • Website
    • Facebook

    Games & companies mentioned:

    • Falcon 1 (Spectrum Holobyte)
    • Vet (Spectrum Holobyte)
    • MicroProse
    • 3DO
    • Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals (White Birds Productions)
    • Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Infinity Ward/Activision)
    • Force 21 (Red Storm Entertainment)

    Aligning Game Chi on Deadspace & Battlefield, with Ian Milham Jul 27, 2017

    In this episode:

    Jordan interviews Ian Milham, a veteran Art Director and Game Director, known for his work on Dead Space, Battlefield Hardline, and Tomb Raider. Ian shares deep insights into the creative process of art direction, the concept of game “chi” (the alignment of the game’s vision across all teams), and the challenges of managing large AAA projects. He also shares how his journey from Art Director to Game Director informed his approach to maintaining a consistent creative vision while balancing production and creativity.

    Topics covered:

    • Ian’s journey from art direction to game direction
    • Understanding game “chi" and how to align it across large development teams
    • The importance of maintaining consistent communication within large teams
    • The role of the director in maintaining a unified vision
    • Balancing creative ambition and managing team resources
    • How to balance between realism and artistic expression in game environments
    • Using a Ripomatic to create game trailers and set the tone early in development
    • The power of a well-defined promise between developers and players

    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:

    [03:03] Ian’s career journey: From LucasArts to EA Redwood Shores

    [07:05] Managing Dead Space projects and aligning the game's chi

    [10:30] The impact of large team structures on creative alignment

    [13:25] Communication and maintaining a consistent game vision on AAA titles

    [16:50] Dead Space development: Why "squinting" helps simplify and focus design

    [21:20] How Battlefield Hardline redefined the tone of the Battlefield series

    [25:52] Balancing innovation and expectations with limited team resources

    [30:10] The role of "chi" in maintaining a unified experience for the player

    [35:00] Collaborating with external studios and scaling production efforts

    [40:05] [40:00] Ian’s thoughts on the future of game development

    Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

    Learn more and Connect with Marc Mencher:

    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter

    Ripomatic Demo Reel - Chris Weakley Ripomatic Demo Reel - Chris Weakley


    Games & companies mentioned:

    • Dead Space (EA Redwood Shores/Visceral Games)
    • Battlefield Hardline (Visceral Games/EA)
    • Titanfall 2 (Respawn Entertainment)
    • Grim Fandango (LucasArts)
    • The Matrix Online (Monolith Productions)
    • LucasArts
    • Naughty Dog
    • Ubisoft
    • Telltale Games
    • Bethesda

    Inside a Game Design Consultancy, with Adrian Crook Jul 18, 2017

    In this episode:

    Jordan interviews Adrian Crook, an award-winning game design consultant with over two decades of experience across social, casual, and core game sectors. Adrian has worked on platforms ranging from early Nintendo consoles and Sega Genesis to PlayStation 1 & 2, Xbox, Wii, PC, mobile, and online games. He is the founder of Adrian Crook & Associates, the game industry’s leading freemium product management consultancy, and has worked with over 300 clients, including major companies like Microsoft, Zynga, and Capcom. Adrian shares valuable insights into running a game consultancy, working with third-party tools, common mistakes in free-to-play game design, and his views on the future of the game industry.

    Topics covered:

    • Adrian’s journey from game developer to starting his consultancy in 2008
    • Key lessons learned from working with over 100 game studios worldwide
    • How to adapt game design strategies for different platforms (mobile, console, etc.)
    • How third-party tools can help game studios improve production and analytics
    • The importance of soft launches and live operations in free-to-play games
    • Effective strategies for mobile game monetization and acquisition
    • How to balance creativity and monetization in game design
    • The evolving role of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in the game industry

    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:

    [02:44] Adrian’s background: From Relic Entertainment to founding his consultancy

    [07:05] Early challenges in the free-to-play landscape

    [10:22] Third-party tools and their role in game production

    [13:30] Common mistakes studios make in live operations

    [16:50] Soft launches: Why they are crucial to F2P success

    [19:30] How to evaluate acquisition channels and user retention

    [22:40] Adrian’s advice on balancing creative freedom with business goals

    [28:02] The evolving game industry: Mobile, freemium, and the potential of VR

    [34:25] Adrian’s insights on managing a game design consultancy

    Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

    Learn more and Connect with Adrian Crook:

    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter

    Learn more about Adrian Crook & Associates:

    • Website
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Klipfolio (dashboard tool)
    • YouCanBookMe (scheduling tool)
    • BidSketch, Qwilr (proposal tools)

    Games & companies mentioned:

    • Microsoft
    • Zynga
    • Capcom
    • Relic Entertainment
    • Hempire (LBC Studios)
    • The Outfit (Relic Entertainment)
    • FrontierVille (Zynga)
    • iWin
    • Microsoft
    • Zynga (Frontierville)
    • Capcom
    • EA

    How to Build a Great Reputation in the Game Industry, with Gordon Bellamy Jul 14, 2017

    In this episode:

    Jordan interviews Gordon Bellamy, a game industry veteran with over two decades of experience. Gordon is currently a Professor of the Practice of Cinematic Arts at USC and faculty advisor for USC Esports, where he leads DEI&B efforts and career development. He has worked at top companies like EA, Tencent, and THQ, and served as the Executive Director of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) from August 2010 until July 2012. In this interview, he shares his journey from starting in QA to becoming a leader in business development, advising startups, and teaching at USC. He also offers key insights into networking, managing your reputation, and building a career in the gaming industry.

    Topics covered:

    • The importance of building strong personal connections in the industry
    • How to effectively network and build your reputation in the game business
    • His transition from designer to business development
    • Why it's essential to maintain respect and trust in workplace relationships
    • Tips for startups on managing studio culture and navigating industry challenges
    • The "I Like, I Wish, What If" feedback framework for effective communication
    • How to engage with students and give back to the gaming community

    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:

    [02:44] Gordon’s early career: From Harvard to EA

    [07:00] Transitioning from development to business development at MicroProse

    [10:00] Shifting into executive roles at EA and THQ

    [12:30] The "I Like, I Wish, What If" feedback framework

    [15:20] The role of diversity and inclusion in shaping future game developers

    [19:10] Navigating career changes and building long-term success

    [23:40] Partnering with developers and maintaining trust

    [28:10] Gordon’s mentorship efforts at IGDA and giving back to the industry

    [34:20] Building a professional network and reputation in gaming

    Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

    Learn more and Connect with Gordon Bellamy:

    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter

    Games & companies mentioned:

    • Electronic Arts (EA)
    • Tencent
    • THQ
    • IGDA (International Game Developers Association)
    • The Wave VR
    • Z-Axis Studios (Activision)
    • Madden NFL Series (EA)

    Directing AAA Video Games, with Brian Allgeier Jul 11, 2017

    In this episode:

    Jordan interviews Brian Allgeier, a veteran game designer and creative director at Insomniac Games, renowned for his work on classic titles such as Ratchet & Clank, Spyro the Dragon, and the VR game Edge of Nowhere. Brian shares his journey in the AAA game industry, lessons on creative direction, working with large teams, and how to maintain a cohesive creative vision across complex projects. He also highlights some leadership tips from his book, Directing Video Games: 101 Tips for Creative Leaders, which offers practical guidance for both aspiring and seasoned game directors.

    Topics covered:

    • Brian's career journey: from Spyro to Ratchet & Clank and VR gaming
    • The role of a creative director in managing game design and storytelling
    • Best practices for getting the most out of a game’s mechanics and assets
    • How to maintain a cohesive creative vision across large development teams
    • Tips on working effectively with teams and leading without dictating
    • Lessons from Ratchet & Clank: balancing action, platforming, and storytelling
    • The importance of “economy of design”: stretching mechanics for maximum gameplay value
    • Key leadership tips from Brian’s book, Directing Video Games: 101 Tips for Creative Leaders

    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:

    [02:44] Brian’s early career: From Spyro to Ratchet & Clank

    [06:00] Maximizing game mechanics and designing with economy in mind

    [10:23] Transitioning from artist to creative director at Insomniac Games

    [12:30] Guiding players' attention and creating focus in level design

    [16:50] Techniques for managing large teams of specialists

    [21:00] Working with Mark Cerny and learning about production efficiency

    [26:00] Balancing creativity and budget in AAA game development

    [30:30] Directing video games: Lessons from Ratchet & Clank and Edge of Nowhere

    [34:20] Brian’s advice for aspiring creative leaders in game design

    Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

    Learn more and Connect with Marc Mencher:

    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • Directing Video Games: 101 Tips for Creative Leaders

    Games & companies mentioned:

    • Ratchet & Clank series (Insomniac Games)
    • Spyro the Dragon (Insomniac Games)
    • Edge of Nowhere (Insomniac Games)
    • Directing Video Games: 101 Tips for Creative Leaders by Brian Allgeier
    • Super Mario 64 (Nintendo)
    • Uncharted series (Naughty Dog)
    • The Last of Us series (Naughty Dog)
    • Diddy Kong Racing (Nintendo)
    • Zelda series (Nintendo)
    • Titanfall 2 (Respawn Entertainment)
    • Final Fantasy series (Square Enix)

    Game Design Process Lessons from a Master, with Dave Rohrl Jul 04, 2017

    In this episode:

    Jordan interviews Dave Rohrl, a veteran game designer with 30 years of experience designing and producing online games. Dave has held senior positions at leading companies like Pogo, PopCap (he’s actually Crazy Dave in Plants vs. Zombies), Zynga, and Playdom, overseeing the design of more than 50 games and consulting on countless others. In 2014, Dave founded Mobile Game Doctor, a global network of dozens of experts that helps game developers worldwide improve their free-to-play games and game businesses. Dave shares his insights into the game design process, emphasizing how to achieve 'fun' early in development, the importance of rapid prototyping, and why using rough code and art early on helps reduce design risks.

    Topics covered:

    • Dave’s journey from non-profits to leading game development at top companies
    • How to find fun early in the development process
    • The importance of fun and player engagement in game design
    • Why using rough code and art early on helps reduce design risk
    • How to balance creativity, technical implementation, and budget constraints
    • Dave's approach to evaluating game prototypes and reducing project risks early
    • Aligning game mechanics with user behavior
    • Best practices for mobile game development and free-to-play business models

    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] Dave’s background: From non-profits to game design

    [07:00] Early career at The Learning Company and Pogo

    [10:25] Lessons from PopCap and Zynga: The rise of free-to-play gaming

    [12:12] Rapid prototyping and the "fail fast" approach

    [16:50] Balancing creativity with risk management in game design

    [21:20] Working with small, focused teams during pre-production

    [22:55] The five fun factors: Building engaging game mechanics

    [29:43] Balancing creativity and budget in mobile game development

    [34:12] Dave’s advice for designers: Focus on gameplay, not flashy assets

    [37:00] Prototype-driven development: Managing design risks and early testing

    [41:00] The challenges of "polishing the turd" and when to abandon a game project

    [47:40] The role of external feedback: Being the "emperor’s new clothes" guy

    [51:50] Working with teams to improve games during different development phases

    [54:30] Dave’s thoughts on the evolution of mobile and casual gaming

    Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

    Learn more and Connect with Dave Rohrl:

    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter

    Games & companies mentioned:

    • Plants vs. Zombies (PopCap)
    • Peggle (PopCap)
    • The Learning Company
    • Pogo (Electronic Arts)
    • Zynga (FarmVille)
    • Playdom (Disney Interactive)
    • Sid Meier’s Pirates (MicroProse)
    • SimCity (Maxis)
    • Star Wars: Commander (Disney Interactive)
    • Reader Rabbit (The Learning Company)
    • ClueFinders (The Learning Company)
    • BoardGameGeek (Online platform)

    How to Create UX that Drives Retention & Monetization, with Alfonzo Burton Jun 21, 2017

    In this episode:

    Jordan interviews Alfonzo Burton, a top-tier designer in UI/UX, and has worked as the Director of UI/UX at Glu and Pocket Gems. He is now the Chief Creative Director at UX Magicians Inc., a San Francisco-based user experience design agency. His expertise has been used in some of the top-grossing mobile games, with several hitting the 100-million-dollar mark. Alfonzo shares his insights on creating effective UX that drives retention and monetization, the importance of testing, why early UX planning can help avoid costly pivots later in development, and more.

    Topics covered:

    • Alfonzo’s journey from web design to UI/UX for games
    • The role of UX in driving player retention and monetization
    • Key misconceptions about UX design in the gaming industry
    • The three pillars of creating a top-grossing game: fun, deep economy, and great UI/UX
    • How to balance creativity with proven best practices in UX
    • The importance of testing and iterating early in game development
    • Why early involvement of UX designers is critical to success
    • Differences between UX design in the Western and Asian markets

    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] Transitioning from web design to mobile and console game UX

    [05:25] Misconceptions about UX and why it’s a process, not just about visuals

    [07:56] The three pillars of a hit game: fun, deep economy, and great UI/UX

    [10:27] Balancing creativity with risk management and best practices in UX

    [12:08] The iterative process of designing a UI and why multiple prototypes matter

    [15:23] The importance of involving UX early in the development process

    [19:13] Why successful games often struggle to change UI after launch

    [22:18] Scalable UX systems: Why some designs work long-term and others fail

    [25:14] The importance of testing for UX: Best practices versus innovation

    [30:05] Transitioning UX design from mobile to console games

    [31:03] Alfonzo’s thoughts and advice on the future of UI/UX

    Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

    Learn more and Connect with Alfonzo Burton:

    • LinkedIn
    • Behance

    Games & companies mentioned:

    • Glu Mobile
    • Pocket Gems
    • UX Magicians Inc.
    • WWE 2K17 (console UX design by UX Magicians)
    • Deer Hunter and Dino Hunter (Glu Games)
    • Clash Royale (Supercell)
    • Game of War and Mobile Strike (Machine Zone)

    Building Empathy & Emotion into Your Game, with Robin Hunicke Jun 02, 2017

    In this episode:

    Jordan interviews Robin Hunicke, an innovative video game artist. Robin was a professor of game design at UC Santa Cruz and also the co-founder of Funomena, a studio focused on creating emotionally engaging and experimental games. She is known for her contributions to games like The Sims and Journey, and is recognized in the industry for her support of independent game development, experimentation in game design, research in dynamic difficulty adjustment, and the advocacy of women within the games industry. Robin shares her unique takes on games as art, approach to game design, emphasizing how games can be used as a medium to evoke emotion, foster empathy, and more.

    Topics covered:

    • Robin's journey into the game industry and her work on The Sims and Journey
    • The role of empathy and emotion in game design
    • How games can explore complex human emotions such as love, grief, and recovery
    • The process of designing games that offer emotional connection between players
    • Robin’s approach to game mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics (MDA) theory
    • Her experiences co-founding Funomena and creating games that focus on innovative gameplay
    • Robin’s insights into productivity, balancing creative work, and leadership in game design
    • The importance of representation and diversity in game development

    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] Robin’s early inspirations: from Legos to video games

    [07:04] The first Game Jam and being a pioneer for experimental gameplay

    [12:00] Early mentors and influences in the game industry

    [16:40] Exploring emotion and empathy in game design: Journey and Luna

    [20:50] Designing games from the feeling backward: Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics (MDA)

    [25:00] Mistakes, learning, and transformation as central themes in game development

    [30:40] Robin’s work on Luna and the emotional depth behind the game's concept

    [35:10] The importance of relaxation in game mechanics

    [39:00] Lessons from Journey: Creating trust and connection between players

    [41:00] Designing games with a focus on community and empathy

    [45:00] Robin’s thoughts on the future of games and the importance of diversity in the industry

    [48:20] Robin’s productivity tips and how she balances multiple creative projects

    [52:00] Final thoughts: Building a fulfilling career in game design and being a leader in the industry

    Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

    Learn more and Connect with Robin Hunicke:

    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter

    Games & companies mentioned:

    • The Sims, My Sims, SimCity(Maxis)
    • Journey (Thatgamecompany)
    • Luna (Funomena)
    • Phenomena (Funomena's new game)
    • The Marriage (by Rod Humble)
    • Facade (Interactive Storytelling)
    • The Witness (Jonathan Blow)
    • Horizon Zero Dawn (Guerrilla Games)

    Game Design as a Way of Being, with Eric Zimmerman May 25, 2017

    In this episode:

    Jordan interviews Eric Zimmerman, a veteran game designer, educator, and co-founder of Gamelab, the studio that created the iconic Diner Dash. Eric is currently a professor at the NYU Game Center and has written extensively on game design, including co-authoring the book “Rules of Play” (2004) with Katie Salen. Eric shares his unique perspective on game design as a way of life, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, the use of different frameworks, and the role of creativity in game creation.

    Topics covered:

    • Eric’s journey from painter to game designer and co-founder of Gamelab
    • How to foster creativity in teams by designing a company culture that empowers authorship
    • The value of game design "frameworks" and the art of game design as a way of being in the world
    • The importance of experimentation, collaboration, and being open to different disciplines in design
    • Challenges faced by young designers and the role of experience in learning

    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] Eric’s background: From painter to game designer

    [07:00] The origins of Gamelab and the early days of independent game development

    [12:00] Teaching game design; Early days at NYU and working with Frank Lantz

    [16:00] The value of frameworks in game design

    [21:30] Creating a company culture at Gamelab that fosters ownership and creativity

    [25:20] The importance of constraints in fostering creativity

    [30:00] The role of experimentation and collaboration in game design

    [34:00] Eric’s advice to young designers: Embracing mistakes and the learning process

    [37:00] Eric’s thoughts on the future of game design

    Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

    Learn more and Connect with Eric Zimmerman:

    • Eric Zimmerman
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • Check out: Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals (Mit Press): Salen Tekinbas, Katie, Zimmerman, Eric

    Games & companies mentioned:

    • Diner Dash (Gamelab)
    • Gamelab
    • NYU Game Center
    • Gigantic Mechanic
    • Playmatics
    • AreaCode

    The Secret Sauce of Video Game Story Design, with Ed Kuehnel May 17, 2017

    In this episode:

    Jordan interviews Ed Kuehnel, a screenwriter (Lumberjack Man) and game writer who has worked on over fifty video games for publishers such as Disney Interactive, Paramount Digital, Vivendi/Universal, Twisted Pixel Games, Uber Entertainment and Telltale Games, and Ubisoft. Ed shares his experience crafting stories for video games, including Valiant Hearts (which won Best Narrative at the 2014 Game Awards). Ed also shares the powerful frameworks that he finds consistently useful in crafting great in-game tales. He also dives into character development, the challenges of game writing, and lessons from the industry's top studios.

    Topics covered:

    • How Valiant Hearts pushed Ed out of his comedic comfort zone and taught him valuable storytelling lessons
    • The “secret sauce” for crafting effective stories
    • The importance of character development and storytelling in action-adventure games
    • Common storytelling mistakes in games and how to avoid “mission-itis”
    • The importance of narrative design and integrating story with gameplay
    • Why studios like Telltale Games and Naughty Dog excel in storytelling

    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:

    01:43 Ed’s journey into game writing

    04:52 Ed's early challenges and breakthrough in game writing

    07:36 Working on Hunter: The Reckoning and Leisure Suit Larry

    11:17 Collaborating with Dave Grossman and learning the "secret sauce"

    13:05 Games that influenced Ed's storytelling approach

    16:14 The Last of Us and lessons in character development

    20:22 Crafting Valiant Hearts and its episodic structure

    28:20 Using the "seven easy steps" from Invisible Ink for storytelling

    33:05 Narrative design and aligning gameplay with story

    37:13 Pitfalls in game writing and character development.

    44:44 Common mistakes like “mission-itis” in game stories.

    48:40 Ed’s advice for game writers

    Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

    Learn more and Connect with Ed Kuehnel:

    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • Work | Ed Kuehnel

    Invisible Ink: A Practical Guide to Building Stories that Resonate by Brian McDonald

    Games & companies mentioned:

    • Twisted Pixel Games
    • Uber Entertainment
    • Telltale Games
    • Valiant Hearts (Ubisoft)
    • Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude
    • Lumberjack Man (Film by Ed Kuehnel)
    • Hunter: The Reckoning (High Voltage Software)
    • The Last of Us (Naughty Dog)
    • Lilo & Stitch (Disney Interactive)
    • Maniac Mansion (LucasArts)
    • Grim Fandango (LucasArts)
    • Day of the Tentacle (LucasArts)
    • Walking Dead (Telltale Games)
    • Fables (Telltale Games)
    • Psychonauts (Double Fine Productions)
    • Firewatch (Campo Santo)
    • Dying Light (Techland)

    Hacking Kickstarter to Fund Your Game, with Lorne Lanning Part 2 of 2 May 10, 2017

    In this episode:

    Jordan continues his insightful conversation with Lorne Lanning, co-founder of Oddworld Inhabitants and creator of the Oddworld series. Lorne dives deeper into Kickstarter campaigns and the realities of crowdfunding for games. He shares practical advice on gaining visibility, leveraging celebrity influence, and understanding the challenges of raising funds through platforms like Kickstarter. If you're an indie developer or considering crowdfunding for your game, this episode offers essential takeaways on strategy and execution.

    Topics covered:

    • Strategies for Kickstarter success in game development
    • The importance of a unique pitch and understanding your audience
    • Lessons from successful and failed Kickstarter projects
    • Securing funding and marketing your game idea effectively
    • Lorne’s personal experiences and lessons from running crowdfunding campaigns
    • How to balance business goals with creative vision
    • The future of AR, VR, and other technologies in games

    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:

    00:00 Lorne’s experience with Kickstarter successes and failures

    04:12 How to stand out and gain visibility on Kickstarter

    09:10 The importance of leveraging a social media following for Kickstarter campaigns

    13:36 The Kickstarter success of Exploding Kittens

    16:56 Advice for game developers building unique game mechanics

    22:00 Lorne's thoughts on AR and VR's future in gaming

    24:07 Challenges developers face with publishing platforms

    30:46 Nintendo's historical publishing policies and their impact

    35:04 Final thoughts on maintaining quality and building a long-term fanbase

    Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

    • Kickstarter
    • Exploding Kittens
    • Ori and the Blind Forest
    • Cuphead
    • Limbo
    • Inside
    • No Man’s Sky
    • Pokémon Go
    • Stranger's Wrath
    • Abe’s Quintology:
    • Abe’s Oddysee
    • Munch’s Oddysee
    • Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty!
    • Oddworld: Soulstorm
    • Abe’s Exoddus
    • Farmville
    • Nudge (book by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein)
    • An Empire of Their Own: How the Jews Built Hollywood (book by Neal Gabler)
    • It’s a Wonderful Life (film)

    Designing Games that Stand the Test of Time, with Lorne Lanning Part 1 of 2 May 09, 2017

    In this episode:

    Jordan sits down with legendary game designer Lorne Lanning, co-founder of Oddworld Inhabitants and is best known for creating the Oddworld series, including Abe's Oddysee, Abe's Exoddus, Munch's Oddysee, Stranger's Wrath, and New 'n' Tasty!. In this first part of a two-part interview, Lorne discusses how he weaves artistic messages into his games. He also shares the secrets behind creating fan cultures that last for decades and dives into the philosophical and artistic influences driving his work.

    Jordan reflects on how Lorne's approach has personally inspired him to reconnect with his passion for creating meaningful entertainment. This episode will challenge listeners to make great entertainment that is also great art!


    Topics covered:

    • Lorne's journey from fine arts to game development.
    • How to embed deeper meaning in game design to create lasting impact.
    • The concept of "Trojan horse pop" and using entertainment as a tool for societal reflection.
    • How art can inspire societal change.
    • How fan culture around media properties like Star Trek and Star Wars can inspire game development.
    • Lorne’s views on balancing commercial success with creative integrity.

    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:

    04:03 How Lorne transitioned from visual effects supervisor to game creator

    05:36 Lorne’s early experiences and intellectual influences

    07:20 The importance of artistic messages in entertainment

    10:38 Using pop culture as a "Trojan Horse" for deeper messages

    17:16 Creating games that foster empathy and hope

    22:36 Balancing art and business in the game industry

    27:13 The challenge of ethical capitalism in the gaming industry

    30:05 Why fan culture helps games stand the test of time

    35:28 The role of morality plays in shaping enduring game worlds

    39:02 Lorne’s thoughts on corporate power, individualism, and modern media

    46:43 Entertainment as the campfire


    Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

    • Oddworld Inhabitants: Learn more
    • Oddworld Inhabitants (Lorne Lanning’s company)
    • Abe’s Oddysee, Munch’s Oddysee, Stranger’s Wrath (Oddworld games)
    • Star Trek, Star Wars, The Twilight Zone (inspirational media properties)
    • 2001: A Space Odyssey, Red Dawn (film)
    • Joseph Campbell’s Power of Myth (influence on Star Wars)
    • Black Mirror, Clockwork Orange, Firefly (TV series)
    • South Park, The Muppets, The Simpsons (examples of "Trojan horse pop")
    • Animal Farm by George Orwell, The Mission of Art by a guy named Alex Gray (books)

    How to Use Hollywood Talent in your Game, with Lev Chapelsky May 06, 2017

    In this episode:

    Jordan interviews Lev Chapelsky, founding partner of Blindlight, a production company bridging the gap between Hollywood and the video game industry. Lev shares his insights into how game producers can collaborate with Hollywood talent, navigate complex industry differences, and avoid common mistakes in voice acting, writing, and production. Whether you’re a writer, voice actor, composer, or producer, this episode will give you a clear understanding of Hollywood's growing role in game development and how to best work with its talent.

    Topics covered:

    • The benefits of using team writing for video games.
    • The role of voice directors in game production.
    • Common mistakes game producers make with voice actors.
    • How game producers can collaborate successfully with Hollywood.
    • Navigating the differences between the gaming and Hollywood industries.

    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:

    02:07 How Lev started Blindlight

    04:16 First Hollywood collaboration: writing for Hot Shots Golf

    05:21 Team writing for video games

    07:19 Difference between TV writers and Hollywood film writers in game writing

    12:36 Common mistakes in game voice-over production

    16:48 Differences between interactive and linear media in voice-over

    18:58 Maximizing voice acting budget in games

    20:06 Breakdown of the voice-over production pipeline

    27:11 How Blindlight offers cost-effective writing solutions for games

    28:35 How mobile games and working with celebrities have changed Blindlight

    31:57 Lev’s work with GDC Narrative Summit

    36:43 Tips for working with celebrities in video game production

    Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

    • Blindlight
    • Pixar
    • Naughty Dog
    • Insomniac
    • Rockstar Games
    • Hot Shots Golf
    • Oddworld
    • CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Facebook game
    • Frontierville
    • Castleville
    • Fallout 4
    • Grand Theft Auto (GTA)
    • Kardashian Mobile Games

    One Million Downloads in One Week: The Power of Rapid Prototyping, with Mike Mika May 06, 2017

    In this episode:

    Jordan sits down with game development veteran Mike Mika, who has over 20 years of experience and has shipped more than 190 games. Mike has worked on iconic franchises like Street Fighter, Mega Man, and Tiger Woods Golf. He helped launch NGMoco, pioneering free-to-play games on the iPhone, and played a major role in the shift to digital distribution on Xbox Live and PSN.

    Mike's passion and enthusiasm for game development offer inspiration to any game developer who wants to focus on fun and interactivity, spending less time on documentation and more time delivering fun to audiences.

    Topics covered:

    • How improv skills apply to game design, and how it makes for better games, faster.
    • How he got over 1,000,000 downloads for his indie game in less than a week using social media.
    • Tales from the development of classic games like Street Fighter and Mega Man.
    • His viral appearance in the hit movie “Donkey Kong Dad” when he created his own modified version of Donkey Kong for his daughter.

    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:

    03:35 Mike’s journey into game development

    06:30 Turning a passion project into Yars' Revenge

    11:08 Transition from journalism to game development

    12:04 Working on 190 games across platforms

    13:06 The Donkey Kong Dad story

    15:32 Mike’s approach to game design (Martin Garrix oops.pizza)

    22:07 Staying creative over the long haul

    23:32 The story behind #IDARB

    26:43 Reviving Digital Eclipse for game preservation (Mega Man Legacy Collection)

    29:48 Mike’s game production process

    33:33 Building a game on the Commodore 64

    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    • Mike Mika’s Twitter
    • #IDARB
    • Digital Eclipse
    • Martin Garrix oops.pizza tweet (game not available anymore)

    Games mentioned:

    • Yars' Revenge
    • #IDARB
    • Street Fighter
    • Mega Man
    • Tiger Woods Golf
    • Martin Garrix oops.pizza
    • Donkey Kong
    • Doom
    • NFL Blitz
    • Flappy Bird
    • Downwell
    • Rayman
    • GTA
    • Spyro
    • Dr. Seuss
    • Puzzle Fighter
    • Dark Void
    • Death Jr.
    • Kim Possible
    • Spider-Man
    • X-Men

    An Introduction from Your Host Jordan Blackman May 06, 2017
    Learn More About Jordan & Bright Black
    SUPPORT THE SHOW: WRITE A REVIEW
    Listen to it on iTunes.
    In this short intro, host Jordan Blackman explains the genesis of the podcast, discusses who will get the most out its programming, and briefly outlines his own game industry experience. This show is designed to be valuable to ambitious game industry professionals. We cover how to make better games, build better studios, and have better careers. The way we do that is by bringing on top industry experts and achievers and interviewing them for useful know-how and insights. This show is for you if: You want creative and business success in the game industry. You're an ambitious indie developer who wants to make a great game that's also received by a big audience. You care about great game design and game stories. You're a lead at a studio looking to learn from the industry's top creators. You work at a publishing company and want to understand what today's business leaders are doing to drive brand successes. You want to understand how Free to Play gaming works. This show is not for you if: You don't think the business aspect of making games is important. You are looking for the latest industry news. You're looking for subjective opinions about various game platforms. You're looking for "hacks" or quick fixes to make your game or company a success. About your host, Jordan Blackman: Jordan has been writing, producing, and designing games for over a decade. He is a mobile game design expert, an accomplished producer, and an instructor of Game Design. His work for Novalogic, Zynga, and Ubisoft has generated several hundred million dollars. Jordan has produced and designed for numerous million-selling franchises, including FrontierVille, Delta Force: Black Hawk Down, Joint Operations, CSI:, and CastleVille. Jordan is the industry leader who brought CSI to Facebook with the smash hit, CSI: Crime City. He went on to Zynga where he led the creative team on FrontierVille, one of the most popular and profitable games of all time. Jordan has collaborated with top studios worldwide including Telltale games, Area/Code, Other Ocean, Buzzmonkey, Ubisoft Shanghai, and Zynga SF. Partners Jordan has worked with include CBS, Ogilvy, Sony, American Express, and many more. He currently serves as a consulting designer and producer for leading organizations inside and outside the game industry. His clients include Nickelodeon, EA Sports, Beeline, AMC Networks, the Pokemon Company, and others.
    Venture Funding for Game Studios, with Jason Della Rocca May 05, 2017

    In this episode:

    Jordan sits down with Jason Della Rocca, co-founder of Execution Labs, a hands-on early stage investor for independent game developers. Jason shares insights into venture funding for game studios. He discusses the phases of venture capital, common pitching mistakes, and essential factors investors look for in gaming startups. If you're a game designer or programmer considering creating a studio, this interview will help you get started on a path of success and sustainability.

    Topics covered:

    • How to create a clear road map of your project plan for your funding investors
    • How to *not* do revenue share deals.
    • The mindset you need to succeed as an indie game developer.
    • Jason’s journey into venture funding in the gaming industry.
    • The mission of Execution Labs and its evolution over the years.

    For more game industry tips:

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

    Episode Timestamps:

    03:14 Jason’s entry into the game industry

    06:28 Running the International Game Developers Association (IGDA)

    09:49 The birth of Execution Labs

    12:12 Key lessons from early-stage investments

    16:29 Balancing creative, business, and technical leadership

    22:10 Incubators vs. accelerators

    30:20 Understanding the early stages of game studio funding

    37:40 Angel investors and venture capital

    40:11 Stages of funding

    46:16 Common mistakes in pitching for venture funding

    52:17 The entrepreneurial mindset for indie developers

    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    • @JasonDellaRocca
    • Execution Labs
    • Gameplay Space
    • Core Design
    • Matro
    • Ubisoft
    • International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
    • Tomb Raider
    • John Carmack

    Playmakers Trailer May 05, 2017

    A quick intro to what this show is all about.

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